Acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine in students of a public university in Honduras

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic continues reporting cases and deaths globally and nationally. The COVID-19 vaccine has managed to contain the spread of the disease; however, it is not yet fully accepted. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and acceptability of the vaccine against COVID-19 and associated factors, in students of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma of Honduras (UNAH) in the year 2021. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study with analytical component. The study population was UNAH students. Results: A total of 1,417 students participated, of which 52.3% (741) were not vaccinated against COVID-19. It was found that 93.5% (693/741) would agree to have the vaccine and 6.5% (48/741) would not agree to have it. A multiple binary logistic regression was carried out, reporting that the age group 40 to 44 years old would have the greater possibility of non-aceptability of the vaccine (OR=17, 95% CI 2.462-120.661; p=0.004). Regarding psychosocial factors, it was found that the subjective norm and inadequate behavioral control would lead to greater possibility of non-acceptance of the vaccine. (OR=11.4, 95% CI 3.605-36.664; p=0.000) and (OR=4.6, 95% CI 1.678-12.281; p= 0.003), respectively. Finally, the social attitude and the perception of inadequate risk would imply no accepting the vaccine (OR=13, 95% CI 5.683-30.322; p=0.000) and (OR=6, 95% CI 2.189-15.159; p=0.000), respectively. Discussion: The inadequate qualification of the psychosocial factors, makes us think that it is probable that the students who did not accept to be vaccinated, due to a direct influence on them.