Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Egyptian healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

BMC Infect Dis. 2021 Aug 5;21(1):762. doi: 10.1186/s12879-021-06392-1.

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy in general and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in particular. Understanding the factors driving the uncertainty regarding vaccination against COVID-19 is crucial.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed to identify the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards COVID-19 vaccines and determine the predictive factors that affect their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. An online survey was distributed among HCWs to collect data assessing demographic and general characteristics of the participants and vaccine-related characteristics, including source of information about the vaccine. In addition to items assessing the perception of COVID-19, there were items on COVID-19 vaccines and attitude towards vaccination in general and towards COVID-19 vaccines in particular.

Results: The participants were classified according to their willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine as follows: hesitant (41.9%), refusing (32.1%), and willing (26%). Statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups for the perception of COVID-19 vaccines, attitude towards vaccination in general, and COVID-19 vaccines in particular (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Although the participants adequately perceived COVID-19 severity, prevention, and COVID-19 vaccine safety, they were widely hesitant or refused to be vaccinated. A multidimensional approach is required to increase the vaccine acceptability rate. Higher income and increased years of work experience are positive predictors of willingness to receive a vaccine. Thus, further studies addressing the scope of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are warranted as an initial step to build trust in COVID-19 vaccination efforts with continuous monitoring of attitudes and practices of HCWs towards COVID-19 vaccines in the future.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; COVID-19 vaccine; Egypt; Second wave; Vaccine hesitancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Egypt
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vaccination / psychology*
  • Vaccination Refusal / psychology*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines