scholarly journals Prevalence and Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youssef Ali Alqahtani ◽  
Khalid Hussein Almutairi ◽  
Yahya Mohammed Alqahtani ◽  
Ahmed Hussein Almutlaq ◽  
Anas Ali Asiri
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Childhood Vaccines ◽  
Child Vaccination

Objectives: Vaccination is the provision of a vaccine to initiate immunity trough stimulating immune system to develop protection from a certain disease. When a sufficiently large proportion of a population has been vaccinated, herd immunity initiated. The effectiveness of vaccination has been widely studied and verified. Although the harsh vaccine safety systems, some parents remain minded regarding the safety of the childhood vaccines and immunization schedule. These hesitations pushed some parents to not allow their children to receive some or all the scheduled vaccines.  The aim of the study is to assess the general population awareness regarding vaccines and to detect prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in Aseer region, southern of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all parents in Aseer region. Data were collected using structured questionnaire which developed by the researchers after intensive literature review and expert’s consultation. The questionnaire data included parents’ socio-demographic data, parents’ awareness regarding child vaccines safety and efficacy, parents’ attitude and adherence to children vaccination and hesitancy towards vaccines. Results: The survey included 796 participants whose ages ranged from 18 to 55 years old. Two thirds (63.4%) of the participants were females. Regarding vaccination adherence and hesitancy among participants, more than three quarters were completely adherent to the child vaccination schedule and only 3.9% were non adherent. As for participants awareness regarding child vaccination safety and efficacy, 89.3% of the respondents agreed on that vaccination keep child healthy, 84.2% reported that child vaccine is safe and effective, 83.4% said that all Saudi scheduled vaccines are effective. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed that vaccine hesitancy among participants was not low and should be considered irrespective of their high awareness level. The recorded antivaccine action was mostly related to vaccines safety not efficacy. Keywords: Vaccine hesitancy, antivaccine movement, parents, awareness, adherence

scholarly journals Willingness, beliefs, and barriers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia: a multiregional cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noura Altulahi ◽  
Shouq AlNujaim ◽  
Azzam Alabdulqader ◽  
Abdullah Alkharashi ◽  
Assaf AlMalki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High School Degree ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide, and the vaccine remains the ultimate cornerstone to overcoming its long-term impact. Vaccine hesitancy might obstruct the effort to achieve herd immunity and eradicate the virus. We assessed Saudi Arabian individuals’ willingness, beliefs, and barriers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and their adherence to preventive measures during and after the pandemic. Methods A self-administered electronic validated questionnaire was distributed among the five major regions in Saudi Arabia between November and December 2020. The questionnaire addressed the sociodemographic data, beliefs, potential barriers, parents’ acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination for their children, and adherence to protective measures during and after the pandemic. Results Of 8,056 participants, 4,218 (52.4%) of a non-representative sample were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Being a young adult, male, having less than a high school degree, being a smoker, having a chronic disease, and having a history of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake were positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Hesitant participants reported concerns about vaccine side effects and safety as the main barriers to accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Some refusers (26.1%) declared that they would reconsider vaccination only if the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine were reported by more studies. Conclusions Our study revealed a promising willingness to accept the vaccine among the population, with positive beliefs and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. However, a considerable proportion of the population was reluctant to accept the vaccine. Thus, publicly providing information about vaccine safety and implementing health education programs is crucial for increasing the public’s confidence in the vaccine.

scholarly journals Parent attitudes about childhood vaccines: a vaccine hesitancy point prevalence study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Marshall ◽  
Anne C Moore ◽  
Laura J Sahm ◽  
Aoife Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Parent Attitudes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Childhood Vaccines

