Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Cross-Sectional Study on a Mexican Population Using an Online Questionnaire (COV-AHQ)

Mexico has become one of the most highly affected countries by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Latin America. Therefore, efficient vaccination programs are needed to address COVID-19 pandemic. Although recent advances around the world have made it possible to develop vaccines in record time, there has been increasing fear and misinformation around the vaccines. Hence, understanding vaccine hesitancy is imperative for modeling successful vaccination strategies. In this study, we analyzed the attitude and perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccination, in a Mexican population (n = 1,512), using the proposed COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy Questionnaire (COV-AHQ) (Cronbach's alpha > 0.8), which evaluates a mild perception of danger and contamination with respect to COVID-19, a moderate perception of xenophobia generated throughout COVID-19 quarantine, fear of adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination, and hesitancy of parent toward vaccination of children; furthermore, a section including sociodemographic variables was included. According to the results of this study, the statistical correlation analysis of the general vaccination posture seems to correlate significantly (p < 0.05) with a mild perception of danger and contamination with respect to COVID-19, a moderate perception of xenophobia generated throughout COVID-19 quarantine, hesitancy of parent toward vaccination of children, willingness to get COVID-19 vaccine, previous influenza vaccination, perception of the vaccine that could help the economy of country, occupation, gender, age, and participants actively researching COVID-19 vaccine information. An in-depth analysis assisted by binary logistic regression concluded that the young adult population around ages 18–34 years are the most likely to get vaccinated. This posture seems to be highly influenced by a mild perception of danger and contamination with respect to COVID-19, a moderate perception of xenophobia generated throughout COVID-19 quarantine, fear of adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination, and hesitancy of parents toward vaccination of children. While their own personal religious beliefs and economic status, the level of education does not seem to have an effect on the willingness to get vaccinated neither did having a previous COVID-19 diagnosis or even knowing someone with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Health authorities and policymakers could use the results of this study to aid in modeling vaccination programs and strategies and identify population groups with high vaccine hesitancy prevalence and assess significant public health issues.

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Parent’s Perspective towards Child COVID-19 Vaccination: An Online Cross-Sectional Study in Mexico

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19010290 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 290

Author(s):

Juan Luis Delgado-Gallegos ◽

Gerardo R. Padilla-Rivas ◽

Lilia Julieta Gastelum-Arias ◽

Erika Zuñiga-Violante ◽

Gener Avilés-Rodríguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Vaccination Programs ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Stepwise Method ◽

Significant Factors

COVID-19 vaccination programs continue in child populations. Thus, parents’ attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination of their children is crucial for these strategies to succeed. The present study derives from the application of an online COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance & Hesitancy Questionnaire (COV-AHQ) in which we measure parent’s hesitancy towards children’s vaccination (section 4 of the COV-AHQ) and other significant factors. A logistic regression analysis with backward stepwise method was used to quantify the associations between factors and parent’s hesitancy. According to the correlation analysis, the most representative factors predicting vaccine hesitancy/acceptance were positive attitude towards vaccination, parents believing that the COVID-19 vaccine will enhance the economic situation of the country, parents actively researching information, having the willingness to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine themselves, and the possibility of their children developing adverse effects. Our findings also showed that parents are highly interested in having their children vaccinated. Nonetheless, parents expressed high levels of concern involving their children in developing adverse effects from the vaccine. In addition, obtaining influenza immunization prompted interest in obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine, and younger-aged parents are much more concerned with having their children vaccinated. Therefore, in order to ensure successful vaccination programs, policymakers and health authorities should design strategies to gain confidence and provide security amongst the population, including giving continuous information about the benefits of vaccination and presenting the frequency of side effects to bring parents on board with vaccinating their children.

