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Abstract
Background and objectivesWith global efforts to develop and deliver a COVID-19 vaccine rapidly, vaccine hesitancy stands as a barrier to these efforts. We aimed to estimate the proportion of Syrian adult population intending to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and, principally, to assess the demographic and attitudinal factors associated with it in order to approach suitable solutions.MethodsAn anonymous online questionnaire was conducted between 23rd December 2020 and 5th January 2021 in various provinces in Syria. A total of 3402 adults were sampled to reflect the population demographic factors. Attitudinal factors included Covid-19 fears, risks, and beliefs on the origin. Vaccination hesitancy and knowledge were also measured. The intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was the primary endpoint.ResultsAccording to their statements, 1222 participants (35.92%) will consent to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Our findings indicate that male gender, younger age, rural residence, not having children, smoking, fear about COVID-19, individual perceived severity, believing in the natural origin of the coronavirus, and high vaccination knowledge were positive predictors of embracing COVID-19 vaccine when it is available.ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate is considerably poor across Syrian population compared to populations in developed countries. Vaccine hesitancy is closely bound to the fear of side effects and doubts about vaccine efficacy. Factors such as conspiracy beliefs and myths about the vaccine lower vaccine uptake. Thus, interventional educational campaigns are increasingly required to overcome misinformation and avert low vaccination acceptance rates.
Highlights
The outbreaks in human history are old and tragic
This study aims to (i) estimate the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among the adult Syrian population, (ii) determine demographic and attitudinal factors associated with participants intentions, and (iii) measure the population’s general knowledge about vaccinations
Hesitation about COVID-19 vaccine has become the most prominent problem facing health organizations at the present time of the pandemic, and it is clear that efforts must be combined to improve acceptance rates
Summary
The outbreaks in human history are old and tragic. Diseases such as polio, smallpox, and rabies were once significant threats to our existence, but the discovery of vaccines was a breakthrough by reducing the incidence rates of such diseases [1]. Till 14th February 2021 around 107 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 2 million deaths have been reported worldwide [4]. This newly emerging pandemic overwhelmed medical facilities and overloaded the burden on healthcare systems. We aimed to estimate the proportion of Syrian adult population intending to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and, principally, to assess the demographic and attitudinal factors associated with it in order to approach suitable solutions
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