Tehniat F Ahmed1, Affan Ahmed2, Sheharyar Ahmed3, Haadi U Ahmed3. 1. Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. 2. Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. 3. Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Even as countries ramp up their COVID-19 vaccination programs, the attitudes of the population remain a determining player in the success of these plans. This study analyses the factors associated with intent to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the Pakistani population. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was carried out in April 2021. Participants' demographic details, experiences relating to COVID-19 and its vaccination, and their health beliefs were inquired and divided across Health Belief Model constructs. Multivariable regression was used to determine factors associated with a No/Not sure vs Yes response for vaccination intention. RESULTS: Of the 655 respondents, 62.0% were willing to get vaccinated. Significant predictors of a less likelihood of resisting vaccination included advanced age (AOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.07-0.88), fear of contracting COVID-19 (AOR 0.47; 95% CI 0.27-0.82), hope of preventing its spread (AOR 0.30; 95% CI 0.19-0.49), and community pressure (AOR 0.22; 95% CI 0.13-0.37). Concerns about vaccine reliability (AOR 2.75; 95% CI 1.67-4.53), and religious inhibitions (AOR 2.45; 95% CI 1.34-4.48) swayed people away from vaccination. CONCLUSION: Despite a reasonably good response of Pakistanis to vaccination, factors negatively influencing their intention need to be timely addressed to control this pandemic.
BACKGROUND: Even as countries ramp up their COVID-19 vaccination programs, the attitudes of the population remain a determining player in the success of these plans. This study analyses the factors associated with intent to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the Pakistani population. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was carried out in April 2021. Participants' demographic details, experiences relating to COVID-19 and its vaccination, and their health beliefs were inquired and divided across Health Belief Model constructs. Multivariable regression was used to determine factors associated with a No/Not sure vs Yes response for vaccination intention. RESULTS: Of the 655 respondents, 62.0% were willing to get vaccinated. Significant predictors of a less likelihood of resisting vaccination included advanced age (AOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.07-0.88), fear of contracting COVID-19 (AOR 0.47; 95% CI 0.27-0.82), hope of preventing its spread (AOR 0.30; 95% CI 0.19-0.49), and community pressure (AOR 0.22; 95% CI 0.13-0.37). Concerns about vaccine reliability (AOR 2.75; 95% CI 1.67-4.53), and religious inhibitions (AOR 2.45; 95% CI 1.34-4.48) swayed people away from vaccination. CONCLUSION: Despite a reasonably good response of Pakistanis to vaccination, factors negatively influencing their intention need to be timely addressed to control this pandemic.
Entities:
Keywords:
Barriers; COVID-19; Health Belief Model; Pakistan; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination; Willingness
Authors: Rubeena Zakar; Ain Ul Momina; Ruhma Shahzad; Sara Shahzad; Mahwish Hayee; Muhammad Zakria Zakar; Florian Fischer Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-10-08 Impact factor: 4.614