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. 2021 Jul 12;6(1):23.
doi: 10.1186/s41256-021-00202-6.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the Arab world: a cross-sectional study

M Ihsan Kaadan #  1   2 , Joud Abdulkarim #  3 , Maher Chaar  4 , Obada Zayegh  3 , Mouhammed Ali Keblawi  5
Affiliations

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the Arab world: a cross-sectional study

M Ihsan Kaadan et al. Glob Health Res Policy. .

Abstract

Background: The Arab region is highly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local governments have already started to act against the disease. However, only a few countries provided COVID-19 vaccination. Compliance with vaccination is a major topic affecting proper coverage. Thus, we aim to explore vaccine acceptance among Arab populations, and compare it with the global numbers.

Methods: An internet-based survey using social media platforms was conducted, targeting adults who were able to read and understand Arabic, had access to the internet, and from all 22 Arab league countries. Due to the response rate variation between participants, the countries were grouped into four categories based on their income: Low income, Lower-middle income, Upper-middle income, and High-income economies. Data about demographics, previous COVID-19 infection, and vaccine acceptance tendency were collected and analyzed using Chi-squared (χ2) test and Logistic regression.

Results: A total of 870 participants completed the survey. 59.3% of the participants were male, 53.3% were between 25 and 44 years, and 69.9% were Arabs who live inside of their home country. The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was 62.4%. A significant higher tendency toward vaccination was identified in males (65.4%, P = 0.04) and people living outside their home countries (67.9%, P = 0.02). However, age group, level of education, and previous COVID-19 infection were all factors with insignificant effect. Citizens of High-income countries were more likely to accept the vaccine (70.2%).

Conclusions: Less than two-thirds of Arabs are compliant with COVID-19 vaccination. This proportion is relatively lower than the global rate. It is important to develop strategies to promote vaccine acceptance and reach the ideal coverage needed to achieve efficient immunization.

Keywords: Arab world; COVID-19; Vaccination; Vaccine hesitancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate in the Arab world
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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