Knowledge, Attitude and Acceptance of a COVID-19 Vaccine in Indian Population : a Cross Sectional Study

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.

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Knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in West India

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20210481 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 1170

Author(s):

Shibal Bhartiya ◽

Nishant Kumar ◽

Tarundeep Singh ◽

Sathiabalan Murugan ◽

Saranya Rajavel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Safety ◽

Urban Slum ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Additional Information ◽

The People ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Vaccine Availability

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected more than 200 countries causing loss of life and livelihood. The accelerated development of the COVID-19 vaccine is a vital development, and early data suggests that it is both, safe and efficacious. However, the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine depends on various socio-demographic characteristics. The aim of this study was to understand the knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine in India. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done in an urban slum in Mumbai, India. The main outcome variable was the responses related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the study participants.Results: A total of 1342 participants were included in the study. Almost two thirds (64.5%) of the young adults aged between 18 and 40 years were unaware about the COVID-19 vaccine availability, followed by 56.4% person aged between 40 and 60 years and 46.2% of the persons aged more than 60 years were unaware about the vaccine availability. Among the study participants, nearly 79% were willing to take COVID-19 vaccine when it is available for use and only 2% did not want the vaccination. More than 2/3rd of the people who responded that they are willing to accept the COVID vaccine belong to the no income group.Conclusions: The most important factor for vaccine hesitancy is the occurrence of mild or serious 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.

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Public’s view on myths related to COVID-19: a web-based cross-sectional study in Nepal

International Journal of Scientific Reports ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20205496 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 50

Author(s):

Deeependra Prasad Sarraf ◽

Shashi Keswhar ◽

Pramendra Prasad Gupta

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vital Role ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

The Social ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Study Participants

Background: The global pandemic COVID-19 has created havoc. Various myths prevail among public that hamper them from adopting evidence based preventive measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to seek timely health advice. The aim of the study was to find out the public’s view on myths related to COVID-19 in educated Nepalese population.Methods: A cross-sectional web-based online survey was conducted in educated public in Nepal during May, 2020. A self-designed questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic variables and 21 myths was prepared using Google forms via docs.google.com/forms. The responses were recorded on a 3-point scale (agree, disagree, do not know). The Google form link was sent to the study participants via the social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Viber. Descriptive statistics mean, frequency and percentage were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 22. Results: Out of 270, 33.7%, 33.3% and 37% participants agreed that eating lemon, turmeric and garlic prevents us from COVID-19 respectively. Thirty seven percent participants believed that spraying bleach or disinfectant into our body will protect us against COVID-19. The overall view of participants toward the myths related to COVID-19 was ‘agree’ (17.3%), ‘disagree’ (59.2%) and ‘don’t know’ (23.5%).Conclusions: Myths regarding COVID-19 prevailed among majority of the participants in this study. There is an urgent need to educate the public regarding various preventive approaches for COVID-19 issues. Media and government agencies have a vital role in creating awareness to adopt evidence-based facts.

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Attitudes and Intentions toward COVID-19 Vaccination among Health Professions Students and Faculty in Qatar

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111275 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1275

Author(s):

Amine Zaidi ◽

Amal Elmasaad ◽

Hend Alobaidli ◽

Rana Sayed ◽

Dana Al-Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Health Professions ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Natural Immunity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

To Receive

A population’s desire to take the COVID-19 vaccine is an important predictor of a country’s future pandemic management. This cross-sectional study examines the impact of psychological and sociodemographic factors on attitudes toward and intentions to take the COVID-19 vaccine among students and faculty at four colleges of health professions and sciences at Qatar University. The data were collected through an online survey using Google Forms. The survey was distributed through various online platforms. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 16. Of the 364 participants, 9.89% expressed a high mistrust of vaccine safety, and 21.7% were uncertain about their levels of trust; 28% expressed strong worries about unforeseen side effects, whereas 54.95% expressed moderate worries. Furthermore, 7.69% expressed strong concerns and 39.84% showed moderate concerns about commercial profiteering. Approximately 13% of the participants expressed a strong preference towards natural immunity, whilst 45.33% appeared to believe that natural immunity might be better than a vaccine. Importantly, 68.13% of the participants intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once it became available, compared to 17.03% who were uncertain and 14.83% who were unwilling to be vaccinated. Our findings differ from the data on vaccine hesitancy among the general population of Qatar. We argue that this gap is due to scientific knowledge and domain of education. Furthermore, although knowledge and awareness may affect vaccine attitudes, mental health and sociodemographic factors play a role in shaping attitudes towards vaccines.

