scholarly journals Demographics of COVID19 vaccine hesitancy during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional web-based survey in Saudi Arabia

Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdulrahman Almohaithef ◽  
Bijaya Kumar Padhi ◽  
Soukaina Abdulmajed Ennaceur

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is considered a major global public health threat affecting across the life course and socioeconomic aspects of life. Globally acceptance to an effective vaccine is the most anticipated resolution. This study aims to evaluate intent to be vaccinated among public in Saudi Arabia during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was designed in Saudi Arabia. Study participants (N=658) were recruited through snowball sampling. SurveyMonkey platform was used to record the response. Cross-tabulation were performed by participants intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 virus with sociodemographic characteristics and respondents risk perception towards COVID-19, trust in the healthcare system, and their history of vaccine hesitancy behavior. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to compute the predictors of vaccination intention among the study participants. Results: 658 participants were completed the survey (females = 47.4%). Of the 658 participants 351 (53.3%) have shown intent to be vaccinated. 519 (78.8%) of the participants were reported to be at high risk of COVID-19, and 307 (46.6%) were reported to trust the healthcare system in the country. The multivariable analysis shows respondents with a high-risk perception (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.49-3.48); higher trust in the healthcare system (OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 2.32-4.61) was found to be the significant factor affecting the decision in acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: Participants reported high knowledge towards COVID-19 virus, and vaccine developments. About half (46.6%) of the study participant reported refusal/hesitancy towards the vaccine during the second wave of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The study highlighted that higher risk perception and higher trust in the healthcare system were found to be the main reasons for participants' intentions behind the vaccination.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed AL-Mohaithef ◽  
Bijaya Kumar Padhi ◽  
Soukaina Ennaceur

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is considered a major global public health threat affecting across the life course and socioeconomic aspects of life. Global acceptance to an effective vaccine is the most anticipated resolution. This study aims to evaluate intent to be vaccinated among public in Saudi Arabia during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was designed in Saudi Arabia. Study participants (N = 658) were recruited through snowball sampling. The SurveyMonkey platform was used to record the response. Cross-tabulation was performed by participants' intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 virus with sociodemographic characteristics and respondents' risk perception toward COVID-19, trust in the healthcare system, and their history of vaccine hesitancy behavior. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to compute the predictors of vaccination intention among the study participants.Results: Six hundred fifty-eight participants completed the survey (females = 47.4%). Of the 658 participants, 351 (53.3%) have shown intent to be vaccinated. Five hundred nineteen (78.8%) of the participants were reported to be at high risk of COVID-19, and 307 (46.6%) were reported to trust the healthcare system in the country. The multivariable analysis shows respondents with a high-risk perception (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.49–3.48); higher trust in the healthcare system (OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 2.32–4.61) was found to be the significant factor affecting the decision in acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia.Conclusion: Participants reported high knowledge toward COVID-19 virus, and vaccine developments. About half (46.6%) of the study participants reported refusal/hesitancy toward the vaccine during the second wave of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The study highlighted that higher risk perception and higher trust in the healthcare system were found to be the main reasons for participants' intentions behind the vaccination.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 798
Author(s):  
Sami H. Alzahrani ◽  
Mukhtiar Baig ◽  
Mohammed W. Alrabia ◽  
Mohammed R. Algethami ◽  
Meshari M. Alhamdan ◽  
...  

Vaccine uptake could influence vaccination efforts to control the widespread COVID-19 pandemic; however, little is known about vaccine acceptance in Saudi Arabia. The present study aimed to assess the Saudi public’s intent to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and explore the associated demographic determinants of their intentions as well as the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to public individuals in Saudi Arabia between 25 December 2020 and 15 February 2021. Participants were asked if they were willing to get vaccinated, and the responses, along with demographic data were entered into a multinomial logistic regression model to assess the relative risk ratio (RRR) for responding “no” or “unsure” versus “yes”. Among 3048 participants (60.1% female, 89.5% Saudi), 52.9% intend to get vaccinated, 26.8% were unsure, and 20.3% refused vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy was significantly higher among females (RRR = 2.70, p < 0.0001) and those who had not been recently vaccinated for influenza (RRR = 2.63, p < 0.0001). The likelihood was lower among Saudis (RRR = 0.49, p < 0.0001), those with less than a secondary education (RRR = 0.16, p < 0.0001), perceived risks of COVID-19, and residents of the southern region (RRR = 0.46, p < 0.0001). The most often cited reasons for hesitancy were short clinical testing periods and concerns about adverse events or effectiveness. Vaccine hesitancy is mediated by many demographic factors and personal beliefs. To address vaccine-related concerns and amend deeply rooted health beliefs, communication should provide transparent information.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinonyerem Iheanacho ◽  
Okechuckwu Harrison Enechukwu ◽  
Chinelo Nneka Aguyi-Ikeany

Abstract Background: Vaccines are highly anticipated for the control of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however their acceptance is critical for the desired benefit. This study assessed risk perception of COVID-19 and acceptability of its vaccine in Nigeria. It also assessed prediction of vaccine acceptance from risk perception. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted among 410 participants in the six geo-political regions of Nigeria using a three-part questionnaire developed using Google forms. The questionnaire link was distributed via snowball method to consenting participants through online platforms. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square and binomial regression) using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 24 were used to analyze data, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 410 respondents participated in the study and high risk perception of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) was seen in 127(66.1%) of respondents. Vaccine acceptance was high in 233(56.8%) of respondents, and was significantly associated with geo-political region (P=0.028). Association between COVID-19 risk perception and vaccine acceptance showed that persons who had high risk perception of COVID-19 may not necessarily accept the vaccine (OR=0.450; 95% CI=0.297–0.683; P=0.000) and this was seen in persons with tertiary education (OR=0.458; 95% CI=0.297-0.706; P=0.000), married (OR=0.194; 955%CI =0.098-0.386; P=0.000), from South-south (OR=0.352; 95%CI=0.163–0.760; P=0.008) and North-central (OR=0.429; 95% CI= 0.189-0.972; P=0.043).Conclusions: High risk perception of COVID-19, and vaccine acceptance were relatively average. Regional and socio-demographic variations were associated with this finding, and it was also noted that high risk perception of COVID-19 may not likely result in vaccine acceptance. Strategic and targeted messaging on vaccine acceptance should be prioritised by stakeholders, to ensure successful vaccine implementation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noor Al Khathlan ◽  
Bijaya Kumar Padhi

Background: Adherence to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appropriate behavior plays a crucial element in the management of the infections of COVID-19. Despite the importance of transmission-reducing behaviors among healthcare professionals, there is a lack of literature in this area of research explicitly relating to respiratory therapists (RTs). Therefore, it is essential to assess the adherence level to COVID-19 transmission-reducing behaviors among the RTs in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted using questions based on the risk assessment guidelines of WHO. A random representative sample of RTs (N = 215) residing in Saudi Arabia was recruited for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using STATA software. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify key factors that are associated with adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behavior among the study participants.Results: Of the 215 participants, 59.5% were aged between 26 and 35 years, and 40.9% were women. Most (85.5%) participants had a bachelor's degree while 12.0% had a master's degree. About 56.2% of RTs provided direct care to a confirmed patient of COVID-19 during the study periods. The study showed 80.9% of RTs in Saudi Arabia adhered to personal protective equipment (PPE) at the workplace and 65.0% at home. Moreover, the findings of the study indicated that senior RTs (with &gt;5 years of experience) demonstrated a higher adherence level to the guidelines than RTs with &lt;5 years of experience. High-risk perception [aOR:2.32; 95% CI: 1.09–3.27], and work history of &lt;5 years [aOR:2.00; 95% CI: 1.14–3.15], were found to be the strongest predictors in explaining the adherence to appropriate behavior among the RTs at the workplace. Whereas the high-risk perception [aOR:2.32; 95% CI: 1.09–3.27] and being married [aOR:1.85; 95% CI: 1.08–3.82] were found to be the strongest predictors at home.Conclusion: Adherence (“Always” or “Most times”) to COVID-19 appropriate behavior was found to be high at hospital settings among the study participants. However, the same practice was found to be inconsistence in non-healthcare settings among the RTs. Considering the paramount role of COVID-19 appropriate behavior in reducing the transmissions the policy focus, therefore, needs to be on creating a well-spread behavior change communication that is curtailing the adoption of appropriate behavior in the non-healthcare settings.


