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Contribution title Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal Among Tunisian Students: Key Reasons and Influences
Contribution code D3.074
Authors
  1. Asma Guedria Fattouma Bourguiba Hospital- University of Monastir Presenter
  2. Yasmine Akkari Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital
  3. Randaline Ayoub University Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba Monastir Tunisia/University of Monastir
  4. Maha Ajmi Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital- University of Monastir
  5. Sahbi Nabli Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital- University of Monastir
  6. Hela Ben Abid University Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba Monastir Tunisia/University of Monastir
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T13 - Treatment - Pediatric Liaison and other
Abstract Aims:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy was a significant challenge, particularly among young people, despite widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines. This study aims to identify the reasons of this refusal in Tunisian students.
Methodology:
This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in December 2021, involving a sample of students from the Higher Institute of Technological Studies (ISET) in Ksar Helal, Tunisia, using a pre-established questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 22.
Results:
Our sample consists of 315 students, of whom 43.5% were aged between 18 and 20, and 42.9% were in their first year. The sex ratio was 0.53. Ninety-nine students (31.4%) had contracted COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination coverage among the students was 76.8% (242 students).
Among the unvaccinated students, 26 (35.6%) refused the vaccine, believing that their previous COVID-19 infection had provided sufficient immunity. Twenty-eight students (38.6%) felt that COVID-19 protection did not necessitate vaccination. A significant number of students also rejected the vaccine due to contextual factors. For instance, 37 unvaccinated students (50.7%) did so due to a lack of trust in the pharmaceutical industry, 35 (47.5%) lacked confidence in the government, and 33 (45.7%) had doubts about the healthcare system. Additionally, many students questioned the vaccine itself: 48 (65.8%) believed the vaccine was unsafe, 41 (56.6%) thought it was ineffective, and 34 (46.6%) expressed concerns about side effects. Furthermore, 42 students (57.5%) felt the risks of vaccination outweighed its benefits.
Conclusion:
The reasons for COVID-19 vaccine refusal among students are multifaceted, with personal beliefs, social influences, and concerns about the vaccine all contributing to hesitancy. Addressing these factors through targeted educational campaigns and building trust in health systems could play a crucial role in increasing vaccination uptake among students and the broader population.