COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among Syrian population: a nationwide cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 continues to spread globally and in the absence of an effective treatment, the vaccine remains the best hope for controlling this disease. In this study, we seek to find out the extent to which people in Syria accept the Corona vaccine and what are the factors that affect their decision. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria during the period from January 3 to March 17, 2021. A structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed in two phases: The first phase included distributing the questionnaire as a Google Form on social media platforms. In the second phase, a paper version of the questionnaire was handed to patients, their companions, and workers in public hospitals. SPSS v.25 and R v.4.1.1 were used to analyze the data. Pearson Chi-square test and Logistic Regression were used to study the associations between categorical groups. Results Of 7531 respondents, 3505 (46.5%) were males and 4026 (53.5%) were females. 3124 (41.5%) were 18–24 years old. Healthcare workers were participants’ main sources of information (50.9%), followed by Social Media users (46.3%). 2790 (37%) of the participant are willing to be vaccinated, and 2334 (31%) were uncertain about it. Fear of possible side effects was the main reason for the reluctance to take the vaccine 1615 (62.4%), followed by mistrust of the vaccine formula 1522 (58.8%). 2218 (29.5%) participants think COVID-19 poses a major risk to them personally. Vaccination intention was significantly associated with gender, residence, financial status, educational level, and geographic origin. Conclusion This study showed very negatively important results. The study participants Vaccination acceptance rate is almost the lowest when compared to its peers. A Lot of efforts should be made to correct misinformation about the vaccine and answer all questions about it, especially with a health system that has been ravaged by war for 10 years.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Associated With Vaccine Inequity Among Healthcare Workers in a Low-Income Fragile Nation

“…For example, in an early multi-country study in Palestine, Syria and Jordan, it was shown that only 32.2% of the participants intended to be vaccinated against COVID-19 ( 15 ). Similarly, in two studies in Syria, the agreement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was indicated by only about 37% of the participants ( 16 , 17 ). A study in Iraq among HCWs and the general population revealed a vaccine acceptance rate similar (61.7%) to that of our study, with HCWs indicating higher acceptance rate than the general population ( 18 ).…”

The quality of Syrian healthcare services during COVID-19: A HEALTHQUAL approach

“…Al Ahdab ( 9 ) found that Syrian residents demonstrated modest knowledge, attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 during the pandemic. Shibani et al ( 14 ) confirmed the knowledge gap regarding many aspects of the disease and the hesitancy of Syrians toward taking the COVID-19 vaccines. This research endeavors to test the quality of Syrian healthcare system in the very difficult time of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak using HEALTHQUAL scale.…”

Assessing Covid 19 Vaccine Side Effects among Syrian Private University Staff and Students

“…[5] Half of the participants were not con dent that the vaccine would protect them from disease, and more than half reported that they did not have enough information about the vaccine to make an informed decision about whether to take it. [5] The intention to take the vaccine was highly correlated with gender, residence, nancial status, educational level and geographic origin of the individual. [5] Regarding the sources of medical information for the participants, health workers were the main source of information, followed by social media with a percentage of 46.3%, and nally the o cial health organizations.…”

“…[5] The intention to take the vaccine was highly correlated with gender, residence, nancial status, educational level and geographic origin of the individual. [5] Regarding the sources of medical information for the participants, health workers were the main source of information, followed by social media with a percentage of 46.3%, and nally the o cial health organizations. [5] The results of the World Health Organization, up to the date of writing this study, showed that the rate of vaccination of the Syrian community was only 21.1%, and only 0.07% had taken a permanent dose.…”

“…[5] Regarding the sources of medical information for the participants, health workers were the main source of information, followed by social media with a percentage of 46.3%, and nally the o cial health organizations. [5] The results of the World Health Organization, up to the date of writing this study, showed that the rate of vaccination of the Syrian community was only 21.1%, and only 0.07% had taken a permanent dose. [6] This study aims to: (1) assess the side effects identi ed by people after receiving various COVID-19 vaccines in Syria; (2) Study the relationship between the number of doses and the possible side effects of the vaccine; (3) Study the relationship between the type of vaccine and the possible side effects of the vaccine.…”