Hesitation of the Tunisian population to COVID-19 vaccination, and its associated factors

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Published Mar 5, 2022
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Vol. 100 No. 3 (2022): Issue Mar 2022

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Amani Maatouk
Asma Ammar
Olfa Ezzi
Souhir Chelly
Wadiaa Bannour
Radhia Helali
Mansour Njah
Mohamed Mahjoub

Abstract

Background: Many people are reluctant to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Aim: To determine the intention to accept COVID19 vaccine and its associated factors among Tunisians.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among Tunisians from December 2020 to January 2021 using an online questionnaire. Factors
associated with intention to accept coronavirus vaccine were analysed using multinomial logistic regression.

Results: In total, 169 Tunisians participated in our study. The majority were female (85.2%). The mean age was 48.3 ± 11.8 years. Only 33.1% intended to
accept to be vaccinated when COVID-19 vaccine will be available in Tunisia and 22.5% were still hesitant. In multinomial logistic regression, participants
having high or very high perceived personal risk of COVID-19 infection (aOR: 3.257, 95% CI : 1.204 – 8.815) were more prone to hesitate to accept
COVID-19 vaccine rather than those being willing to accept it. Respondents undergoing seasonal influenza vaccination (aOR: 0.091, 95% CI : 0.019 –
0.433) were less prone to refuse COVID-19 vaccine rather than those being willing to accept it. Young ones aged less than 40 years (aOR: 4.324, 95%
CI: 1.180 – 15.843) were more prone to refuse COVID-19 vaccine rather than those being willing to accept it.

Conclusion: The acceptance rate of coronavirus vaccination was moderate. Therefore, a good communication and health education at a community
level are needed.

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