Cross sectional study determinants of community willingness to receive Covid-19 vaccination

Abstract

Vaccines have recently been developed as a treatment for infectious disorders such as Covid-19. Several Covid-19 preventive vaccines are currently being developed, however public acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influence community willingness to undergo Covid-19 immunisation. Using snowball sampling procedures, a web-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken from May 16 to 22, 2021. A semi-structured validated questionnaire covering details about characteristics, perceptions, information, and readiness to get Covid-19 vaccine was used as a research instrument. Data from 288 individuals were analysed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods.Most of the respondents were female (62.8%), aged 21-30 years (27.4%), high school education (40.3%), private employees (38.2%), and Muslim (65.6%). Most believe the safety and effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine (75.0%), declared ineffective (27.8%), declared unsafe (35.8%). Most respondents received information from television (74.7%), and government websites (62.2%). Age (p=0.0005), education level (p=0.0005), employment (p=0.043), and religion (p=0.001) are factors that influence people's desire to take immunizations. Education is a determinant of people's willingness to undergo Covid-19 immunisation (p=0.0005 and OR=3.533). The majority of respondents claimed that the Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective, however the number of respondents wanting to obtain Covid-19 immunisation remains low. Education is a determinant of the public's protective willingness to take Covid-19 immunisation. Covid-19 vaccinations are aimed against those aged 40 and under. In a low-educated population, health promotion initiatives, such as health education sessions, should be held.