Sociodemographic and psychosocial factors associated with vaccine hesitancy – results from a longitudinal study in Singapore

Abstract

Singapore has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates, however identifying vaccine-hesitant sub-groups and their concerns is vital given the need for future boosters in vulnerable populations. Furthermore, vaccine hesitancy remains a concern in the event of an emergence of a newer strain that necessitates the rolling out of a new vaccination programme. The aims of this study were to establish the extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the factors influencing it among adults in Singapore using the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS). The study used a longitudinal methodology and participants were recruited in two waves from May 2020 to Sep 2022. In all 858 participants agreed to participate in both waves of the study. The two-factor structure of the VHS scale as established in earlier studies was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The results revealed a two-factor structure of VHS comprising “lack of confidence” and “risks”. Those who had higher stress, resilience, and concerns that they might be infected with COVID-19 at wave 1 were significantly associated with lower ‘lack of confidence’ scores i.e. lower vaccine hesitancy. In comparison, those with higher concerns about inadequate government preventive measures and unemployment at wave 1 were significantly associated with higher ‘lack of confidence’ scores. Those with higher concerns about inadequate government preventive measures in wave 1 were significantly associated with higher ‘risks’ scores i.e. higher vaccine hesitancy. The findings point toward the need for a nuanced messaging that considers the fears expressed by the populace and addresses them directly using clear simple language.

Exploring Perceptions and Practices Regarding Adult Vaccination against Seasonal Influenza, Tetanus, Pneumococcal Disease, Herpes Zoster and COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study in Greece

“…Higher VAX scores, and thus lower trust in the value of adult vaccination, were similarly reported among Turkish refusers, those not intending to vaccinate against COVID-19, and those without prior adult vaccination history [ 31 ]. Vaccine acceptance also correlated positively with confidence in COVID-19 vaccination, as measured with the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Singapore [ 32 ]. Going forward, utilizing scales that go beyond trust and confidence, such as the ATAVAC scale, will be crucial in quantitatively examining vaccine hesitancy and its determinants across different populations.…”

The protective role of resilience and social support against burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The current investigation was part of the larger study examining the impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being in Singapore. Participants comprised 858 Singapore Residents and Permanent residents aged 21 years and above who had agreed to be recontacted during the first phase of the study ( 28 , 29 ). Prior to the commencement of the survey, researchers went through an information sheet detailing the study objectives, procedures, potential benefits, risks, confidentiality as well as the participant’s rights to refuse participation.…”