COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Vaccine Acceptance Among Students From Two Major Public Universities in Thailand: A Comparison Between Health Sciences and Non-Health Sciences Disciplines

Abstract

Data on COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine acceptance among students is vital to inform appropriate COVID-19 preventive strategies. A survey was conducted online among students from 12 health sciences (HS) and 16 non-health sciences (NHS) faculties of two universities during 2021–2022. Of the 1,728 participating students, 613 (35%) were from the HS faculties, and 1,115 (65%) were from the NHS faculties. The HS students had a significantly higher median knowledge score about COVID-19 than the NHS students (15 vs. 14). Most students strongly agreed that people should have an equal chance to select and get the COVID-19 vaccines they want. The HS students were more likely than the NHS students to agree that wearing masks and social distancing can reduce the risk of acquiring COVID-19. At the same time, the NHS students were more likely to agree that the decision about vaccination is highly affected by the population’s confidence in their government. The overall COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was 99.3%, similar for both student groups. Concerns about vaccine efficacy, safety, and availability of wanted vaccines were the main reasons for vaccination refusal. Improving COVID-19 prevention and vaccination should consider the differential knowledge gaps, attitudes toward COVID-19, and the reasons for refusing vaccination among students.