A Qualitative Analysis of Focus Group Insights into the Impact of Political Economy, the Opioid Crisis, and COVID-19 on Vaccine Hesitancy Among American Residents

This study elucidates the nuanced relationship between vaccine hesitancy and the prevailing political and economic conditions influencing medical decision-making among Americans. Utilizing focus group methodology, I solicit qualitative insights from participants regarding their perceptions and experiences with the healthcare system amidst multifaceted crises. The findings reveal a significant correlation between public trust in political and medical institutions and individual vaccine decisions. Participants expressed concerns that misinformation and systemic inequities were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid crisis. These insights underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions that address the systemic barriers to trust in healthcare while also illuminating pathways for future research that can further explore the dynamics of public perception and health-related decision making.