Relationship Between Attitude Towards Vaccination Against COVID-19 and Socialdemographic, Health-Related and Psychological Parameters Among Unvaccinated Hospital Employees in Latvia

Abstract

Abstract The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination of healthcare workers has a critical role in protecting them, the patients, and society. The aim of this study was to explore attitude factors related to COVID-19 vaccination of unvaccinated hospital employees in Latvia. Data were collected from March to May 2021 among the employees of nine hospitals. Overall, 355 respondents took part in the online survey. The respondents in this group ranged from 19 to 71 years old. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression found that sex, previous influenza vaccination, and psychological parameters, are related to more of an attitude of denial regarding vaccination among unvaccinated hospital employees. In conclusion, our study suggests that respondents without previous influenza vaccination, and having concern about the speed of vaccine production, distrust in recommendations of specialists, belief about not being a risk group, belief that the vaccine does not protect oneself and others, belief that COVID-19 is made up, and vaccines are a threat, are related to a more negative attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination.