COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and associated factors among patients attending an outpatient psychiatry clinic at a teaching hospital in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Vaccination of people against COVID-19 infection has shown success in limiting the complications of the infection. Certain populations such as people with psychiatric illnesses are found to be vulnerable to develop COVID-19 and its complications. Aims: The objectives of this study were to determine the vaccine acceptance or hesitancy and their determinants among patients taking treatment for psychiatric disorders at the psychiatry clinic of a teaching hospital in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Methods: Consenting patients among those who were attending the psychiatry clinic were administered a semi-structured questionnaire to determine the vaccine acceptance or hesitance in obtaining the vaccination, and their determinants. Results: The majority (>89%) of the study population had accepted the COVID vaccine. The majority (>90%) of the patients who rejected the vaccine were less than 25 years and had refused it due to the fear of its side effects and doubts about the safety of the vaccine. Conclusions: All stakeholders should take extra efforts to target the younger population with psychiatric illnesses to educate them regarding the safety and side effects of the COVID vaccines to maximize the vaccination rates and also prevent the occurrence of COVID-19 infection and its complications.