Date of Award

January 2021

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Beth A. Jones

Abstract

Objectives. To examine the role of sociodemographic factors and health-related beliefs in influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among a diverse community-based population.Methods. A sample of 252 Connecticut residents completed an online survey between August–December 2020. Utilizing a network of community partners and advertisements via social media, we recruited from communities most impacted by COVID-19. We used descriptive and multivariate analyses to examine vaccine hesitancy within this diverse community. Results. While 38.9% of participants were vaccine hesitant, people of color were more vaccine hesitant (OR=3.62; 95% CI 1.77, 7.40) compared to non-Hispanic whites/others in multivariate adjusted models. Additional factors associated with hesitancy after adjustment included low perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, not receiving COVID-19 information from medical institutions and community health workers, and endorsement of conspiracy beliefs (p<0.05); moderation by conspiracies was observed. Conclusions. Race/ethnicity, perceived risk, sources of health information, and conspiracy beliefs play a significant role in vaccine hesitancy in this sample. Interventions to promote vaccination should include trusted messengers and sources of information, while creating conditions where confidence in the vaccine and the healthcare system can grow.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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