Author(s):  
Bijaya Kumar Padhi ◽  
Mohammed Al-Mohaithef

AbstractBackgroundVaccine hesitancy is a potential threat to global public health. Since, there is an unprecedented global effort to develop a vaccine against the COVID-19 pandemic, much less is known about its acceptance in the community. Understanding key determinants that influence the preferences and demands of a future vaccine by the community may help to develop strategies for improving the global vaccination program. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine, and their determinants among people in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using snowball sampling strategy under a highly restricted environment. A bilingual, self-administered anonymous questionnaire was designed and sent to 1000 study participants through social media platforms and email. Study participants were recruited across the country, including the four major cities (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and Abha) in Saudi Arabia. Associations between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and sociodemographic profile of the respondents were explored using the chi-squared test. Key determinants that predict vaccine acceptance among respondents were modelled using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf the 1000 survey invitees, 992 responded to the survey (response rate, 99.2%). The majority (65.8%) of the study participants were female, 29.53% were in the age group (36–45 years), and 17.9% were non-Saudi. Of the 992 respondents, 642 (64.72%) showed interest to accept the COVID-19 vaccine if it is available. Willingness to accept the future COVID-19 vaccine is relatively high among older age groups (79.2% among 45+ year old), being married (69.3%), participants with education level postgraduate degree or higher (68.8%), non-Saudi (69.1%), employed in government sector (68.9%). In multivariate model, respondents who were above 45 years (aOR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.08-3.21), and married (aOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.28-2.50) were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance (p <.05). Besides, people having trust in the health system were most likely to accept the vaccine (aOR: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.13-4.92), and those having a higher perceived risk of acquiring infection were 2.13 times (95% CI: 1.35-3.85) higher odds of accepting the vaccine.ConclusionAddressing sociodemographic determinants relating to the COVID-19 vaccination may help to increase uptake of the global vaccination program to tackle future pandemics. Targeted health education interventions are needed to increase the uptake of the future COVID-19 vaccine.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditya Soni ◽  
Devanshi Tripathi ◽  
Manju Bhaskar ◽  
Rujul Modi

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic keeping on to devastate the world. A vaccine provides the best hope to control the pandemic. Understanding vaccine acceptance is important, because there is relatively high vaccine hesitancy for existing vaccines and relatively low vaccination coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants included are adults between the age group of 18-29 years (n=100). This is a cross-sectional, web based observational study conducted over a period of 1 month. An online survey is carried out through distribution of questionnaire via social network with snow ball effect. RESULTS: A total 100 participants were included in the study. Almost more than half (55%) of the young adults aged between 18 and 29 years were oblivious about the COVID-19 vaccine availability, followed by 22% person aged between 30-39 years and 22% of the persons aged between 40- 59 years and around 1% of more than 60 years were oblivious about the vaccine availability. Among the study participants, nearly 40% were willing to take COVID-19 vaccine when it is available for use and only 30% did not want the vaccination. CONCLUSION: The most dominant factor for vaccine hesitancy is because of adverse effects following immunization. Vaccine acceptability may be increased once additional information about vaccine safety and efficacy is available in the public domain, preferably from a trusted, centralized source of information.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1259
Author(s):  
Edrous Alamer ◽  
Faisal Hakami ◽  
Sulaiman Hamdi ◽  
Afnan Alamer ◽  
Mohammed Awaf ◽  
...  

