Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy and its Associated Factors based on the Health Belief Model among Iranian People in 2021

Aims: COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy is a public health concern in the world. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of vaccination hesitancy and its relevant factors using the health belief model among people in northeast Iran. Instrument Methods: The present cross-sectional study examined 626 people using convenience sampling. Data were collected through an online survey using a questionnaire based on the health belief model at intervals of 10 September 2021 and 15 October 2021. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 16. Findings: Overall, 70.6% of the samples reported that they would use the vaccine for free after it becomes available. Health belief model constructs predicted 40% of the variance of vaccination behavioral intention. The results indicated that the perceived barriers were significantly related to using the vaccine, thereby reducing the probability of using the vaccine by 10% (Relative Risk Ratio=0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-0.99). Perceived benefits (Relative Risk Ratio =1.21, 95% CI: 1.11-1.32), perceived susceptibility (Relative Risk Ratio =1.54, 95% Cl: 1.23-1.92), and behavioral intention (Relative Risk Ratio =3.06, 95% CI: 2.23-4.20) had a significant relationship with the probability of using the vaccine. Conclusion: About one-third of the participants had COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. Interventions are necessary to increase compliance with vaccination, especially among people with low education levels. The health belief model constructs have a high power of predicting hesitancy and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and can be used in intervention programs.