Predictors of Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19 in a Peruvian Sample

Abstract

Background: Vaccination against COVID-19 is considered one of the most effective strategies to control this global public health crisis. However, vaccine hesitancy is one of the main threats to mitigating the pandemic. The present study aimed to identify predictors of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in 3 geographical regions of Peru. Methods: An online analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were selected by non-probability convenience sampling and size was estimated using the online statistical calculator proposed by Soper. A total of 529 Peruvian nationals completed the questionnaires. Student’s t-test and Fisher’s F test (ANOVA) were used. A significance level of .05 was considered. Results: Face-to-face work (β = 2.037, P < .001), fear of COVID-19 (β = .461, P < .001), vaccine confidence (β = 2.881, P < .001) and trust in health care institutions (β = .432, P < .01) predict a higher intention to receive the vaccine. However, the variables perception of a worldwide conspiracy (β = −1.900, P < .001), and practice Protestant religion (β = −2.274, P < .001) predict negatively their acceptance. Conclusion: Several positive predictors of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 have been identified. However, having a perception of a global conspiracy and practice Protestant religion are shown to be risk variables for vaccine acceptance. Therefore, there is a need to develop strategies to ensure high uptake and success of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

Effect of religious fatalism and concern about new variants on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines

“…Given this insight, the scientific community has recommended booster doses, which have Likewise, religious fatalism had a positive influence on vaccine acceptance, this is because other religious groups argue based on the Bible that the vaccine is a gift from God (41). Similar studies have indicated that in religious groups, rejection arises because vaccines tend to represent an interference with divine providence (12). Thus, some religious groups believe that inoculation interferes with divine will since God does not allow diseases to occur, and thus, vaccination represents distrust of a higher being (42).…”

“…Religious fatalism had a negative influence on vaccination against new variants, similar studies indicated that rejection in religious groups is due to the fact that vaccines tend to be an act of interfering with divine providence (12,39). That is, to the extent that conflicting religious beliefs about the origin and consequences of COVID-19 prevail, the less likely vaccine acceptance will be.…”

“…Thus, it is assumed that the concern for infection by a new variant is positively associated with 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1071543 vaccine acceptance. Although some similar studies indicate high rates of reluctance to vaccination in groups concerned about the safety of the vaccine (57-59), it is possible that perceptions and attitudes change rapidly since greater efficacy and reduced side effects are expected (12,60). Accordingly, people agree to receive the vaccine if they recognize the advantages related to its use (61).…”

“…Regarding the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, available scientific literature shows that in countries such as Vietnam, India, China, Denmark, South Korea, Serbia, Croatia, France, Lebanon, and Paraguay, the population demonstrated acceptance of vaccines (9); however, in many other countries, especially in Latin America, there is still an unfavorable attitude, partly due to the role played by the media (10), irrational beliefs and fatalistic ideas stemming from culture, and the lack of scientific information about the importance of vaccines (7,11). This scenario has sparked interest among various researchers to discover the predictors of the intention to get vaccinated (12), as is the case of the present study, in which the authors focus on the concern for infection amid a new variant of COVID-19 and religious fatalism.…”

Sociodemographic Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among People in Guatemalan Municipalities

“…A 2021 UNESCO report on COVID-19 vaccination in Latin America and the Caribbean noted that in communities with higher "unemployment or informal employment, or where ethnic groups live, there is a higher prevalence of COVID-19 and a higher risk of mortality" [24]. Moreover, there is evidence of vaccine hesitancy among people with lower levels of institutional trust, those living in rural areas, and those experiencing economic insecurity [25][26][27]. Early vaccination outreach in Guatemala was often conducted in Spanish using mainstream media instead of through local organizations, and using local Indigenous languages, according to a Pan American Health Organization report [5].…”