Abstract
BACKGROUND: Individuals' beliefs in conspiracy theories and anti-vaccination defense play a role in the rates of COVID-19 spread. PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the perception of trust in, and the perception of conspiracy theories regarding vaccines among those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in a province in Turkey. METHODS: This study was conducted with 1244 individuals who agreed to participate in the study in the province with the lowest vaccination rate in Turkey. The 'Personal Information Form' and the 'COVID-19 Vaccine Perception and Attitude Scale' were used to collect data. FINDINGS: Those who were resistant to vaccines had a low mean score on the Perception of Trust and a high mean score on the Perception of Conspiracy. The variable of conspiracy perception had a significantly negative and high effect on the perception of trust. CONCLUSION: The participants were highly resistant to COVID-19 vaccines. Their perception level of trust in COVID-19 vaccines was moderate and their perception level of conspiracy was high.