What Demographic, Social, and Contextual Factors Influence the Intention to Use COVID-19 Vaccines: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 crisis, an apparent growth in vaccine hesitancy has been noticed due to different factors and reasons. Therefore, this scoping review was performed to determine the prevalence of intention to use COVID-19 vaccines among adults aged 18–60, and to identify the demographic, social, and contextual factors that influence the intention to use COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: This scoping review was conducted by using the methodological framework for scoping review outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. A search strategy was carried out on four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. All peer-reviewed articles published between November 2019 and December 2020 were reviewed. Data were extracted to identify the prevalence of, and factors that influence, the intention to use COVID-19 vaccines. Results: A total of 48 relevant articles were identified for inclusion in the review. Outcomes presented fell into seven themes: demographics, social factors, vaccination beliefs and attitudes, vaccine-related perceptions, health-related perceptions, perceived barriers, and vaccine recommendations. Age, gender, education level, race/ethnicity, vaccine safety and effectiveness, influenza vaccination history, and self-protection from COVID-19 were the most prominent factors associated with intention to use COVID-19 vaccines. Furthermore, the majority of studies (n = 34/48) reported a relatively high prevalence of intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with a range from 60% to 93%. Conclusion: This scoping review enables the creation of demographic, social, and contextual constructs associated with intention to vaccinate among the adult population. These factors are likely to play a major role in any targeted vaccination programs, particularly COVID-19 vaccination. Thus, our review suggests focusing on the development of strategies to promote the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to overcome vaccine hesitancy and refusal. These strategies could include transparent communication, social media engagement, and the initiation of education programs.

Motivation for COVID-19 Vaccination in Priority Occupational Groups: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…The general perception of the COVID-19 vaccine, attitudes among the population and vaccine acceptance, result from a complex combination of demographic, psychological, behavioral, and social factors. A review of 48 articles about the intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 conducted among the general population found that a person’s age (advanced), sex (male), education level, race/ethnicity, perception of vaccine safety and effectiveness, influenza vaccination history, and self-protection from COVID-19 were all prominent factors associated with the intention to accept the vaccine [ 18 , 19 ].…”

Critical care during a pandemic —Are we prepared for the ethical dilemma?

“…Partly being organized with the hidden agenda of disseminating extremist ideas [ 12 ], this development often stems from a mistrust towards established political systems – rooted in minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, and fueled by social media campaigns and fake news [ 10 , [13] , [14] , [15] ]. Countermeasures as involving scientific experts in the ongoing discussion are only sometimes productive [ 14 , 16 ], and even highly educated population groups may be in need of additional information around vaccinations to increase an informed decision making [ 13 ]. For already-stretched healthcare personnel, the violation of the moral principle not to inflict harm upon others through their own actions [ 17 ] is hard to take – for instance, if you can directly see a demonstration outside through the hospital window when you are about to intubate a critically-ill COVID-19 patient [ 11 ].…”

“…So far, laypersons' knowledge about potential clinical courses of COVID-19 probably originates from media coverage. However, those with the highest risk for an unfavourable course are the still unvaccinated, not susceptible for scientific educatory measures [ 14 , 16 ]. But are they then prepared for the possibility of intensive care on the one- and resource shortage on the other hand?…”

“…What if a vaccinated and an unvaccinated patient both need the last available intensive care unit bed? Special targeted programs with an attempt to educate risk groups may be feasible to boost both health literacy and vaccination rates, and should therefore be quickly developed [ 16 ].…”

Cross-sectional assessment of predictors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake: an online survey in Greece

“…In particular, socio-demographic variables (e.g. gender, age, race/ethnicity, and educational level), influenza vaccination history, self-protection from COVID-19, risk perception of COVID-19 infection, fear of COVID-19, concerns about the efficacy, side effects and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, and trust in authorities are the most prominent factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination willingness (AlShurman et al, 2021; Joshi et al, 2021; Q Wang et al, 2021).…”