ERIC Number: EJ1473007
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Using a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment to Explore Vaccine Hesitancy on a Public University Campus in the Upper Midwest
Ellen B. Rubinstein1; Hannah Rayel2; Elizabeth C. Crawford3; Mary Larson2
Journal of American College Health, v73 n2 p487-495 2025
Objective: This exploratory study examined campus attitudes toward vaccines to guide subsequent development of context-relevant interventions for increasing vaccine acceptance and uptake. Participants: We gathered ethnographic data on a convenience sample of campus community members (students, faculty, staff) at a public university over six weeks in spring 2022. Methods: Student researchers conducted a rapid ethnographic assessment across campus locations. Weekly team debriefs enabled ongoing, iterative refinement of instruments and supplemented observational fieldnotes. Data analysis was inductive and oriented toward practical recommendations for intervention development. Results: Four themes, and attendant recommendations, emerged: 1) social identities and social roles influence health-related beliefs, including vaccination; 2) vaccine knowledge influences vaccination behaviors; 3) language surrounding vaccines (sometimes) matters; 4) vaccines aren't considered part of general health and wellness and can't be forced. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need to address individual, social, and institutional contexts when designing campus-based behavioral interventions for vaccine uptake.
Descriptors: Immunization Programs, College Students, College Faculty, School Personnel, State Universities, Attitudes, Health Behavior, Identification, Knowledge Level, Language Usage, Wellness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: North Dakota
Grant or Contract Numbers: NH23IP922623
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA; 2Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA; 3Department of Communication, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA