COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in an urban Chinese population of Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy against COVID-19 is prevalent. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination compliance among adults in Hong Kong. An online survey was conducted during an early stage of community-based COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Hong Kong. The questionnaire consisted of vaccine status, sociodemographic information, risk perception of being infected by COVID-19, and exposure to confirmed COVID cases, as well as items on sleep and mental health. The association between these variables and vaccine hesitancy was analyzed. Among the 883 participants (67.5% females, 54.5% aged 18–39), 30.6% had low vaccine hesitancy, 27.4% had high vaccine hesitancy, and 27.5% had vaccine rejection. The likelihood of having high vaccine hesitancy was higher among young (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–7.30) and middle-aged respondents (aOR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.07–5.47) than among old respondents. Moreover, those who were married (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29–0.88), had a full-time job (aOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.29–0.88), and had a greater confidence in the government (aOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54–0.86) were less likely to exhibit vaccine hesitancy. Our findings showed that the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine resistance were high. Policy makers need specific strategies to target those who may have a high risk of vaccine hesitancy and resistance.