Background: Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that initiated early vaccination programs despite the global challenges concerning the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Massive vaccination campaigns have been undertaken in the country; however, negative perception and hesitancy toward vaccines may exist which could reduce public response to vaccination. Further, studies evaluating the current perception and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines are scarce. Thus, this study aims to assess the community attitudes and perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study using an online questionnaire was conducted among the public in Jazan, the southern region of Saudi Arabia. General and demographic data were collected, and perception and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated. Results: Most participants in this study were female (67%) with a median age of 23 years. The majority held a bachelor’s degree, and they trusted the Saudi healthcare system. Our survey showed that 67% of the study participants had positive perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines, a finding that is significantly associated with receiving the influenza vaccine in the past, the existence of trust on the current healthcare system and holding positive beliefs toward the effectiveness of the current COVID-19 vaccines in reducing the risk of infection, complication, and mortality. Conclusions: The proportion of the public in Jazan who believed in the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is not inferior from similar international reports. Thus, national awareness programs toward the effectiveness of the vaccine could be enhanced to accelerate vaccination coverage. Further, nationwide surveys are warranted to include larger populations from different communities to assess the overall perception toward COVID-19 vaccines in the whole country.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kapil Goel ◽  
Arunima Sen ◽  
Parul Goel ◽  
Prakasini Satapathy ◽  
Jatina Vij ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Vaccine hesitancy is of considerable concern as it threatens the great potential of a vaccine against COVID-19. Community health workers (CHWs) bridge the gap between the community and the health care system. Their intention to get vaccinated will not only affect them but will also affect the community’s perception of the vaccine. This study aims to understand the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among community health care workers in India and its determinants.Methods: A web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 357 community health workers using snowball sampling. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was shared with study participants across major geographical regions in India through social media during the first wave (November-December 2020).Results: Among 357 community health workers, 208 (58%) responded positively regarding their intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Graduate [aOR 2.26 (95% CI: 1.27-4.01), p=0.006] and post-graduate participants [aOR 2.85 (95% CI: 1.43-5.68), p=0.003], those with lower risk perception [aOR 1.86 (95% CI: 1.03-3.35), p=0.038] and respondents who trusted the healthcare system [aOR 2.60 (95% CI:1.59-4.26), p<0.001] were more likely to get vaccinated. Respondents who were exposed to COVID-19 cases were less likely to uptake the hypothetical vaccine [aOR 0.57 (95% CI: 0.34-0.96), p=0.034].Conclusions: Increasing knowledge regarding the COVID-19 vaccine might not be enough to improve vaccine acceptance rates. Enhancing trust among community health workers in the healthcare system and regarding the available vaccines seem necessary. In addition, targeted interventions addressing socio-demographic determinants related to COVID-19 vaccination should help improve acceptance of the vaccine.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Almaghaslah ◽  
Abdulrhman Alsayari ◽  
Geetha Kandasamy ◽  
Rajalakshimi Vasudevan

Ending the COVID-19 pandemic requires achieving herd immunity, either by previous infection or by vaccination. However, concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine are growing around the globe. The current study was conducted to investigate young the adult population’s hesitancy towards the vaccine. The study used a prospective cross-sectional design. Data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. A total of 862 Saudi adults participated. Information was gathered on the participants’ perspectives towards the severity and susceptibility of the COVID-19 infection, reasons for their hesitancy to receive the vaccine, perceived benefits, and reasons for action. Just under a quarter (19.6%) of respondents had previously tested positive for COVID-19. A small minority of the participants had already received the vaccine (2.1%), while 20.3% had registered in the Sehaty app (application) to receive the vaccine. Just under half of them (48%) will take the vaccine when mass vaccination is achieved and approximately the same number (46.7%) will only take it if it is made mandatory. Vaccine reluctance is highly prevalent among the general public in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many are aware of a high likelihood of getting the infection, the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine were reported as barriers to vaccination.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 835
Author(s):  
Mohammed Noushad ◽  
Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽  
Anas B. Alsalhani ◽  
Pradeep Koppolu ◽  
Fayez Hussain Niazi ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused largescale morbidity and mortality and a tremendous burden on the healthcare system. Healthcare workers (HCWs) require adequate protection to avoid onward transmission and minimize burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, HCWs can also influence the general public into accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, determining COVID-19 vaccine intention among HCWs is of paramount importance to plan tailor-made public health strategies to maximize vaccine coverage. A structured questionnaire was administered in February and March 2021 among HCWs in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. HCWs from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. In total, 674 out of 1124 HCWs responded and completed the survey (response rate 59.9%). About 65 percent of the HCWs intended to get vaccinated. The intention to vaccinate was significantly higher among HCWs 50 years of age or older, Saudi nationals and those who followed the updates about COVID-19 vaccines (p < 0.05). The high percentage (26 percent) of those who were undecided in getting vaccinated is a positive sign. As the vaccination campaign gathers pace, the attitude is expected to change over time. Emphasis should be on planning healthcare strategies to convince the undecided HCWs into accepting the vaccine in order to achieve the coverage required to achieve herd immunity.


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