Determinants of vaccination behavior among university students 20 months after the COVID-19 outbreak: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study (C19 GSWS)

Abstract

Evidence indicates a higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among university students due to their age and a lower risk of COVID-19 related complications compared to the general population in Germany. However, little is known about the other determinants of COVID-19 vaccination behavior for the population of German university students. This study aimed to investigate determinants of vaccination behavior in this population. The cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study was conducted at five German universities from October 27 th to November 14 th , 2021, via an online survey (n=7,267). Multiple logistic regressions were calculated to examine associations of psychological antecedents of vaccination (5Cs: confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, collective responsibility), Critical Health Literacy in a Pandemic (CHL-P), and additional determinants (previous infection, trust in the health care system, feeling informed about the COVID-19 vaccine) and vaccination status (not vaccinated vs. fully vaccinated). All 5Cs were associated with reporting to be vaccinated, except for complacency. Regarding the CHL-P, students who felt that the current scientific knowledge about COVID-19 in terms of the policy decisions on pandemic measures was very complex had higher odds for reporting being vaccinated (OR=3.02; 95% CI: 2.26-4.04). Students who felt well informed about the COVID-19 vaccines were also more likely to report being fully vaccinated (OR=2.20; 95% CI: 1.51-3.21). Due to our finding that the 5Cs are associated with vaccination status among university students, we recommend that the different components of the 5Cs should be considered in future vaccination campaigns implemented in the university context.

Higher COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Are Associated with Lower COVID-19 Mortality: A Global Analysis

“…Similarly, a lack of confidence in the vaccines themselves, in terms of potential side effects or lack of efficacy, has also been identified as a barrier to vaccination [ 34 ]. Tackling misinformation is crucial to implementing mass vaccination, and in a study carried out with students in Germany, it was found that students who felt better informed about the scientific underpinning of government decisions and the vaccines, in general, were more likely to be vaccinated [ 35 ]. Methods based on social media and other technology can have value not only in countering misinformation but in addressing unmet needs as a result of the pandemic [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Study Conditions and University Students’ Mental Health during the Pandemic: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-Being Study (C19 GSWS)

“…The C19 GSWS was based on and followed the cross-sectional COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study (C19 ISWS), which was conducted internationally at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 24 ]. More information about the C19 GSWS study design is provided elsewhere [ 5 , 25 ].…”

Comment on “Determinants of vaccination behavior among university students”

“…Dear Editor, we would like to discuss om article entitled “Determinants of vaccination behavior among university students 20 months after the COVID-19 outbreak: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study (C19 GSWS).” 1 The goal of Trümmler et al was to look into factors that influence vaccination behavior in this community. From October 27 to November 14 of 2021, five German universities participated in the cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study using an online poll.…”

“…From October 27 to November 14 of 2021, five German universities participated in the cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study using an online poll. 1 We advise that the various 5Cs should be taken into account in upcoming vaccination campaigns carried out in the setting of universities, as Trümmler et al noted that the 5Cs are connected with vaccination status among university students. 1 , 2 …”

“… 1 We advise that the various 5Cs should be taken into account in upcoming vaccination campaigns carried out in the setting of universities, as Trümmler et al noted that the 5Cs are connected with vaccination status among university students. 1 , 2 …”