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Side Effects of COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccine in Children Aged 12–18 Years in Saudi Arabia

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111297 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1297

Author(s):

Edrous Alamer ◽

Abdulaziz Alhazmi ◽

Naaif A. Qasir ◽

Rahaf Alamer ◽

Halima Areeshi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Side Effects ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Participants ◽

Age Range

Background: Massive vaccination campaigns have been undertaken globally to combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). While most COVID-19 vaccines have shown excellent efficacy and safety profiles in clinical studies, real-world monitoring of vaccine safety is still important. In this study, we aimed to investigate the early side effects of Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine in children between 12–18 years old in Saudi Arabia. Method: To investigate the side effects in children in this age range following the administration of either one or two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine, we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey. General and demographic data were collected, and vaccine-associated side effects following vaccination were evaluated. Results: The study recruited a total of 965 eligible participants. Overall, 571 (60%) of the study participants reported at least one side effect following Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccination. The most frequently reported side effects were pain or redness at the site of injection (90%), fatigue (67%), fever (59%), headache (55%), nausea or vomiting (21%), and chest pain and shortness of breath (20%). Joint or bone pain were reported less frequently among our participants (2%). Our data showed that more female participants reported side effects compared to male participants, with 52% and 48%, respectively. Side effects were more common after the second dose compared to the first dose in our study cohort. Conclusions: While 60% of the children (12–18 years old) who received Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine reported side effects, our data showed that these side effects were not different from those that were reported in the clinical trials which lasted only for a few days. Side effects were more common after the second dose. Larger epidemiological and molecular studies are needed to evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine in protection of children against SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.

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

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111304 ◽

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.

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

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-021-01606-6 ◽

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.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance among Medical Students: An Online Cross-sectional Study in Iraq

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2021.7399 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (A) ◽

pp. 955-958

Author(s):

Batool Mutar Mahdi

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Population Immunity ◽

Vaccination Acceptance ◽

Vaccination Decision ◽

Acceptance Rates ◽

Study Participants

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy and reluctant had an important obstacle in achieving protection and population immunity against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). It is essential to achieve high COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rates among medical students and health care workers to provide recommendations and counseling vaccine hesitant population. AIM: This study aims to identify level of COVID-19 hesitancy, attitude, knowledge, and factors that affect vaccination decision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done among medical students in Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Data collection was done through an online Google Forms questionnaire during 2021 from 810 medical students. RESULTS: A total of 810 adults’ medical students participated in this study. The majority of the study participants were female (488, 60.2%) while males were 322, 39.8%. Vaccine concept hesitancy among males was 65.21% and rest were vaccinated (34.78%) (OR = 0.13) (95% CI = 0.096–0.177) (p = 0.0001). Same hesitancy from COVID-19 vaccine was same with females (66.80%). CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated and shed light on vaccine hesitancy among sample of Iraqi medical students toward COVID-19 vaccination program and considered medical students as leaders and guides in the health system for increased planning and education of the population for COVID-19 vaccine acceptability.

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Attitude, Familiarity and Religious Beliefs about Vaccination among Health Science and Non-Health Science Students in a Malaysian Public University

European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ◽

10.3390/ejihpe11040104 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1462-1473

Author(s):