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Factors associated with the intention of Syrian adult population to accept COVID19 vaccination: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11361-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Okbah Mohamad ◽

Ali Zamlout ◽

Naseem AlKhoury ◽

Abd Aljawad Mazloum ◽

Marah Alsalkini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Attitudinal Factors ◽

Population Demographic

Abstract Background and objectives With global efforts to develop and deliver a COVID-19 vaccine rapidly, vaccine hesitancy stands as a barrier to these efforts. We aimed to estimate the proportion of Syrian adult population intending to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and, principally, to assess the demographic and attitudinal factors associated with it in order to approach suitable solutions. Methods An anonymous online questionnaire was conducted between 23rd December 2020 and 5th January 2021 in various provinces in Syria. A total of 3402 adults were sampled to reflect the population demographic factors. Attitudinal factors included Covid-19 fears, risks, and beliefs on the origin. Vaccination hesitancy and knowledge were also measured. The intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was the primary endpoint. Results According to their statements, 1222 participants (35.92%) will consent to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Our findings indicate that male gender, younger age, rural residence, not having children, smoking, fear about COVID-19, individual perceived severity, believing in the natural origin of the coronavirus, and high vaccination knowledge were positive predictors of embracing COVID-19 vaccine when it is available. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate is considerably poor across Syrian population compared to populations in developed countries. Vaccine hesitancy is closely bound to the fear of side effects and doubts about vaccine efficacy. Factors such as conspiracy beliefs and myths about the vaccine lower vaccine uptake. Thus, interventional educational campaigns are increasingly required to overcome misinformation and avert low vaccination acceptance rates.

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Investigating the Influence of Vaccine Literacy, Vaccine Perception and Vaccine Hesitancy on Israeli Parents’ Acceptance of the COVID-19 Vaccine for Their Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9121391 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1391

Author(s):

Yulia Gendler ◽

Lani Ofri

Keyword(s):

Health Care Providers ◽

Adult Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Care Providers ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

And Behavior

Vaccination is currently the most effective strategy for combating COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines were introduced to the adult population in Israel in early December 2020 and have been available for children aged 12–15 since June 2021. Our study aimed at assessing the influence of vaccine literacy, perception, hesitancy, and behavior on Israeli parents’ intentions to have their children vaccinated. Using an anonymous online questionnaire, we recruited 520 parents; 70.4% of the parents indicated that they would get their children vaccinated. The participants’ COVID-19 vaccination status was the only socio-demographic factor significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination acceptability (OR = 32.89; 95%CI = [13.11, 82.54]). The most common sources of information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine were health-care providers and the Internet. Parents who intend to vaccinate their children had higher mean levels of vaccine literacy (2.99 ± 0.47 vs. 3.07 ± 0.44 respectively, p = 0.06), more positive perception of the vaccine (mean scores of 2.26 ± 0.75 vs. 3.44 ± 0.68 respectively, p < 0.001), and lower perceived vaccine hesitancy (7.53 ± 2.37 vs. 4.68 ± 2.71 respectively, p < 0.001) than parents who do not intend to do so. Vaccine behavior was measured using the 5C model of psychological antecedents. All 5C components were significantly correlated with parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children. Understanding of parents’ willingness to have their children receive the COVID-19 vaccine and the barriers to and facilitators of the vaccination is crucial, as vaccination of children aged 5–11 has recently been approved by the FDA. Providing the population with reliable information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine is an important measure in the attempt to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

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Global Prevalence and Drivers of Dental Students’ COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9060566 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 566

Author(s):

Abanoub Riad ◽

Huthaifa Abdulqader ◽

Mariana Morgado ◽

Silvi Domnori ◽

Michal Koščík ◽

...

