Predictors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian older adults

Abstract

AbstractAimsWe examined the predictive factors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian older adults.BackgroundVaccine hesitancy among older adults is influenced by several factors.DesignThis study employed a cross‐sectional design.MethodsOnline surveys were conducted between November 2021 and April 2022. The surveys included socio‐demographic variables, COVID‐19 vaccine‐related information, the Vaccine Attitude Examination Scale and the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale.ResultsParticipants were 350 older adults (aged 68.1 ± 7.21 years; 62.9% females). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of correlated variables on the explanation of anti‐vaccination attitudes. Participants reported a moderate level of fear of COVID‐19 and a moderate level of hesitancy towards receiving the COVID‐19 vaccine. The linear regression model revealed that several chronic illnesses, fear of COVID‐19 and number of family incidences of COVID‐19 explained vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionsRaising awareness among older adults about the desired effect of the COVID‐19 vaccine in terms of minimizing hospitalization, disease consequences and mortality rate is required. Well‐tailored interventions are essential to reduce vaccine hesitancy among older adults and reinforce the importance of receiving the vaccine for those with multi‐morbidities.