关键词:
Vaccine literacy
vaccine hesitancy
3Cs model
travel medicine
pre-travel consultation
infectious risk prevention
摘要:
The convergence of emerging infectious diseases, accelerating ecological changes, and increasing global mobility makes Vaccine Literacy (VL) a critical component of contemporary travel medicine. Enhanced VL can facilitate more effective provider-traveler communication, ultimately reducing infectious disease transmission risks associated with international travel. This cross-sectional survey aimed to measure VL levels among Italian travelers through an online survey using the 'Vaccine Literacy Brief Tool' (VLBT), a new three-item instrument assessing functional, interactive, and critical dimensions, derived from previously validated measures. Additional study objectives were to explore VL relationships with antecedents, attitudes, and outcomes, as well as to establish the tool's construct and criterion validity within the traveler population. Enrollment was conducted through a QR code displayed at nine vaccination clinics across five Italian regions, linking to an anonymous questionnaire (Google Forms) that visiting travelers could voluntarily access and complete before receiving vaccination for their trip. In addition to VL skills, the psychological antecedents of Vaccine Hesitancy (VH), the "3Cs" (confidence, complacency, convenience) were assessed. Additional measures included demographic and travel-related variables, as well as behavioral, cognitive and intentional vaccination outcomes. A total of 534 questionnaires were collected between January and July 2025. Participants showed a mean VL score of 3.07 +/- 0.66 on a four-point Likert scale, significantly lower than the 3.21 +/- 0.42 reported in previous general population studies (p < .001). The mean 3Cs score was 1.92 +/- 0.60, indicating relatively high VH levels. VL and 3Cs scores showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.204, P < .001). Participants consisted primarily of highly educated adults aged 18-40 years. VL scores were negatively associated with younger age (rho = -0.132, p = .002), and posi