Keyword(s):

International Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dental Students ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Related Attitude ◽

The Media ◽

Acceptance Levels

Background: Acceleration of mass vaccination strategies is the only pathway to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare professionals and students have a key role in shaping public opinion about vaccines. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of dental students globally towards COVID-19 vaccines and explore the potential drivers for students’ acceptance levels. Methods: A global cross-sectional study was carried out in February 2021 using an online questionnaire. The study was liaised by the scientific committee of the International Association of Dental Students (IADS), and data were collected through the national and local coordinators of IADS member organizations. The dependent variable was the willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine, and the independent variables included demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related experience, and the drivers of COVID-19 vaccine-related attitude suggested by the WHO SAGE. Results: A total of 6639 students from 22 countries, representing all world regions, responded to the questionnaire properly. Their mean age was 22.1 ± 2.8 (17–40) years, and the majority were females (70.5%), in clinical years (66.8%), and from upper-middle-income economies (45.7%). In general, 22.5% of dental students worldwide were hesitant, and 13.9% rejected COVID-19 vaccines. The students in low- and lower-middle-income (LLMI) economies had significantly higher levels of vaccine hesitancy compared to their peers in upper-middle- and high-income (UMHI) economies (30.4% vs. 19.8%; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The global acceptance level of dental students for COVID-19 vaccines was suboptimal, and their worrisome level of vaccine hesitancy was influenced by the socioeconomic context where the dental students live and study. The media and social media, public figures, insufficient knowledge about vaccines, and mistrust of governments and the pharmaceutical industry were barriers to vaccination. The findings of this study call for further implementation of epidemiology (infectious diseases) education within undergraduate dental curricula.

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Intention to Be Vaccinated for COVID-19 among Italian Nurses during the Pandemic

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050500 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 500

Author(s):

Marco Trabucco Aurilio ◽

Francesco Saverio Mennini ◽

Simone Gazzillo ◽

Laura Massini ◽

Matteo Bolcato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Efficacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vaccine Development ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Effective Vaccine ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Sex

Background: While the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally, health systems are overwhelmed by both direct and indirect mortality from other treatable conditions. COVID-19 vaccination was crucial to preventing and eliminating the disease, so vaccine development for COVID-19 was fast-tracked worldwide. Despite the fact that vaccination is commonly recognized as the most effective approach, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine hesitancy is a global health issue. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of nurses in four different regions in Italy between 20 and 28 December 2020 to obtain data on the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination in order to plan specific interventions to increase the rate of vaccine coverage. Results: A total of 531 out of the 5000 nurses invited completed the online questionnaire. Most of the nurses enrolled in the study (73.4%) were female. Among the nurses, 91.5% intended to accept vaccination, whereas 2.3% were opposed and 6.2% were undecided. Female sex and confidence in vaccine efficacy represent the main predictors of vaccine intention among the study population using a logistic regression model, while other factors including vaccine safety concerns (side effects) were non-significant. Conclusions: Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, intention to be vaccinated was suboptimal among nurses in our sample. We also found a significant number of people undecided as to whether to accept the vaccine. Contrary to expectations, concerns about the safety of the vaccine were not found to affect the acceptance rate; nurses’ perception of vaccine efficacy and female sex were the main influencing factors on attitudes toward vaccination in our sample. Since the success of the COVID-19 immunization plan depends on the uptake rate, these findings are of great interest for public health policies. Interventions aimed at increasing employee awareness of vaccination efficacy should be promoted among nurses in order to increase the number of vaccinated people.

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Public awareness and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine: An online cross-sectional survey, conducted in the first phase of vaccination drive in India

10.21203/rs.3.rs-324238/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Arumuganainar Suresh ◽

Rocktotpal Konwarh ◽

Anand Pratap Singh ◽

Anand Krishna Tiwari

Keyword(s):

Public Awareness ◽

Clinical Trial Data ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Specific Complex ◽

