International Journal of Public Health (Apr 2022)

COVID-19 Risk Perception, Trust in Institutions and Negative Affect Drive Positive COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions

  • Sanjin Musa,
  • Sanjin Musa,
  • Seila Cilovic-Lagarija,
  • Ariana Kavazovic,
  • Nina Bosankic-Cmajcanin,
  • Alberto Stefanelli,
  • Alberto Stefanelli,
  • Nadia Aleyna Scott,
  • Martha Scherzer,
  • Zsolt Kiss,
  • Katrine Bach Habersaat

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604231
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 67

Abstract

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Objectives: To investigate country-specific drivers and barriers of positive COVID-19 vaccine intentions in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), one of the two entities comprising Bosnia and Herzegovina.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, using an online behavioural insights survey tool adapted to the context of FBiH. Three survey waves, each including approximately 1,000 adults, were conducted in July, September and December 2020. Fixed-effects regression analysis was used to explore the drivers, barriers and attitudes towards accepting a future COVID-19 vaccine.Results: COVID-19 risk perception, trust in health institutions and negative affect were positive predictors of positive COVID-19 vaccine intentions, as were living in urban areas and having a college education (versus having primary or secondary education). Conversely, being female, feeling that the pandemic was overhyped by the media and the country of vaccine production were negative predictors.Conclusion: This study provided snapshots on the state of attitudes regarding a future COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in 2020. These findings provided useful insights into the efforts to introduce and roll out the COVID-19 vaccines in FBiH. Further efforts should focus on better understanding the demographic, cultural and behavioural contexts of COVID-related vaccination perceptions in FBiH.

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