Türkiye'de COVID-19 aşı tereddüdü: Bir infodemiyoloji çalışması.

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine online search behaviour related to vaccine adverse effects, side effects, harms, and safety that can be the main basis of vaccine hesitancy and common objections to vaccines in Türkiye during the COVID-19 vaccine development and vaccination efforts. Methods: It was aimed to determine the relative search volumes (RSV) on Google Trends data from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, in order to identify internet searches related to the origins of hesitations and prevalent concerns about COVID-19 vaccines. Within this scope, search query logs were scrutinized, and four primary search categories were established: (1) queries containing general or specific terms related to the adverse effects and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, (2) queries containing the name or commercial identity of the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer and its safety, (3) queries containing the name or commercial identity of the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer and its side effects, (4) queries containing the name or commercial identity of the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer and its harm. Finally, these different search categories were evaluated in terms of RSV by country and region. Results: Throughout the entire pandemic, a consistent and significant increase in search interest regarding a coronavirus vaccine was observed in Türkiye, persisting at a consistently high level. The occurrence of peaks in search queries coincided with significant events including official declarations, prominent increases in the incidence of COVID-19 cases, and the announcement of noteworthy advancements in vaccine development. RSV curves pertaining to adverse events, side effects, and safety of COVID-19 vaccines exhibited distinct fluctuations during study time periods, while the RSV curve reflecting concerns about potential harm associated with COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated an overall upward. The form of RSV curves exhibited a remarkable resemblance to all provinces, excluding Bayburt. Moreover, the search interest in vaccines developed by various countries and pharmaceutical companies demonstrated a similar pattern. Interest in vaccine adverse effects was consistently the highest level (60%), followed by side effects (39%) and safety concerns (20%). Furthermore, in the course of the study period, the interval characterized by the highest magnitude of search queries and the occurrence of peak values was observed in June 2021, coinciding with the lifting of curfews. Conclusion: When considering the peak recorded in search queries in June 2021, it is thought that the dominant factor influencing search behavior could be the societal risk perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]