Analyzing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among University Students in UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> While vaccines may be a key measure in overcoming the pandemic, their hesitancy among the population may impede the ongoing efforts of governments and health authorities in a country. Universities are considered the hubs of the transition of individuals to young adults, understanding the hesitancy of this population stratum and addressing apprehensions that may exist is of utmost importance. This study aims to explore the attitude and hesitancy of students in UAE universities toward the COVID-19 vaccines along with comparing two particular demographics to see if there exists a difference in outcomes-medical and nonmedical students. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A web-based self-administered questionnaire was sent following Ethics Committee approval, to students at various universities in the UAE containing questions regarding general demographic data, COVID-19 related anamnestic characteristics as well as questions on motivational factors and refusal factors regarding the vaccine. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28, descriptive analyses were performed for the demographic variables and inferential statistics were carried out using Pearson’s Chi-squared (χ<sup>2</sup>) test. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 385 participants consented to the survey, with a majority of female respondents (76.6%). In our demographics which included respondents of an average age of 21 years, 91.4% were expatriates, and 48.1% were based in Dubai. Approximately 67% of those surveyed had been vaccinated, with Sinopharm being the most commonly taken vaccine (70.4%). “Concerns over side effects” seems to be the most common reason for vaccine refusal (58.7%) among all demographics whether vaccinated or not. Our sample included a majority of students with a medical and health sciences background (58.7%), who disagreed more often with the belief that they were completely protected by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as compared to the nonmedical students. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> COVID-19 vaccination rates among university students in UAE are lower than the national average, demonstrating the importance of integrating a specific awareness program for this group. Preparing medical students for the future is a beneficial long-term strategy, and hence, further research regarding vaccine hesitancy must be done focusing primarily on them to ensure their future patients receive the best vaccine-related recommendations.

STUDY OF CARRIER RATE OF COVID-19 AMONG PARACLINICAL and GOVERNMENT DEGREE COLLEGE STUDENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, SRIKAKULAM

“…In a study that explored the attitude and hesitancy of students in UAE universities toward the Covid-19 vaccines, majority of participants were female respondents (76.6%) and the average age of respondents was 21 y, similar to our study (73.5% and 20 y respectively). But vaccine coverage is lower than (67%) our study (84%) [21]. 61.89% of medical students were not vaccinated for Covid-19 in a Caribbean medical school [22], Where as it was 61.9% in another study [23].…”

Novel COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, and associated factors, amongst medical students: a scoping review

“…Of the 52 included studies, seven [ 30 , 50 , 66 , 69 , 73 , 74 , 76 ] did not report formal VH/VA rates. However, as these studies reported factors associated with intentions to vaccinate, the decision was made to include them for review.…”

“…Higher rates of VH were observed in African and Middle Eastern countries, with medical students reporting higher rates of belief in conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines [ 34 , 48 , 50 , 63 ]. There was also greater mistrust in government and public health experts’ COVID-19 vaccine information and a higher level of trust placed in the opinions of family members, relatives, and social media when making vaccination decisions within VH populations [ 27 , 36 , 37 , 43 , 64 , 65 ].…”