Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian older adults.

Abstract

We examined the predictive factors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian older adults. Vaccine hesitancy among older adults is influenced by several factors. This study employed a cross-sectional design. Online surveys were conducted between November 2021 and April 2022. The surveys included socio-demographic variables, COVID-19 vaccine-related information, the Vaccine Attitude Examination Scale and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Participants were 350 older adults (aged 68.1 ± 7.21 years; 62.9% females). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of correlated variables on the explanation of anti-vaccination attitudes. Participants reported a moderate level of fear of COVID-19 and a moderate level of hesitancy towards receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The linear regression model revealed that several chronic illnesses, fear of COVID-19 and number of family incidences of COVID-19 explained vaccine hesitancy. Raising awareness among older adults about the desired effect of the COVID-19 vaccine in terms of minimizing hospitalization, disease consequences and mortality rate is required. Well-tailored interventions are essential to reduce vaccine hesitancy among older adults and reinforce the importance of receiving the vaccine for those with multi-morbidities.