Uncertainty and unwillingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in adults residing in Puerto Rico: Assessment of perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. Issue 10 (3rd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: López-Cepero, Andrea; Cameron, Stephanie; Negrón, Lyz E.; Colón-López, Vivian; Colón-Ramos, Uriyoán; Mattei, Josiemer; Fernández-Repollet, Emma; Pérez, Cynthia M.
• Is Part Of: Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics. Volume 17:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 3441
• Page End: 3449
• Publication Date: 2021-10-03
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- vaccination -- intention -- health belief model -- Puerto Rico; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1938921
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-5515

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Widespread vaccination against COVID-19 is essential to control the pandemic. Estimates of unwillingness and uncertainty toward COVID-19 vaccination and factors associated with it remain unclear among adults in Puerto Rico (PR). Objective : To examine factors associated with uncertainty and unwillingness of COVID-19 vaccination among adults in PR. Methods : The Health Belief Model was used to develop an online survey. Analyses included adjusted logistic regressions (aOR). A total of 1, 911 adults completed the survey from December 2020 to February 2021. Results : Overall, 76.2% were females, 33.7% were aged 50 or older, and 82.7% reported an intent to get vaccinated. Individuals who did not perceive that their chances of getting COVID-19 were high (aOR = 2.94; 95%CI = 2.24–3.86), that getting COVID-19 was not a possibility for them (aOR = 2.86; 95%CI = 2.19–3.74), or unafraid of getting COVID-19 (aOR = 3.80; 95%CI = 2.76–5.23) had higher odds of uncertainty and unwillingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Participants who perceived that COVID-19 complications were not serious also had higher odds of uncertainty and unwillingness (aOR = 7.50; 95%CI = 3.94–14.3), whereas those who did not perceive that they would get very sick with COVID-19 had 89% increased odds. Those who agreed that they would only take the vaccine if many individuals took it had higher odds of uncertainty and unwillingness (aOR = 3.32; 95%CI = 2.49–4.43). The most reported reasons for uncertainty and unwillingness toward COVID-19 vaccination were vaccine safety (63.8%), efficacy (49.4%), and novelty (45.5%). Discussion : Although COVID-19 vaccination intent was high, the study highlights concern over vaccine safety and efficacy that should be addressed by public health campaigns and interventions to enhance vaccine uptake.