A Scoping Review to Find Out Worldwide COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Underlying Determinants

Abstract

Background: The current crisis created by the coronavirus pandemic is impacting all facets of life. Coronavirus vaccines have been developed to prevent coronavirus infection and fight the pandemic. Since vaccines might be the only way to prevent and stop the spread of coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already approved several vaccines, and many countries have started vaccinating people. Misperceptions about vaccines persist despite the evidence of vaccine safety and efficacy. Objectives: To explore the scientific literature and find the determinants for worldwide COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy as reported in the literature. Methods: PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were followed to conduct a scoping review of literature on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and willingness to vaccinate. Several databases (e.g., MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar) were searched to find relevant articles. Intervention- (i.e., COVID-19 vaccine) and outcome- (i.e., hesitancy) related terms were used to search in these databases. The search was conducted on 22 February 2021. Both forward and backward reference lists were checked to find further studies. Three reviewers worked independently to select articles and extract data from selected literature. Studies that used a quantitative survey to measure COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance were included in this review. The extracted data were synthesized following the narrative approach and results were represented graphically with appropriate figures and tables. Results: 82 studies were included in this scoping review of 882 identified from our search. Sometimes, several studies had been performed in the same country, and it was observed that vaccine hesitancy was high earlier and decreased over time with the hope of vaccine efficacy. People in different countries had varying percentages of vaccine uptake (28–86.1%), vaccine hesitancy (10–57.8%), vaccine refusal (0–24%). The most common determinants affecting vaccination intention include vaccine efficacy, vaccine side effects, mistrust in healthcare, religious beliefs, and trust in information sources. Additionally, vaccination intentions are influenced by demographic factors such as age, gender, education, and region. Conclusions: The underlying factors of vaccine hesitancy are complex and context-specific, varying across time and socio-demographic variables. Vaccine hesitancy can also be influenced by other factors such as health inequalities, socioeconomic disadvantages, systemic racism, and level of exposure to misinformation online, with some factors being more dominant in certain countries than others. Therefore, strategies tailored to cultures and socio-psychological factors need to be developed to reduce vaccine hesitancy and aid informed decision-making.

COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal among Nurses Worldwide: Review of Trends and Predictors

“…Despite the unique working situation and risks faced by nurses, the vaccine refusal rates among nurses remain almost similar to other groups of HCWs and somewhat lower than the general population [11][12][13][14][15][16][34][35][36][37][69][70][71][72][73]. Two recent global reviews found that the rates of COVID-19 vaccine refusal were 22% for college students and 18.9% for trainees/students in healthcare professions [12,71].…”

“…Two recent global reviews found that the rates of COVID-19 vaccine refusal were 22% for college students and 18.9% for trainees/students in healthcare professions [12,71]. A recent global review of 82 studies from 45 countries found the vaccination refusal rates worldwide to be in the range of 0-24% [72]. Similarly, one of the earliest meta-analyses with data until November 2020 found that among 81,173 individuals worldwide, the COVID-19 vaccine refusal/hesitancy rates could be 26.7% [73].…”

Prevalence, Knowledge and Potential Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability Among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: Findings and Implications

“…Greater knowledge regarding the effectiveness and side-effects of the vaccine will help with studies showing vaccine hesitancy reduces over time as more knowledge becomes available. 30,54,85,86 This can be facilitated by increasing education among students since we are aware that credible vaccine promoters including physicians can enhance uptake rates. 87,88,89…”

“…19 We are aware of concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, building on general concerns to vaccines fuelled by social media. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] This is perhaps not surprising given the general level of misinformation there has been regarding COVID-19 including the hype surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine for management and prevention, which led to deaths in some countries. 31,32 In addition, the novel technology used enhances scepticism among some since there is no prior experience or success with such vaccines.…”

“…46,47 Reasons for hesitancy include issues of mistrust/confidence in the vaccine and the Government, available information and recommendations, as well as issues of their effectiveness and safety. 29,30,48,49 Encouragingly, hesitancy rates appear to decrease as more information becomes available. 29 Additional factors that influence decision-making regarding the acceptance of the vaccine include attitude, sociodemographic factors including the level of education, political views, and beliefs regarding COVID-19.…”