Investigation of Reasons for the Reluctance to get Vaccinated with COVID-19 in the General Population in the South of Kerman Province (A Cross-sectional Study)

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to determine the reasons for reluctance to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the general population in the south of Kerman Province. Background Identifying factors that reduce the initial hesitancy towards vaccination and increase the acceptance of the vaccine in the general population can contribute to the ongoing efforts for vaccination against COVID-19. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study (descriptive and analytical) that was conducted using a multistage multi-stage sampling method on 341 men and women aged 18 to 85 living in the south of Kerman province in 2021. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire created by the researcher on the reasons for reluctance to be vaccinated with COVID-19 and analyzed using SPSS-22 software. Independent t-tests, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests were used at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results Three hundred and forty men and women aged 18 to 85 were examined. Lack of trust in vaccines, government, and health officials were the most frequent reasons for not wanting to get vaccinated. The young age group, women, single people, and those with good economic level, and high education level, were less willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Conclusion Restoring public trust in public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and science while also addressing the complexities of the relationship between the public and government is essential for effectively addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake.