The relative impact of attitudes toward autism spectrum disorders and the ability to interpret scientific information on vaccination decisions

Background: Of all the childhood vaccines, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination has a uniquely controversial history. The present study aimed to investigate whether attitudes to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the ability to appropriately interpret scientific information impacts parental decisions regarding vaccination. Method: A sample of 132 parents and expectant parents (mean age 38.40 years; > 60% with university education) participated in a survey related to attitudes toward and knowledge about the MMR and ASD, and completed a standardized test of science (The American College Test). Results: Knowledge of ASD was related to attitudes towards ASD while attitudes towards ASD were related to scientific literacy and attitudes towards MMR. Only attitudes towards MMR predicted MMR vaccine status (i.e., vaccination decision). Conclusion: Factors other than scientific literacy seem to contribute towards MMR vaccine status.背景：在所有儿童疫苗中，麻疹-腮腺炎-风疹（measles-mumps-rubella, MMR）疫苗的接种史有着独特的争议性。本研究旨在探究家长对孤独症谱系障碍（autism spectrum disorders, ASD）的态度，以及其正确解读科学信息的能力，是否会影响其疫苗接种决策。 方法：本研究招募了132名家长及准家长作为研究对象，其平均年龄为38.40岁，其中超过60%拥有大学学历。参与者完成了一项关于MMR疫苗与ASD的态度及认知的问卷调查，并完成了标准化科学素养测试——美国大学考试（American College Test, ACT）。 结果：孤独症谱系障碍相关认知水平与对孤独症谱系障碍的态度呈显著相关；而对孤独症谱系障碍的态度则与科学素养及对MMR疫苗的态度相关。仅对MMR疫苗的态度能够预测家长的MMR疫苗接种状态（即疫苗接种决策）。 结论：除科学素养外，其他因素似乎也会对MMR疫苗接种状态产生影响。