Behavioral and Cultural Insights, a Nationwide Study Based on Repetitive Surveys of WHO Behavioral Insights Tool in Greece Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccine Acceptance

Abstract

Monitoring behavioral and cultural insights during the pandemic is a useful tool to identify factors related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and confront the pandemic’s vast impact. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed according to the “survey tool and guidance” provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). Surveys were conducted by a market research company for five consecutive months, with a sample of 1000 individuals recruited per survey. Vaccination acceptance increased from 55.2% to 67.2%, while the percentage of undecisive individuals decreased from 16.3% to 10.6%. The proportion of vaccine resistant participants remained relatively steady (25–30%). Knowledge about the pandemic and compliance with preventive measures was high (>90%). Factors associated with vaccination included: Increased age, male gender, influenza vaccination, following authorities’ recommendations, being informed by HCWs or formal information sources, care for others, concern about the country’s economic recession and health system overload. Pandemic fatigue was reflected across the surveys, indicated by a decrease in the intention to self-isolate and remain at home when ill. Despite the decrease of undecisive individuals, a firm core of vaccine resistant individuals may be responsible for the relatively lower vaccine coverage compared to northern EU countries. Study results could be useful for developing approaches tailored to a reluctant population.

Post Covid-19 Assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses of Urban & Rural Areas of Different Countries

“…In the week leading up to the poll, the most common COVID-19 prevention measures adopted by households were hand washing with soap and clean water (83.5%) and wearing a face mask (48.5%), followed by staying at home (45.5%) and using alcohol-based sanitizers (Prezerakos et al, 2023). Qualitative data analysis from the focus groups confirmed that study participants knew about COVID-19 prevention strategies.…”

Socioeconomic Inequalities in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Greece and Cyprus during the Pandemic

“…In these populations, the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy and refusal has only been investigated either regionally or based on convenience samples, making recruiting participants accessible to researchers conducting these studies [ 26 , 61 , 62 , 65 ]. These previous studies are usually not in the appropriate depth [ 66 ] or do not systematically investigate social inequality [ 28 , 67 ]. In contrast, our approach involves the recruitment of participants from different settings, regions, and socioeconomic strata.…”

Investigation and Modeling of the Variables of the Decision to Vaccinate as the Foundation of an Algorithm for Reducing Vaccination Reluctance

“…Administrative measures that aided the implementation of public health interventions had varying effects. [42] While in Poland, public health was legally prioritized over individual liberties [43], punitive administrative measures taken against those who violated the regulations were cancelled in Romania due to some legal inconsistencies. In this context, 1.4% of respondents chose to vaccinate because they were afraid of the authorities.…”