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy using Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey regarding paediatric vaccines for their children, in a population of parents attending a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) outreach event in Cork, Ireland. Study design Cross-sectional survey study. Methods This study was conducted in November 2018 at the Community Festival of Science STEM event. Eligible attendees were invited to read the participant information leaflet, provide written informed consent, and complete the validated Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey. Each of the 15 PACV survey items was scored. A score ≥50 identified vaccine hesitant parents. Results A total of 105 parents participated in the study. A small number of participants (6.7%, n = 7) were identified as vaccine hesitant. There were no statistically significant differences between the vaccine hesitant and non-hesitant groups based on age, education, or number of children. Parents had concerns around vaccine side effects (36.2%, n=38) and vaccine safety (20%, n=21). Parents trusted the information they received on vaccines (85.6%, n=90) and 81.9% (n=86) believed that the vaccine schedule was good for their child. Conclusions The findings of this research indicate the presence of vaccine hesitancy in parents in Ireland regarding paediatric vaccines. Parents had concerns regarding vaccine side effects and the number of vaccines on the paediatric immunisation schedule. Further research is necessary to understand how these issues may contribute to vaccine hesitancy, and to develop evidence-based interventions to build on parents existing trust in the vaccination schedule.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Survey on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents From Shandong vs. Zhejiang

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunyun Xu ◽  
Dongjuan Xu ◽  
Liyan Luo ◽  
Fengqiao Ma ◽  
Ping Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Parental Attitudes ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Childhood Vaccines ◽  
Household Incomes

Introduction: With the approval of COVID-19 vaccinations for children and adolescents in China, parental vaccine hesitancy will emerge as a new challenge with regard to the administration of these vaccines. However, little is known regarding this hesitancy as well as regional differences that may exist between parents from Shandong vs. Zhejiang.Methods: To assess these issues, an online survey was conducted via a Wenjuanxing platform over the period from July 22 to August 14, 2021. Parents from Shandong and Zhejiang were recruited from Wechat groups and results from a total of 917 subjects were analyzed. Factors evaluated in this survey included socio-demographic variables, parental vaccine hesitancy, Parental Attitudes toward Childhood Vaccines (PACV) domains (behavior, safety and efficacy, general attitudes) and social support.Results: Compared with those from Shandong (N = 443), parents from Zhejiang (N = 474) showed significantly higher prevalence rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (19.4 vs. 11.7%, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that yearly household incomes of ≥120,000 RMB (p = 0.041), medical workers (p = 0.022) and general attitudes of PACV (p = 0.004) were risk factors for vaccine hesitancy among parents from Shandong, while behavior (p = 0.004), safety and efficacy (p < 0.001) and general attitudes of PACV (p = 0.002) were risk factors for parents from Zhejiang. Among parents with vaccine hesitancy (N = 144), concerns over side effects (91.0%) and unknown effects (84.0%) of the COVID-19 vaccine were the most prevalent reasons for hesitancy. Evidence providing proof of vaccine safety (67.4%) and assurance of a low risk of being infected by COVID-19 (60.4%) were the two most effective persuasive factors.Conclusion: Parents from Zhejiang showed a higher prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy as compared with those from Shandong. Behavior, safety and efficacy, and general attitudes of PACV were the risk factors associated with this hesitancy in these parents from Zhejiang. Given the identification of the various reasons for parental vaccine hesitancy, different strategies as well as regional adjustments in these strategies will be required for an effective and convincing protocol for childhood vaccinations.

scholarly journals Attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Results from the Saudi Residents’ Intention to Get Vaccinated against COVID-19 (SRIGVAC) Study

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 798
Author(s):  
Sami H. Alzahrani ◽  
Mukhtiar Baig ◽  
Mohammed W. Alrabia ◽  
Mohammed R. Algethami ◽  
Meshari M. Alhamdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Relative Risk Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Web Based

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.

scholarly journals Are midwives ready to fight vaccine hesitancy? First results from an Italian cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Massimi ◽  
A Rosso ◽  
C De Vito ◽  
C Marzuillo ◽  
V Baccolini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Teachable Moment ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Childhood Vaccines