Context Specific ◽

Knowledge And Acceptance

Abstract The context-specific, complex issue of ‘vaccine hesitancy’ is explicated in terms of delay or refusal of vaccination despite the availability of vaccine services. Although eleven million beneficiaries were administered the COVID-19 vaccine in India from 16th January 2021 till 20th February 2021, however, proportionately a low turnout has been registered in various parts of the country, possibly attributable to hesitance/apprehension towards the current vaccination. In this backdrop, we report the response (collected between Feb 1, 2021 and Feb 15, 2021) of 358 voluntary respondents who participated in an online questionnaire-based pan-India survey, executed to assess their knowledge and acceptance towards the current COVID-19 vaccination program in its first phase. The survey questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics of the respondents and queries pertaining to knowledge (7 items) and acceptance (3 items). The overall correct rate and the average knowledge score of the participants were 78 % and 5.46 ± 1.4/7 respectively. The acceptance score was 3.50 ± 1.6/5 while 70 % of participants agreed against the 20 % of respondents who neither agreed nor disagreed to take the vaccine. Around 66 % believed that the vaccines, currently being administered in India are safe. Fear about possible side effects (44 %) and inadequacy of comprehensive clinical trial data (29 %), seemed to be the major players in fortifying the vaccine hesitancy among the respondents, exhibiting negative acceptance. Although maximum respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge (82%) and acceptance (88%), significant differences were observed among some demographic variables. In general, a positive correlation was observed between knowledge and acceptance against a negative correlation, observed in specific provinces. Despite the good acceptance and knowledge, a considerable fraction of the participants (30%) expressed hesitancy. Counselling, mobilization, and feedback from vaccinated individuals about safety should be encouraged. However, due to the limited sample size, we must be cautious when generalizing these findings. Nevertheless, the major elucidations of this study may be utilized in planning vaccination campaigns in further phases.

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DETERMINANTS OF COVID-19 VACCINE ACCEPTANCE AMONG THE GENERAL ADULT POPULATION IN CHENNAI – A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

10.36106/gjra/3908527 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 12-14

Author(s):

Monica Kalyanaraman ◽

Parameswari Srijayanth ◽

Srinivas Govindarajulu

Keyword(s):

Public Perception ◽

Online Survey ◽

Adult Population ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Total N ◽

Study Objective ◽

The People

Background: Coronavirus outbreak was a highly unpredicted global burden that caused millions of deaths across the world. Vaccination against the infection declines the morbidity and mortality rates. This study objective aims to determine the reasons for the vaccine acceptance. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted through an online survey among the people living in chennai, Tamilnadu. An E-survey Google forms are circulated through the social platforms and email. Excluding the non-response all the data gained was descriptively analyzed. Results: Out of total (n =376 ≥ 18 years) participants majority of them showed High acceptance and got already vaccinated whereas some revealed the fear of vaccine safety and risk effects. Vaccine hesitancy is seen in terms of lack of trust and proper awareness, myths about adverse effects. In addition our ndings positively convey the knowledge of effective preventive measures for infection and proper following of government guidelines. Conclusion: The study outcomes even though shows willingness of the people in receiving the vaccine at some point still a notable interruption is seen. Prioritization should be given to those critical areas to inuence the public perception about vaccine benets because now vaccination is the only essential measure to suppress the healthcare pressure which halts the covid 19 infection.

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EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIPHTERIA IN PURWAKARTA REGENCY INDONESIA

Epidemiology and Society Health Review (ESHR) ◽

10.26555/eshr.v1i1.935 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 9

Author(s):

Siwi Pramatama Mars Wijayanti ◽

Alfianti Nur Fadillah

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Community Leader ◽

Local Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Programs ◽

Preventive Effort ◽

Infected Adult ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Background: Diphtheria is considered as a neglected disease since it was successfully eliminated in many countries. However, there were several sporadic re-emergence cases of Diphtheria and the peak was outbreak in Indonesia in 2017. This research was a descriptive study aimed to explore epidemiology of diphtheria by person, time and place in one of diphtheria endemic area.Methods: This was a descriptive study with cross sectional design in Purwakarta Regency, West Java, Indonesia in 2018. Several data were collected in this study such as diphtheria cases by age, time of occurrence, gender, place and immunization status. The data was collected from Purwakarta Health Office. It was the data from the year of 2015-2017. The data was analysed by using descriptive analysis with percentages displayed in graphs and tables.Results: This study reveals that Purwakarta regency is an endemic area of diphtheria with fluctuated cases since 2015-2017. More cases of diphtheria occurred from September to December in rainy season. More cases suffered by children in 5-9 years old, however, this disease also infected adult population. The area with high diphtheria cases in this study also areas with high population densities which is conducive for C diphteriae transmission. Low coverage of immunization is highlighted in the result of this study, which could explain why diphtheria cases occurred continuously in this area.Conclusions: High number of diphtherias in this area should be an awareness for local health officer to do an effective preventive effort such as increasing the coverage of vaccination. Furthermore, optimizing the role of religious and community leader should be made to support diphtheria vaccination programs.

