The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and COVID-19-related parameters with mental health problems:...

This study aimed to examine the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination status and psychiatric symptoms, illness perceptions, avoidance behaviors, and familial vaccination patterns in adolescents referred to a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic.

This cross-sectional observational study included adolescents (n=168) aged 12-18 years. Participants were categorized as vaccinated (n=74, 44%) or unvaccinated (n=94, 56%). Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Clinical Global Impression-Severity, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Parent version, and several scales evaluating COVID-19 perceptions, control beliefs, avoidance attitudes, and vaccine attitudes. Mann-Whitney U and χ² tests were used for group comparisons. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of vaccination status.

Vaccinated adolescents were significantly older, more likely female, and more frequently had vaccinated siblings and mothers (p<0.05). They reported higher behavioral avoidance and more positive attitudes toward vaccination, while displaying lower hyperactivity/inattention symptoms (p<0.05). Logistic regression revealed that female gender (odds ratio [OR], 5.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67-15.64), older age (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.38-2.40), sibling vaccination (OR, 4.53; 95% CI, 1.55-13.25), and increased peer problems (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02-1.93) significantly predicted vaccination status (p<0.05).

In psychiatrically referred adolescents, COVID-19 vaccination is associated with demographic, familial, and psychological variables. Positive vaccine attitudes, behavioral avoidance, and family modeling increase the likelihood of vaccination, whereas hyperactivity/inattention symptoms may reduce it.