Prevalence and correlates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the general public in Iraqi Kurdistan: A cross-sectional study

Low vaccine acceptance is a major barrier to vaccination coverage in every health system. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated factors of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a sample of the general population in Iraqi Kurdistan. The general population with both genders with different educational levels and sociodemographic characteristics from the Duhok governorate was eligible to participate in this cross-sectional study in 2021. Therefore, an online Google form was sent to main pages and social groups through two main social media platforms. To obtain a representative sample of individuals with different educational levels, the author visited the main shopping center in Duhok city to collect the information from illiterate and low-level education individuals. The study found that 83.5% (n = 773) of the participants have not received and 51.4% (n = 476) did not intend to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A small percentage has not decided to receive a COVID-19 vaccine yet (n = 17, 1.8%). The intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine was increased with increasing level of education; 25.9%, 26.7%, 39.8%, and 53.6% in illiterate, under high school, high school, and college and higher, respectively (p < 0.0001). Healthcare workers were more likely to intend to receive a COVID-19, 57.5% vs 40.1%, p < 0.0001. Individuals who had concerns about the side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to not receive and not intend to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was high in this region and was correlated with lower education and concerns about side effects.