The Common Way in Which the Ministry of Health Conveys Information to the Public: A Simulation among Israeli Parents with Different Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Vaccination during a Measles Outbreak in Israel

BACKGROUND: Despite several empirical studies that have emphasized the problematic and ineffective way in which health organizations 'correct' information which does not come from them, they have not yet found ways to properly address vaccine hesitancy.

OBJECTIVES: (1) Examining the responses of groups with different attitudes/ behaviors regarding vaccination; (2) Examining the effect of the common methods of correcting information regarding the response of subgroups, while examining issues of reliability, satisfaction, and information seeking, as well as how health organization tools aid the decision-making process regarding vaccines.

METHODS: A simulation study that included 150 parents of kindergarten children was carried out.

RESULTS: Significant difference was found among the various groups (with respect to vaccination behavior) regarding the extent of their trust in the Ministry of Health (χ 2(3) = 46.33; P < 0.0001), the reliability of the Ministry of Health's response (χ 2(3) = 31.56; P < 0.0001), satisfaction with the Ministry of Health's response (χ 2(3) = 25.25; P < 0.0001), and the level of help they felt the Ministry of Health's tools provided them regarding vaccine-related decision making (χ 2(3) = 27.76; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: It is important for health organizations to gain the public's trust, especially that of pro-vaccination groups with hesitant attitudes, while addressing the public's fears and concerns.