Primary Care Education Improves Digital Vaccine Literacy and Reduces Hesitancy: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of a structured primary care-based education program on vaccine hesitancy, digital vaccine literacy, eco-anxiety, and perceived vulnerability to disease among parents of children aged 0–2 years.

Method:

A randomized controlled, parallel-group pretest–post-test design was used. A total of 178 parents (intervention = 93; control = 85) were included. The intervention group received a 4-week structured education program, while the control group received routine care. Data were collected at three time points and analyzed using mixed-design analysis of variance.

Results:

Significant time × group interactions were found for all variables (p < .001). Vaccine hesitancy and eco-anxiety decreased, while digital vaccine literacy and perceived vulnerability significantly increased in the intervention group. Effects were sustained at follow-up.

Discussion:

Primary care-based education may be an effective and sustainable strategy to improve vaccine-related cognitive and emotional processes and reduce hesitancy among parents.

Trial Registration:

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT07381088); registered January 25, 2026.

Keywords

Primary health care vaccine hesitancy digital vaccine literacy eco-anxiety perceived vulnerability

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