A Multi-Criteria Framework for Evaluating Health Communication Strategies to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy

Abstract

The effectiveness of vaccination programs against infectious illnesses is threatened by the evolution of vaccine resistance, which poses a  severe danger to international public health initiatives. Conventional methods of addressing vaccine resistance have frequently been  constrained by their onedimensional emphasis, which ignores the intricate interactions between biological, epidemiological, and  sociocultural elements influencing the development of resistance. In response, this research supports a multi-criteria strategy that  incorporates several viewpoints and standards to comprehend and manage vaccination resistance fully. Five strategies—provider-patient  communication, health education campaigns, social media campaigns, community outreach initiatives, and influencer partnerships—are  incorporated into the framework. Ten criteria are employed to evaluate these strategies: impact, resistance to misinformation, inclusivity,  penetration, community engagement, and facilitation of dialogue, credibility, establishment of trust, resource demands, and adaptability.  The CRITIC method is utilized to ascertain the relative significance of each criterion, whereas the CoCoSo and TOPSIS methods are  employed to prioritize the strategies according to their appropriateness. As indicated by the findings, the criterion of vaccine  effectiveness holds the greatest significance, with trust and credibility following suit. It is determined that health education campaigns  are the most effective approach to tackle vaccine hesitancy, whereas influencer partnerships are deemed to be the least effective.