Attitudes of University Students towards Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policies: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Rome, Italy

Abstract

Mandatory vaccination (MV) against COVID-19 is a contentious topic. In this study, we used logistic regression models to identify attitudes among Sapienza University students towards MV for COVID-19. We considered three different scenarios: mandatory COVID-19 vaccination (MCV) for healthcare workers (HCWs) (Model 1), for all people aged ≥ 12 years (Model 2), and for admission to schools and universities (Model 3). We collected 5287 questionnaires over a six-month period and divided these into three groups (September–October 2021, November–December 2021, and January–February 2022). MCV for HCWs was the most strongly supported policy (69.8% in favour), followed by MCV for admission to schools and universities (58.3%), and MCV for the general population (54.6%). In a multivariable analysis, the models showed both similarities and differences. There was no association of socio-demographic characteristics with the outcomes, apart from being enrolled in non-healthcare courses, which negatively affected Models 2 and 3. A greater COVID-19 risk perception was generally associated with a more positive attitude towards MCV, although heterogeneously across models. Vaccination status was a predictor of being in favour of MCV for HCWs, whereas being surveyed in November–February 2022 favoured MCV for admission to schools and universities. Attitudes towards MCV were variable across policies; thus, to avoid unintended consequences, these aspects should be carefully considered by policymakers.

Adherence to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Recommendations among Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rome, Italy

“…Despite this value being slightly lower than the 85% officially reported by the National Institute of Health in the same period for the general Italian population in the age range 40–59 years [ 22 , 23 ], an age category comparable with that of our sample, it was higher than that found in Australia [ 24 ] and Mexico [ 25 ] among people who injected drugs (41% and 39%, respectively). Hence, these data suggest that the vaccination policies adopted by the Italian government, such as the implementation of mandatory vaccinations for specific subgroups of workers or people aged 50 or above, together with the introduction of a green pass for everyone who wanted to enter public locations, may have contributed to the relatively high degree of vaccine uptake in the SUD subgroup, directly or indirectly [ 26 ]. It is worth mentioning the different times at which the surveys were conducted, with our study enrolling participants one year after the COVID-19 vaccine became available, i.e., from two to four months after the Australian and Mexican investigations; however, it is unlikely that the discrepancy between studies is attributable to this factor alone.…”

“…The perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 is among the most important factors that influence both attitudes and behavior [ 26 , 35 ]. In our study, participants showed greater concern that their loved ones or other people might become infected than that they themselves would contract the virus, suggesting that participants did not feel at particularly high risk of infection.…”

Framing Effects on Willingness and Perceptions towards COVID-19 Vaccination among University Students in Italy: An Exploratory Study

“…Specifically, we are interested in how information framing affects willingness and perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccination among university students in Italy. Previous studies have addressed vaccination intentions and attitudes among university students in Italy [ 20 , 21 ] and in other European countries (e.g., Germany [ 22 ]; see also [ 23 ] for a review).…”