COVID-19 and Vaccine Hesitancy: Individual Determinants Among Saudis in Asir Region

Abstract

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious and quickly spreading disease, especially if associated with poor awareness and unwanted behavioral practices. Unvaccinated people are at high risk of infection, mortality, and morbidity. Practices and intent toward the COVID-19 vaccine are mainly influenced by the perception of vaccine safety. This study aimed to assess the perception, practices, intent, and challenges toward the COVID-19 vaccine in Asir region, Saudi Arabia. MethodologyA quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among the available population in Asir region, southwest of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from participants using a semi-structured electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections on participants' socio-demographic data and their family and personal history of COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their daily life were assessed. The second section of the questionnaire included knowledge questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine with only one correct answer for each question. The last section covered participants' attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine and their intent to take the vaccine with their previous vaccination practice. ResultsA total of 756 participants who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 65 years, with a mean age of 22.6 ± 12.8 years. A total of 518 respondents were females. Regarding the level of education, 72.2% were university graduates or postgraduates, and 195 (25.8%) were in high school. Regarding the overall knowledge level toward the COVID-19 vaccine among study participants, 420 (55.6%) participants had good knowledge regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 158 (20.9%) participants were of the view that the COVID-19 vaccine is risky. Approximately 26.9% of the participants were told by their doctor that vaccination is necessary, and 49.3% thought that they need more information about the COVID-19 vaccine. ConclusionsThis study revealed that public awareness regarding the COVID-19 vaccine was satisfactory, especially concerning its benefit in reducing infection and associated complications; however, poor awareness was reported regarding their perception of the pandemic and COVID-19 vaccine definition.

Knowledge, levels of acceptance and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccine among general population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…Furthermore, 79.65% participants considered COVID-19 vaccines as necessary preventive measure in controlling the disease. These findings are in line with the previous study which also reported good knowledge of the participants about COVID-19 vaccination [34]. This good level of knowledge might be due to majority of educated participants in our study.…”

Knowledge, attitude and practices towards SARS-CoV-2 genetic mutations and emerging variants among the population in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

“…Thus, the authorities can take initiatives to improve awareness among unvaccinated people regarding the safety and importance of vaccines. Another Saudi Arabian study reported that the lower awareness regarding COVID-19 and vaccines can be a reason for people having low levels of knowledge 44. Our KAP study also mirrored the fact that the people who are careless about COVID-19 had poor knowledge, poor attitudes towards the variant strains, and did not follow the proper practices like a survey result in Ethiopia.…”

“…Another Saudi Arabian study reported that the lower awareness regarding COVID-19 and vaccines can be a reason for people having low levels of knowledge. 44 Our KAP study also mirrored the fact that the people who are careless about COVID-19 had poor knowledge, poor attitudes towards the variant strains, and did not follow the proper practices like a survey result in Ethiopia. In that survey, the authors observed that the people who did not have access to the TV were associated with poor practice.…”