Determinants of the willingness of the general population to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in a developing country
10.7774/cevr.2021.10.2.171
- Author:
Abdel-Hameed AL-MISTAREHI
1
;
Khalid A. KHEIRALLAH
;
Ahmed YASSIN
;
Safwan ALOMARI
;
Maryam K. ALEDRISI
;
Ehab M. BANI ATA
;
Nouran H. HAMMAD
;
Asim N. KHANFAR
;
Ali M. IBNIAN
;
Basheer Y. KHASSAWNEH
Author Information
1. Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
2021;10(2):171-182
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Vaccination is a cost-efficient intervention to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to assess the population's willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine in Jordan and investigate potential determinants of their acceptance
Materials and Methods:This study used an online survey distributed in November 2020, before introducing the vaccine, with items investigating socio-demographic characteristics, seasonal flu vaccination history, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance once available, and factors affecting their decision-making. Also, “COVID-19 risk perception” and beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccine benefits and barriers were assessed.
Results:A total of 2,208 participants completed the survey with a participation rate of 13.1%. The mean±standard deviation age was 33.2±13.5, and 55.7% were females. Study participants were almost equally distributed between willingness, unwillingness, and indecision to take the COVID-19 vaccine (30.4%, 36.4%, and 31.5%, respectively). Younger adults, males, and those who were not married, do not have children, have a bachelor or higher education, employees or being students, healthcare workers, and those who reported receiving flu vaccine had higher rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance compared to their counterparts (p<0.001 for each category). COVID-19 risk perception, and perceived vaccine benefits, and barriers were significant predictors of intention. Among those undecided or unwilling to take the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety and side effects were the most common concerns.
Conclusion:The low rate of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in a developing country is alarming, and a significant proportion are indecisive. Interventions to elevate vaccine acceptance by addressing its safety and efficacy and targeting vulnerable groups are recommended.
