As part of a larger study on vaccine attitudes, using the PACV short scale and Gust et al. vaccine acceptance categories, we assessed the correlation between the two measures using Spearman correlation coefficient, and the association between the two measures using the Cochran-Mantel-Haentszel test of association. We used logistic regression modelling to compare the association between a child’s up-to-date immunization status and (a) PACV short scale and (b) Gust et al. vaccine acceptance categories.
The PACV short scale and Gust et al. vaccine acceptance categories were positively correlated (r = 0.6, df = 198, p < 0.05), and the Cochran-Mantel-Haentszel test of association yielded a statistically significant association (p < 0.05). The two scales similarly predicted children’s up-to-date immunization status for all recommended childhood vaccines.
The ability of the PACV short scale to identify and classify parental vaccine hesitancy is similar to classification using Gust et al. vaccine acceptance categories, and both measure linear entities. The PACV short scale is recommended for screening parents at their first pediatric visit because it is easier to administer. A clearer understanding of how to classify parental vaccine hesitancy can be used to design tailored interventions based on these classifications, to address their specific needs.