Assessing the Distrust and Vaccine Hesitancy about COVID-19 Vaccines Among Academic Staff in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the distrust and hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccines among academic staff in Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at different universities in Turkey from April to June 2021. Turkish-speaking academics working as academic staff in Turkey were included. The outcomes were staff distrust of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy score levels. Scale of Vaccine Hesitancy in Turkish Language-Short Form was used to measure vaccine hesitancy score levels. The scale scored between 12 and 60; the risk of vaccine hesitancy increases as the score increases. Results: Total 932 academic staff, distrust of COVID-19 vaccines rate was observed in 560 (60.1%). Females were 0.32 times significantly less likely to distrust COVID-19 vaccines (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.92, p-value 0.014). Those with a history of influenza vaccination were 0.75 times significantly less likely to distrust COVID-19 vaccines (aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.36, p-value <0.001). However, staff informed through social media were 1.51 times significantly more likely to distrust COVID-19 vaccines (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.10, p-value 0.012). Mean vaccine hesitancy score was 52.68 ± 8.72. A significantly higher mean vaccine hesitancy score was found with age 51-60 years, working in health sciences, staff had no history of seasonal influenza vaccine, received information about COVID-19 vaccines from social media and social circles (p-value <0.05 respectively). Conclusion: The study found notable distrust and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines, influenced by demographics. Those with influenza vaccination history showed lower hesitancy, while social media played a crucial role.

Keywords

• Coronavirus
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• Vaccination
• Vaccine Hesitancy
• Turkey