Determining the Predictors of Vaccine Hesitancy: A Nation-Wide Study Using WHO SAGE WG Developed Vaccine Hesitancy Questionnaire

Background: Vaccine hesitancy refers to the reluctance or outright refusal to be immunized despite vaccine availability. It spans from full acceptance to complete rejection of all vaccines, with most hesitancy instances lying in between. Factors influencing vaccine hesitancy encompass confidence (trust in vaccines, delivery systems and providers), convenience (accessibility of immunization services), complacency (perceived lack of necessity or value for vaccines), skepticism (influenced by knowledge and information) and psychological elements like conspiratorial thinking. This comprehension is crucial for effectively addressing vaccine hesitancy. The study aimed to determine predictors linked to vaccine hesitancy within the studied population. Materials and Methods: Employing a cross-sectional survey design, the investigator acquired foundational knowledge through various courses on vaccine safety, biology, hesitancy and anti-vaccination beliefs. Participants, consenting adults from Mysore city visiting JSS Hospital for any reason, underwent purposeful sampling based on specific eligibility criteria. Results: The study included a diverse group, with the female population comprising 59.87%. Demographics, such as age and socio-economic status, were also examined. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS software and data presentation involved mean, standard deviation, percentages and visual representations. The study identified a vaccine hesitancy prevalence of 23.12%, with males and the age group of 40-49 years showing higher likelihoods of hesitancy. Conclusion: By scrutinizing a subgroup, researchers gleaned insights into factors fueling hesitancy, paving the way for targeted interventions and strategies to foster vaccine acceptance and uptake.