HESITANCY viz-a-viz COVID-19 VACCINE: A CASE STUDY OF SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Present study focuses on the attitudes/perceptions regarding negative attitudes, hesitancy (uncertainty, unwillingness) and anxiety towards COVID-19 within the Saudian context. A cross-sectional web-based study uses convenience sampling technique for data collection through self-administrated validated questionnaire translated in Arabic language. Outcomes of the study revealed that more than 3/4th (80%) of respondents expressed intermediate to high levels of negative attitude towards vaccines, in general. The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were the concerns about the vaccine's possible side effects, not taking it as a serious infection, and its efficacy in preventing the infection. Regarding anxiety towards coronavirus, it was found to be quite low. Decision tree analysis was used to assess the relationship between hesitancy and demographic characteristics of the respondents. Findings of the study pinpoint specific areas, on which to focus on, for the health care administrators in case of resurgence of the pandemic. The health administrators may incorporate the suggestions of the present study when framing their future policies for enhancing confidence and alleviating fears of the populace at large to receive COVID-19 vaccination.