Vaccine Hesitancy and Socioeconomic Variables in the US

In this project, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of Twitter posts related to vaccine hesitancy in the United States, examining how this phenomenon correlates with various socioeconomic variables at the state level. The study aimed to uncover the multifaceted nature of vaccine hesitancy and its association with unique socioeconomic characteristics of US states, such as education, race, and income.

Role and Responsibilities:

As the lead researcher, I played a crucial role in interpreting the results, drawing conclusions, and providing recommendations based on the data.

Methodology:

Utilizing advanced text mining techniques and computational tools, I analyzed a vast array of Twitter messages to uncover hidden patterns and attitudes related to vaccine hesitancy. This approach allowed me to gain an insider’s perspective on the topic while minimizing potential biases.

Key Findings and Contributions:

The study revealed that vaccine hesitancy is indeed a complex phenomenon, shaped by a variety of factors. Key findings include:

1. The identification of two distinct sets of justifications for vaccine hesitancy: political concerns (including constitutional rights and conspiracy theories) and medical concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy.
2. The observation that vaccine-hesitant Twitter users pragmatically use broad categories of justification for their beliefs, suggesting that vaccine hesitancy is influenced by political beliefs, unconscious emotions, and gut-level instinct.

These findings highlight the critical role of trust in shaping attitudes toward vaccination and underscore the necessity of tailored communication strategies to restore faith in marginalized communities.

Skills and Tools Used:

This project honed my skills in computational social research, data analysis, and critical interpretation of sociocultural phenomena. I employed text mining techniques and computational tools to analyze the Twitter data, ensuring a thorough and unbiased exploration of vaccine hesitancy.

Reflection and Learning:

Through this project, I gained valuable insights into the complexity of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of considering a multitude of factors when addressing this issue. It underscored the need for caution when interpreting media reports and the importance of restoring trust in scientific institutions and public health measures.

Links and Resources:

Pre-print version: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.24.23293093v1