مرجان غفوری

Vaccine hesitancy is a common phenomenon worldwide, leading to delays in the acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite vaccination services being available. Some of the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy include perceived risks, certain religious beliefs, and lack of awareness.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 537 people were evaluated. The data collection tool was two-part inventory: The first part included demographic information, the second part was to measure awareness, attitude and performance. After performing face and content validity, 32 questions, including 10 awareness, 7 attitude and 6 performance questions, were used. The frequency (percentage) was measured for quantitative variables and linear regression was used for qualitative variables.

The results indicated that the mean (± standard deviation) age of the participants was 12.77 ± 30.90 years, and the majority of participants (73%, 394 individuals) were female. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were 74.16 ± 74.2, 57.26 ± 50.4, and 16.26 ± 22.4, respectively. The results also showed that variables such as marital status, education, history of COVID-19 infection, and history of vaccination were associated with knowledge. Attitudes towards vaccination were significantly correlated with age, occupation, education, and vaccination history. Factors such as age, education, and history of COVID-19 vaccination were significantly associated with individuals' behaviors towards vaccination (p<0.05).

According to the findings of this study, increasing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals play an influential role in encouraging community participation in vaccination. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors in educational programs to promote COVID-19 vaccination.