Abstract Background Pregnancy is widely recognized as a ’teachable moment’ since attitudes and beliefs about childhood vaccines are not completely structured. Among healthcare workers (HCWs), midwives play a pivotal role in the maternal care pathway and should have a key role also in promoting opportunities of discussion and correct information about vaccinations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess knowledge and attitudes of a sample of Italian midwives towards vaccinations. A questionnaire was designed ad hoc and sent electronically to midwives members of the professional register of Rome. Results Preliminary results on data collected from 140 midwives (mean age 37.32, DS ± 11.61; mean years on the job: 11.94 DS ± 12.78) who completed the survey showed a heterogeneous level of knowledge: only 50% of the sample indicated the correct threshold of vaccination coverage for herd immunity, while safety of multiple shots and of the additives contained in vaccines was reported by 61% and 31% of respondents, respectively. Only 41% of midwives had identified the pertussis vaccine as one of the vaccinations recommended during pregnancy. Attitudes were generally positive: 84% of respondents recognized recommended vaccines as effective and 86% as one of the safest health interventions. However, vaccinations against MMR and Varicella were perceived as useful by 86% and 71% of the midwives, while 89% and 77%, respectively, would recommend them to parents (compared to 96% in case of hexavalent). Globally, 79% of respondents would agree with the introduction of mandatory vaccinations for HCWs in maternity wards. Conclusions Midwives show some gaps in the knowledge on vaccinations. The final results of this study will be used to build specific and tailored training programs directed to midwives involved in pregnancy management. This may help them to transfer the correct vaccination information for the empowerment and the growth of vaccine literacy. Key messages Pregnancy is a strategic teachable moment to influence attitudes regarding childhood vaccinations and healthcare professionals must be trained to be the vehicle of the most accurate information. Specific under- and post-graduate training courses on vaccinations directed to midwives are strongly needed to ensure good level of knowledge on this topic.

scholarly journals Explaining COVID-19 Vaccine Rejection Using Social Cognitive Theory in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1304
Author(s):  
Aseel Ali AlSaeed ◽  
Unaib Rabbani
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Social Cognitive Theory ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Health Care Centers

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines needs a health promotion approach to address various social, environmental and personal factors leading to vaccine hesitancy. We assessed the vaccine hesitancy rate and applied social cognitive theory (SCT) to understand COVID-19 vaccine rejection in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among visitors of 10 randomly selected primary health care centers in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected by a self-administrated questionnaire. The variables were grouped into six constructs of SCT. Logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of vaccine rejection. Out of 486 participants included in the study, 30.5% rejected the vaccine. The most common reason for vaccine rejection was uncertainty about the vaccine’s effectiveness (78%). Among various constructs of SCT, reciprocal determinism (nationality, income and suffering from COVID-19 infection), behavioral capability (knowledge about vaccine safety), self-efficacy (registered for vaccine), and observational learning (getting the vaccine after friends and family members) were significant predictors. Expectation and reinforcement constructs did not show significant association. There was high vaccine rejection in Qassim, KSA. This calls for further improving the mass education strategies. Social cognitive theory can be used to predict vaccine rejection and to develop strategies to increase the utilization of COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Qatar Healthcare Workers' COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Attitudes: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeev Kumar ◽  
Majid Alabdulla ◽  
Nahid M. Elhassan ◽  
Shuja Mohd Reagu
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Safety Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Attitudinal Factors ◽  
Study Participants

Introduction: Healthcare workers are the critical frontline workforce of the COVD-19 pandemic and are considered a target group for vaccination. Hesitancy to vaccinate is a major concern that can jeopardize the vaccination programme. The hesitancy rates in the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) vary globally, and more importantly, hesitancy in HCWs is of particular concern, as it can influence the wider population.Materials and Methods: The present study evaluated the vaccine hesitancy rate and its sociodemographic and attitudinal factors among the HCWs in the state of Qatar. We conducted a national cross-sectional survey using a validated hesitancy measurement tool between October 15 and November 15, 2020. A total of 7,821 adults above the age of 18 years out of the 2.3 million adult Qatari residents completed the survey. While majority of the participants were from the general public, 1,546 participants were HCWs. Sociodemographic data, along with attitudes and beliefs around COVID-19 vaccination, were collected from the respondents.Results: We found that 12.9% of the study participants showed vaccine hesitancy, defined as definitely or probably will not take the vaccine if offered, and 25.31% reported that they were unsure about the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Female respondents were more hesitant toward the vaccine. Safety and efficacy concerns of vaccine were the significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The primary predictor for vaccine acceptance was a better understanding of the disease and vaccine.Discussion: Overall, 1 in 8 HCWs were reluctant to get vaccinated against COVID-19, mainly due to concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and safety. Education about the vaccine's safety and efficacy can potentially improve acceptance among healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions in Eastern Zimbabwe: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1109
Author(s):  
Lauren McAbee ◽  
Oscar Tapera ◽  
Mufaro Kanyangarara
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
And Behaviors

Vaccines are one of the most effective public health strategies to protect against infectious diseases, yet vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a global health threat. Understanding COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes and their association with vaccine intentions can help the targeting of strategies to increase vaccination uptake and achieve herd immunity. The goal of this study was to assess COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, and identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intentions among heads of households in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2021 among 551 randomly selected households. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding COVID-19 and the vaccines. More than half (55.7%) of the respondents reported intending to vaccinate themselves or their households. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the likelihood of vaccine intentions was most strongly associated with confidence in vaccine safety. Additionally, the odds of intending to get vaccinated were significantly higher among heads of households who were male, had a higher level of education, and identified vaccination and face mask usage as prevention measures. Among perceived motivators to vaccinate, recommendations from the World Health Organization and availability of the vaccine free of charge increased the likelihood of vaccine intentions, while country of vaccine manufacturer posed a barrier to vaccine intentions. As the vaccine rollout in Zimbabwe continues, efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage and achieve herd immunity should target females and less educated populations and be tailored to address concerns about vaccine safety and country of manufacturer.

scholarly journals Measuring the Factors of Hesitancy in Saudi Population toward COVID-19 Vaccines

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (29) ◽  
pp. 16-38
Author(s):  
Roba Attar ◽  
◽  
Alaa Karkashan ◽  
Basma Abbas ◽  
Abdullatif Almarashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Safety Evaluation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Saudi Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Groups

COVID-19 has major effects on the population, enforcing lockdowns and strict precautions across the world to deter the virus from spreading. The pandemic presents a significant threat to our health and well-being. As vaccines become available, COVID-19 lethality may be reduced by promoting widespread immunization. To achieve herd immunity thresholds for COVID-19, an estimated 70% of the population must be vaccinated. The public’s approval determines the success of the vaccination program. Understanding the factors that contribute to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is important. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted on the Saudi population from all the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to evaluate the level of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, estimate the turnout level for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and understand the reasons behind hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 1,148 adults completed a web-based questionnaire, and the study tested several sociocultural and environmental variables that affect the community’s hesitancy toward vaccination. Results showed that gender characteristics had almost no effect on acceptance of the vaccination. Individuals of the younger age group < 30 demonstrated an increase in the rate of vaccine hesitancy (53%) compared with individuals from the older age groups > 40 (34.43%). In addition, middle and higher education groups were found to have significant vaccine hesitancy (77.4%) compared with the less educated group (41.1%). The most common concern among the non-vaccine takers in this questionnaire was that of vaccine safety: these participants believed the vaccine would result in health problems (49.3%), and most participants agreed (64%) that this was due to the insufficient duration of vaccine administration for safety evaluation.

scholarly journals Beliefs and Anxiety Levels Regarding Available COVID-19 Vaccine among Taif City Population, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (09) ◽  
pp. 499-505
Author(s):  
Adnan A Mubaraki, MD ◽  
Huda A AlEssa ◽  
Safa K Almashyakhi ◽  
Razan F Alwagdani ◽  
Nada A Almalki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Beliefs ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
City Population ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
The Government

Background: The development of a COVID-19 vaccine is seen as a critical strategy for bringing the pandemic to an end. Understanding the main determinants that influence the community's preferences and demands for a potential vaccine may aid in the development of strategies to improve the global vaccination program. Methods: This is a cross-sectional online self-administered questionnaire study that was distributed in Taif city, Saudi Arabia between March 2021 to June 2021. The survey included socio-demographic data, beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccination, barriers associated with acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and the last part about generalized anxiety disorder scale. Results: It was reported that 25.6% of the participants had taken at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (COV), and 39.8% are planning to take it. Regarding beliefs and perceptions related to COV, 44.3% had demonstrated positive beliefs and 55.7% had negative beliefs. The analysis showed that 59.7% agreed that COV is safe, and 57.8% believed that it is effective. It was found that 53.3% of the participants were concerned about the vaccine's side effects, and only 9.8% believed that the COVID-19 vaccination is a conspiracy. When we assessed the relationship of attitudes with sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, males, Saudi nationality, singles, higher qualifications, unemployment, and students showed more positive attitudes than the rest. Conclusion: Our research findings show that there is an association between planning to take the vaccine and positive attitudes toward vaccine safety and effectiveness among the Taif City population These results could help the government, ministry of health, health practitioners, and other health organizations to more accurately tailor messages around COVID-19 vaccine programs.

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