Profiles of US Hispanics Unvaccinated for COVID-19.

Publication/Presentation Date

4-1-2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Hispanics in the USA with increased rates of SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. The objective of this report was to characterize the demographics and beliefs of unvaccinated Hispanics to help address their concerns that lead to vaccine hesitancy.

METHODS: Of 1,011 potential participants from a national online panel, 22.3% (N = 225, 51.6% female, age = 40.5) met inclusion criteria of Hispanic adults and not receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The 30-item survey included items about demographics, political affiliations, sources of news (e.g., Fox vs. CNN), reasons for being unvaccinated, and ratings (0 = strongly disagree, 100 = strongly agree) of 10 controversial statements regarding COVID-19.

RESULTS: Over three-fifths (62.6%) identified side effects and safety concerns, while almost one-third (30.5%) cited a lack of efficacy as their top reasons for being unvaccinated. Agreement to "The developers of the COVID-19 vaccine rushed the development and cut corners" was rated the highest (63.22) which was significantly (p < .001) higher than the other nine statements (e.g., "The COVID-19 vaccine does not work"). Many vaccine attitudes differed significantly by political party affiliation and some by gender and news source. Republicans (59.9 ± 4.2) scored higher than Democrats (38.5 ± 4.2, p ≤ .001) to "If I've already had COVID-19, I don't need the vaccine."

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the heterogeneity in COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among Hispanics. Further research is needed to determine if the subgroups identified are differentially receptive to interventions to facilitate reconsideration of prior vaccination decisions.

Volume

10

Issue

2

First Page

553

Last Page

559

ISSN

2196-8837

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

35107819

Department(s)

Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article

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