What Factors Predict COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Intention in College Students?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Increasing COVID-19 vaccine intention in college students is essential to mitigate serious illness and transmission to higher risk populations. We currently do not have an adequate understanding of college students’ perceptions and likelihoods of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Purpose To quantitatively examine the demographic and psychosocial factors that predict college students’ intent of COVID-19 vaccination. Methods Undergraduate students were recruited through general education courses at a public western US university to complete an online survey measuring their perceptions, experiences, and behaviors regarding COVID-19. Two binary logistic regression models ascertained the influence of predictor variables on college students’ vaccination intention. Results Participants (n = 241) were between ages 18 and 24, with a majority identifying as female (74.7%). The final binary logistic regression indicated that perceived susceptibility (Exp (B) = [1.167], p = .002, 95% CI (1.059, 1.286)) significantly predicted likelihood of obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine. Discussion University-based interventions focusing on college students should address perceived susceptibility regarding vaccination to promote uptake in this population. Translation to Health Education Practice Our study emphasizes opportunities for health educators in college settings to implement programming and communication campaigns focusing on perceived susceptibility to better mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.