Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among community members in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional online survey

Abstract

ObjectiveVaccination is recognised as the most effective approach to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the long run. However, the global vaccination uptake is still suboptimal. Although a considerable number of studies have focused on factors influencing intention or acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination, few explore the factors that affect actual vaccination uptake. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among the general public in a developed country.DesignA cross-sectional online survey was conducted between June and August 2021.Setting and participantsCommunity members in Hong Kong were recruited through convenient and snowball sampling to complete an anonymous online survey.Outcome measuresThe outcomes of this study included participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status and perceived impact of COVID-19, and their attitudes towards COVID-19.ResultsA total of 358 valid questionnaires were received. The results showed that 50.8% of the participants received two doses of the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that the participants’ vaccination uptake was associated with their jobs affected by COVID-19, had an income source, perceived good/excellent physical health status, perceived COVID-19 exposure, perceived good/excellent knowledge of COVID-19, learnt about the vaccine from printed materials and perceived that their family members were at risk of contracting COVID-19.ConclusionsThis is one of the first few cross-sectional studies that explored factors associated with the actual vaccination uptake of the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results can provide insights for formulating strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in developed countries.

Cross-sectional assessment of predictors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake: an online survey in Greece

“…This thought is strengthened by our findings that increased self-perceived severity of COVID-19 and the absence of COVID-19 diagnóstico in the past were associated with an increased likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination. Several studies confirm these results ( Lau et al, 2021 ; Pacella-LaBarbara et al, 2021; Wong et al, 2022 ). Risk perception regarding the COVID-19 is crucial in the decision of individuals to be vaccinated, since the intention to vaccinate is higher among those who consider the COVID-19 to be dangerous and life-threatening (Caserotti et al, 2021; Glöckner et al, 2020 ; Karlsson et al, 2021 ; Ward et al, 2020 ).…”

“…It is highly encouraging that the majority of participants had been vaccinated against the COVID-19 (87.8%). In similar studies, this rate was 28.6% in the USA and the United Kingdom ( Nguyen et al, 2021 ), 94.1% in the United Kingdom ( Glampson et al, 2021 ), 98% in the USA ( McCabe et al, 2021 ), 50.8% in Hong Kong ( Wong et al, 2022 ), and 22.4% in Saudi Arabia ( Al-Mansour et al, 2021 ). In addition, we found that the most important reasons why participants were not vaccinated were concerns about the safety, effectiveness and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, previous COVID-19 diagnóstico, and females' effort to get pregnant.…”

“…This finding echoes the results of research which show higher COVID-19 vaccine uptake among more educated individuals ( Malesza and Bozym, 2021 ; Pacella-LaBarbara et al, 2021). In general, people with higher socioeconomic status are more frequently vaccinated against the COVID-19 ( Al-Mansour et al, 2021 ; Malesza and Bozym, 2021 ; McCabe et al, 2021 ; Wong et al, 2022 ). It is possible that a higher level of education enables people to better understand the vast amount of information about the pandemic.…”

“…Several studies have investigated the predictors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the general population ( Al-Mansour et al, 2021 ; Al-Qerem and Jarab, 2021 ; Glampson et al, 2021 ; Kreps and Kriner, 2021 ; Lau et al, 2021 ; McCabe et al, 2021 ; Nguyen et al, 2021 ; Seboka et al, 2021 ; Tong et al, 2021 ; Wong et al, 2022 ; Yu et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, these studies investigated several demographic, health condition and lifestyle characteristics of the general population, such as gender, age, race/ethnicity educational level, living status, profession, income, perceived health status, chronic medical conditions, smoking status, perceived COVID-19 exposure, knowledge of COVID-19, contact with known/suspected case of COVID-19, sources of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, etc.…”

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Measures on the COVID-19 Vaccination Rate in Hong Kong

“…Propaganda could highly affect the confidence in vaccinations due to the unknown of the newly emerged virus. There was an association between confidence in vaccines and health literacy [ 34 ]. The HK government constantly clarified the misinformation through daily press conferences and promoted proper health education through TV advertisements throughout the pandemic.…”