Ting Li1, Xichenhui Qiu2, Xue Gong3, Rou Zhan2, Xujuan Zheng2. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. 2. School of Nursing, Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. 3. School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Vaccinations programs on 3-17 years aged children in China have been launched in some cities since July 2021; and comparative evaluations are important to push the programs forward. Therefore, this study is conducted to explore the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and it predictors among Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children; and their willingness to vaccinate their child/children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the online survey; and 3484 participants were recruited in health centers of Shenzhen, China. RESULTS: The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 20.7% among Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children; and 2976 participants (89.0%) were reported to be willing or very willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine for their child/children. Perceived trust degree of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 0.766), and perceived effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 0.455) were negatively associated with vaccine hesitancy. Perceived risk degree of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 1.485) positively predicted vaccine hesitancy. Parents with a higher educational level (OR: 0.518) and working in public institution (OR: 0.741) had a lower level of vaccine hesitancy; whereas, parents with liberal professionals had a higher level of vaccine hesitancy (OR: 1.378). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children in Shenzhen City had a higher level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability, compared with adults in Western counties. The significant factors of perceived trust degree, effectiveness, and risk degree of a COVID-19 vaccine, parents' educational level and occupation could predict COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The research results can be useful in supporting the development of effective and targeted children COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in China and worldwide.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Vaccinations programs on 3-17 years aged children in China have been launched in some cities since July 2021; and comparative evaluations are important to push the programs forward. Therefore, this study is conducted to explore the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and it predictors among Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children; and their willingness to vaccinate their child/children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the online survey; and 3484 participants were recruited in health centers of Shenzhen, China. RESULTS: The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 20.7% among Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children; and 2976 participants (89.0%) were reported to be willing or very willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine for their child/children. Perceived trust degree of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 0.766), and perceived effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 0.455) were negatively associated with vaccine hesitancy. Perceived risk degree of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 1.485) positively predicted vaccine hesitancy. Parents with a higher educational level (OR: 0.518) and working in public institution (OR: 0.741) had a lower level of vaccine hesitancy; whereas, parents with liberal professionals had a higher level of vaccine hesitancy (OR: 1.378). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children in Shenzhen City had a higher level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability, compared with adults in Western counties. The significant factors of perceived trust degree, effectiveness, and risk degree of a COVID-19 vaccine, parents' educational level and occupation could predict COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The research results can be useful in supporting the development of effective and targeted children COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in China and worldwide.
Entities:
Keywords:
COVID-19; Chinese parents; children; public health; vaccine; vaccine hesitancy