Acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine and its related determinants among the general adult population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic caused by a highly infectious respiratory virus (SARS-CoV-2). With all the consequences that threaten the health of the individual and society due to this infection, it has become necessary to have a vaccination that limits the spread of this virus. Objectives: To assess the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabians and to uncover the barriers associated with vaccination. Method: This was a cross-sectional study of 518 subjects, who gave their responses through an online Google form. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. The level of significance was 0.05%. Results: The vaccine acceptance rate was 68.7%; it was significantly more common among people in Makkah city, among those with high income, and those with relatives who had the COVID-19 infection. The majority of those who accepted the vaccine were advised by health care workers (p < 0.05). Sound knowledge, attitude and practice were significantly behind increased acceptance of the vaccination against COVID-19 infection. Health care workers have a significant role in convincing people to accept the vaccine. Web sites and smartphones are important channels to increase the acceptance of the population. Conclusions: About one-third of the population did not accept the vaccine, particularly, those with low income. Increasing the knowledge of the people about the clinical aspects, and health impact of the virus of COVID-19 on the community are important intervention tools to increase the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination among the population. Keywords: COVI-19, KAP, clinical aspects and acceptance of COVID-19 infection.