Exploring Vaccine Hesitancy: An Intersectional Case Study Analysis of Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals in Canada


Krithika Subbiah, University of Waterloo

Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs), encompassing physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, play a pivotal role in addressing healthcare workforce shortages in Canada. The nation actively recruits these professionals, relying on their expertise to fill positions in remote areas and fields experiencing shortages. While assumptions about universal and transferable skills underpin this recruitment, evidence suggests that the cultural and social context significantly influences IEHPs professional practices. This study delves into the vaccination perspectives of IEHPs, recognizing that their professional backgrounds, experiences, and identities may impact their beliefs about vaccinations. This study aims to investigate the influence of IEHPs intersecting identities, such as sex/gender and ethnicity/race, along with their professional contexts, in shaping their beliefs about vaccinations. The focus is on understanding how personal attributes and the environment in which they practice professionally contribute to their views on vaccination. This study utilized a qualitative approach, incorporating a case study design to explore the nuanced impact of intersecting identities, such as sex/gender and ethnicity/race, among IEHPs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted over phone or video conferencing with a diverse group of 22 IEHPs, including physicians (n=8), nurses (n=7), pharmacists (n=2), radiologists (n=2), midwives (n=2) and a dentist (n=1). The interviews, designed to elicit comprehensive insights, were recorded and transcribed verbatim to ensure accuracy. The data was analyzed inductively, allowing themes to emerge organically. Subsequently, the findings were examined through the intersectional lens developed by Crenshaw, providing a nuanced understanding of the intersectional experiences and perspectives of IEHPs within the Canadian healthcare system. The focus is on understanding how these identities, in conjunction with their professional contexts, shape IEHPs beliefs about vaccinations. The findings from the study reveal how professional identities, gender, ethnic backgrounds, and cultural influences collaboratively shape vaccine hesitancy among internationally educated healthcare professionals. The participants narrative underscored the impact of cultural nuances and generational differences among IEHPs, shedding light on the complex dynamics that influence attitudes toward vaccination. Moreover, economic considerations, historical biases, and regional challenges of IEHPs contribute additional layers to the multifaceted nature of vaccine hesitancy. The studys insights highlight the significant need for customized interventions that thoroughly consider the various factors influencing vaccine hesitancy.

Non-presenting authors: Elena Neiterman, University of Waterloo; Bridget Elizabeth Beggs, University of Waterloo; Farimah HakemZadeh, York University

This paper will be presented at the following session: