Association Between Social Media Health Misinformation Exposure and Vaccine Hesitancy Among Young Adults in Nigeria

Background

The increasing use of social media has transformed access to health information but has also facilitated the rapid spread of misinformation. Vaccine-related misinformation can influence risk perceptions, reduce confidence in vaccination programs, and contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Young adults constitute a highly connected population group that frequently relies on digital platforms for health information. In Nigeria, concerns regarding misinformation have emerged during vaccination campaigns targeting infectious diseases. Understanding how social media misinformation influences vaccine attitudes is important for developing effective communication strategies and strengthening public trust in immunization programs. This study examines the association between social media health misinformation exposure and vaccine hesitancy among young adults in Nigeria.

Research Objectives

• Assess exposure to vaccine-related misinformation on social media.
• Determine the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among young adults.
• Examine the relationship between misinformation exposure and vaccine hesitancy.
• Evaluate trusted sources of health information among participants.
• Identify predictors of vaccine hesitancy.

Research Questions

• What is the level of exposure to vaccine misinformation among young adults?
• What proportion of participants exhibit vaccine hesitancy?
• How does misinformation exposure influence vaccine attitudes?
• Which health information sources are most trusted?
• What factors predict vaccine hesitancy?

Suggested Methodology

Suggested Sample

Keywords