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Perspectives of primary care physicians on acceptance and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination

Family Medicine and Community Health ◽

10.1136/fmch-2021-001228 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. e001228

Author(s):

Philip Day ◽

Chance Strenth ◽

Neelima Kale ◽

F David Schneider ◽

Elizabeth Mayfield Arnold

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Family Medicine ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Local Community ◽

Professional Associations ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Patient Concerns

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of primary care physicians in Texas around vaccine acceptance and potential patient barriers to vaccination. National surveys have shown fluctuating levels of acceptance for COVID-19 vaccination, and primary care physicians could play a crucial role in increasing vaccine uptake.DesignThis study employed a cross-sectional anonymous survey design to collect data using an online questionnaire. Participants were asked about vaccination practices and policies at their practice site, perceptions of patient and community acceptance and confidence in responding to patient vaccine concerns.SettingFrom November 2020 to January 2021, family medicine physicians and paediatricians completed an online questionnaire on COVID-19 vaccination that was distributed by professional associations.ParticipantsThe survey was completed by 573 practising physicians, the majority of whom identified as family medicine physicians (71.0%) or paediatricians (25.7%), who are currently active in professional associations in Texas.ResultsAbout three-fourths (74.0%) of participants reported that they would get the vaccine as soon as it became available. They estimated that slightly more than half (59.2%) of their patients would accept the vaccine, and 67.0% expected that the COVID-19 vaccine would be accepted in their local community. The majority of participants (87.8%) reported always, almost always or usually endorsing vaccines, including high levels of intention to recommend COVID-19 vaccination (81.5%). Participants felt most confident responding to patient concerns related to education about vaccine types, safety and necessity and reported least confidence in responding to personal or religious objections to COVID-19 vaccination.ConclusionsThe majority of the physicians surveyed stated that they would receive the COVID-19 vaccination when it was available to them and were confident in their ability to respond to patient concerns. With additional education, support and shifting COVID-19 vaccinations into primary care settings, primary care physicians can use the trust they have built with their patients to address vaccine hesitancy and potentially increase acceptance and uptake.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in a Representative Education Sector Population in Qatar

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9060665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 665

Author(s):

Reem Al-Mulla ◽

Marawan Abu-Madi ◽

Qusai M. Talafha ◽

Reema F. Tayyem ◽

Atiyeh M. Abdallah

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Vaccine Development ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Virus ◽

International Travel ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Programs

Even though vaccination programs have now started in earnest across the globe and in Qatar, vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to effectively tackling the pandemic. Many factors influence willingness to take vaccines including safety, efficacy, and side effects. Given their proximity to research and education, university students and employees represent an interesting cohort in which to investigate vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of Qatar University employees and students towards the COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 231 employees and 231 students participated in an online cross-sectional study in February 2021. Of the sample, 62.6% were willing to take a vaccine against COVID-19. Participants with or taking postgraduate degrees were more willing to take the vaccine compared to participants with or taking a diploma or bachelor’s degree (p < 0.001). Males had a higher rate of vaccine acceptance (p < 0.001). In the group that regarded flu vaccination as important, 13% were unwilling to take COVID-19 vaccine. There were no associations between willingness to vaccinate and vaccine/virus knowledge and social media use. Participants showed a high level of concern regarding vaccine side effects in themselves or their children. Two-thirds agreed or strongly agreed that they would take the vaccine if it was mandatory for international travel. Our participants were neutral to the origin of vaccine development. These findings, which represent data collected after the start of the national vaccination program, show that vaccine hesitancy persists in the Qatari population and that some groups, such as undergraduate students, could benefit from specific, targeted public health campaigns.

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