Protecting individuals living with overweight and obesity: Attitudes and concerns toward COVID‐19 vaccination in Canada

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination and the degree of fear of COVID‐19 among those living with obesity. Methods Two samples were recruited for an online survey: one sample was a representative sample of Canadians living with overweight and obesity (n = 1,089), and the second was a convenience sample of individuals recruited from obesity clinical services or patient organizations (n = 980). Respondents completed ratings of their comfort receiving a COVID‐19 vaccination along with the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale. Results Approximately one‐third of respondents, regardless of sample or weight category, were not comfortable receiving a vaccination, and one‐half expressed moderate or greater perceived risks of vaccination. Confidence in vaccinations was extremely low, especially for those in the clinical sample. Fear of COVID‐19 was substantial and predicted attitudes toward vaccination. Females were less comfortable receiving the vaccine and perceived more risks than males. Conclusions These results suggest those living with obesity are highly ambivalent about COVID‐19 vaccination. Despite their being at high risk, their confidence in vaccines is very low. Results suggest the need for patient‐centered counseling, with a focus on shared decision‐making to strengthen confidence and reduce perceived risk.

Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among the Adult Population of Bangladesh Using the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior Model

“…People who were obese were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccination. Our findings are in accordance with a study from Canada showing that obese people were more ambivalent about COVID-19 vaccination but contrast with a study from Kuwait that found overweight and obese people were more likely to get the vaccine [60,65]. Such variations could be explained by differences in public perceptions and health beliefs about vaccination between countries.…”

Early COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Characteristics in Mothers Following Bariatric Surgery

“…Widespread vaccine uptake has been essential in reducing COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality, but also in slowing transmission of the virus and the potential emergence of more life-threatening variants. [ 12 ] Yet less is known about vaccine intention in people with obesity, [ 13 , 14 ] and specifically those who have undergone bariatric surgery. Research conducted in the general population, prior to the U.S. vaccine rollout in December 2020, [ 15 ] suggested that demographic differences, such as being female, younger, lower educational attainment, or belonging to certain ethnic minority groups were associated with greater vaccine hesitancy.…”

“…[ 18 – 20 ] Similar apprehensive attitudes were observed in the only published study to date, on COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among a sample with obesity. [ 14 ] In June to October 2020, researchers surveyed adults with obesity in Canada and found that approximately 40% were vaccine hesitant and many had low confidence in a COVID-19 vaccine.…”

COVID-19 Vaccination and Timing of Bariatric Surgery: Considerations and Concerns for Patients with Severe Obesity

“…The paradox, however, lies in that some bariatric surgery candidates might not have received COVID-19 vaccines before their surgery out of choice in some countries, while in others, access to the COVID-19 vaccines is scarce; this situation makes decision-making about elective surgeries even more challenging [ 10 ]. The public trust in COVID-19 vaccines is a little disappointing around the world [ 10 – 12 ]; however, it is not feasible to force patients to get vaccinated before their surgery either. Although vaccination is preferred from a medical perspective, not all patients can be expected to be fully vaccinated, especially those in countries that are behind on their vaccine schedules or lack sufficient vaccine supplies.…”

“…All vaccinated persons should know that full vaccination does not guarantee immunity from COVID-19, and as surgeons, we should adhere to the safety protocols just as our patients do. The reason is that if bariatric patients contract COVID-19 during the postoperative convalescent period, the risk of thromboembolic events and hospitalization becomes significant due to their low oral intake and limited physical activity [ 8 , 9 , 12 , 16 ].…”