Medical Students' Views and Attitudes toward Vaccine Refusal during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Study

Abstract

Background: The rapid development and production of COVID-19 vaccines have raised concerns about their safety and efficacy, which have contributed to vaccine hesitancy among some people. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the opinions and attitudes of medical students about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy. Methods: Nine hundred seventy-seven volunteer students from three medical faculties participated in this study, and data were collected via an online survey. A questionnaire consisting of 40 items and four parts, including sociodemographic information, COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine rejection, and vaccine hesitancy was used for data collection. In the questionnaire, the students were asked about their desire to be vaccinated, whether they want to be vaccinated for their families, vaccination indecision or rejection, and the reasons for not wanting to be vaccinated. Results: Among the students, the rate of vaccine rejection was 15.4% (n=150), and the rate of vaccine hesitancy was 18.9% (n=185). While 65.7% (n=642) wanted to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the rate of those who wanted their families to be vaccinated was 54.1% (n=529). Age and being in the preclinical period positively affected the vaccination decision, while a history of COVID-19 and being affected by vaccine technology negatively influenced the decision to be vaccinated. The vaccine acceptance rate was significantly higher in men than in women (P=0.002), in preclinical students than in clinical year students (P=0.049), and in those without a history of COVID-19 than in those who had COVID-19 (P<0.001). Conclusion: The attitudes of medical students toward COVID-19 vaccines were positive. However, considering that some students were hesitant to be vaccinated or against vaccination, we think it would be beneficial to integrate positive attitude development programs into the medical education curriculum.