Level of Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine and Attributes Influencing Vaccination - A Study among the Multi-national Population in the UAE

Abstract

Objectives: Accepting a new vaccine is influenced by several variables. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing the use and non-use of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as the participants' perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the study enabled us to ascertain the degree of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine by the study population. Materials and Methods: This was cross-sectional research and UAE's general populace was surveyed for the study. A multi-national population of 671 people took part in the study and the information was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. For categorical variables, the findings were expressed as frequencies and percentages; and for numerical variables, they were expressed as mean/median and standard deviation. To ascertain the relationship between independent and dependent variables, the Chi-square test was performed. Results: Of the total participants in this trial, 627 (96.6%) received vaccinations; 160 (25.5%) experienced mild side effects, and 29 (18.1%) had severe side effects. Participants who were unwilling to receive the vaccination cited "No trust in the vaccine" as their main justification. Other explanations included allergies, pregnancy, vaccination side effects, and a lack of interest. The statistically significant associations observed with vaccination were, concern about the vaccine's side effects, precautions to ward off the virus, the belief that vaccination cannot prevent COVID-19, having had COVID-19, lack of confidence in the vaccine, and the belief that natural exposure to corona gives the safest protection. Among those who have received vaccinations, the majority disapproved or strongly disagreed with all the assertions made regarding the attitude. Among the people who aren't/weren’t immunized, many agreed or strongly agreed with the assertions. More than 68% of people, regardless of vaccination status, agreed with the "pandemic impact on work" and "pandemic impact on income"; 59% of those who are vaccinated and 69% of those who do not, agreed with this statement. Conclusion: The observed immunization rate was 96.6%. The main deterrent to vaccination was a lack of trust in the vaccine. Other explanations included allergies, pregnancy, vaccination’s side effects, and a lack of interest