Predictors of receiving COVID-19 vaccine among adult population in Iran: an observational study

BMC Public Health. 2023 Mar 14;23(1):490. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15409-0.

Abstract

Background: Vaccination is one of the best ways to stop the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this regard, uunderstanding the features related to the intention of different populations to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is essential for an effective vaccination program. This study aimed to investigate the vaccination intention predictors in the general adult population of Iran.

Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted on social networks, including Telegram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate predictors associated with the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines, including sociodemographic characteristics, trust, worry, sources of information, and conspiracy beliefs. The main outcomes included unwillingness, undecidedness, and intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Results: Out of 780 respondents, 481 (61.6%) reported an intention to be vaccinated, 214 (27.4%) expressed their undecided status, and 85 (10.9%) reported unwillingness to receive any type of COVID-19 vaccine. A higher age (OR undecided = 0.97, 95% CI (0.96-0.99)), (OR unwilling = 0.97, 95% CI (0.95-0.99)); exposure with COVID-19 (OR unwilling = 0.82, 95% CI (0.76-0.89)), (OR undecided = 0.87, 95% CI (0.83-0.93)) were positively associated with vaccination intentions. No/low trust in vaccines, institutions, concerns about the future of the pandemic, and conspiracy beliefs were strongly and negatively associated with COVID-19 vaccination intentions.

Conclusion: Most Iranians intended to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Higher vaccine acceptance needs to consider demographic features, exposure history, confidence in vaccines, trust in institutions, concerns, and conspiracy beliefs of people.

Keywords: Acceptance; COVID-19 vaccine; Conspiracy; Epidemiology; Hesitancy; Intention; Iran; Pandemic; Trust; Vaccination; Web survey; Willingness.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs
  • Intention
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines