Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Intention among the Saudi Arabian Population: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The long-term solution to managing the current COVID-19 pandemic is through mass immunization of the population. However, uncertainty or unwillingness to receive the vaccine could be a barrier in attaining sufficient vaccine coverage. Therefore, understanding the psychology of the population towards the vaccines against COVID-19 is of paramount importance. Our study was aimed at determining the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine intention in the Saudi Arabian population. A structured questionnaire guided by the 'Report of the SAGE working group on vaccine hesitancy' was administered during a span of two months among the general population from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. In total, 879 out of 1600 subjects responded and completed the survey (response rate 54.9%). About 56 percent of the participants intended to be vaccinated. The predictors of a higher intention to vaccinate included those 50 years of age or older, male subjects, people suffering from systemic disease/s, subjects who were not previously infected with COVID-19, those who follow the updates about COVID-19 vaccines, and adults with a higher level of anxiety about contracting coronavirus (p < 0.05). Results from our study and other similar studies can aid policy makers and stakeholders in planning effective strategies based on the changing behavior of the population.

Automated summary

The study reveals that the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the Saudi Arabian population is influenced by factors such as age, gender, health condition, level of information about the pandemic, and anxiety about contracting the virus. Results from this study and similar studies can assist policymakers and stakeholders in developing effective strategies based on population behavior changes.