Ramdan M. Elkalmi ◽

Eman Dyab ◽

Azyyati Mohd Suhaimi ◽

Ali Qais Blebil ◽

Mohamed Hassan Elnaem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Religious Beliefs ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Science ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Attitude Score ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Vaccine hesitancy has surfaced globally within the last few decades, and the fears and misconceptions of people about vaccine safety and effectiveness have been identified as key factors for their under-utilization. The familiarity, attitudes, and religious beliefs of the public and of future healthcare practitioners regarding vaccination are extensive areas needing exploration. The present exploratory cross-sectional study was designed, planned and carried out on students enrolled in health science and non-health science courses in one of the public universities of Malaysia. A research instrument that had been formulated, validated and subjected to reliability testing was used to collect the data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A response rate of 80.8% (n = 202) was obtained: the majority were female (n = 161, 79.7%), and had been vaccinated before (n = 190, 97.5%), while a mere 2% did not support vaccination for reasons pertaining to safety issues. The vaccine familiarity score was 10.79 ± 1.4, which significantly differed among the study disciplines (p < 0.001). The mean of the total attitude score was 14.95 ± 1.5, with no significant difference among demographics being noted. The mean of the total religious beliefs score was 24.29 ± 2.8 and significantly differed based on gender (p = 0.040) and study disciplines (p < 0.001). The current findings showed that the participants were familiar with vaccines and had generally positive attitudes and positive religious beliefs toward vaccination; thus, one can expect that their inclusion in immunization campaigns will generate positive outcomes of the immunization program. Although the current research reported few knowledge gaps, these may be handled with the introduction of a specialized immunization course at an undergraduate level.

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Confidence, Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for the COVID-19 Vaccine among Migrants in Shanghai, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050443 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 443

Author(s):

Kaiyi Han ◽

Mark R. Francis ◽

Ruiyun Zhang ◽

Qian Wang ◽

Aichen Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Willingness To Pay ◽

Migrant Workers ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Vaccine Information ◽

Socio Demographic Factors

Understanding the public’s attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination and their acceptance could help facilitate the COVID-19 rollout. This study aimed to assess the acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for the COVID-19 vaccine among migrants in Shanghai, China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2126 migrants in Shanghai for the period 1–20 November 2020. Convenience sampling was used to recruit respondents in workplaces with large numbers of migrant workers. Multivariable (ordered) logistic regressions were used to examine factors associated with acceptance and WTP of the COVID-19 vaccine. Most (89.1%) migrants would accept COVID-19 vaccination. Over 90.0% perceived the COVID-19 vaccine as important, while only 75.0% and 77.7% perceived vaccines safe and effective. Socio-demographic factors were not significantly associated with vaccine acceptance, but confidence in the importance (OR 8.71, 95% CI 5.89–12.89), safety (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.24–2.61) and effectiveness (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.83–3.87) of COVID-19 vaccine was significantly positively associated with vaccine acceptance. The top reasons for vaccine hesitancy were lack of vaccine information and confidence. The proportion of those definitely willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine was 20% lower if paid by themselves than free vaccination. Migrants were willing to pay a median amount of USD 46 for the COVID-19 vaccine. Results show that a high acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was universal among migrants in Shanghai. Concerns about vaccine safety, effectiveness and high costs of the COVID-19 vaccine may hinder their uptake. Effective health communication to build confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and subsidies toward the costs of these vaccines are needed to improve uptake.

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Acceptance of a COVID-19 Vaccine and its Related Determinants among the General Adult Population in Kuwait

Medical Principles and Practice ◽

10.1159/000514636 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yosor Alqudeimat ◽

Deema Alenezi ◽

Bedour AlHajri ◽

Heba Alfouzan ◽

Zain Almokhaizeem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Preventive Measure ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

General Adult Population ◽

Health Related ◽

Study Participants ◽

Public Health Strategies ◽

Prevalence Ratios

Objective: To determine the acceptance of a potential coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among the general adult population in Kuwait and assess its determinants. Subjects and Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling adults living in Kuwait (n = 2368; aged ≥21 years). Acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine was inferred if participants indicated that they “definitely or probably will accept vaccination against COVID-19 once a vaccine is available.” Associations were explored by applying a modified Poisson regression to estimate and infer adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: In total, 53.1% (1257/2368) of the participants were willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine once available. Male subjects were more willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine than females (58.3% vs. 50.9%, P < 0.001). Subjects who viewed vaccines in general to have health-related risks were less willing to accept vaccination (aPR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.35-0.44). Moreover, participants who previously received an influenza vaccine were more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine (aPR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.31-1.58). Willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 increased as the self-perceived chances of contracting the infection increased (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Overall, 53.1% of the study participants demonstrated willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We found several factors influencing the level of acceptance. Since vaccination appears to be an essential preventive measure that can halt the COVID-19 pandemic, factors relating to low vaccine acceptance need to be urgently addressed by public health strategies.

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