Attitude (Acceptance) of the COVID-19 Vaccine among Adult Kuwait Oil Company Workers

Abstract

Objective: To measure the acceptance of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among the sector of the oil company adult population in Kuwait and assess its determinants. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional email study enrolled adults working for Kuwait oil companies ( n = 1689; aged ≥21 years). Acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine was considered if participants selected the options and received the vaccine, definitely or probably will accept vaccination against COVID-19 once a vaccine is available.” A modified Poisson regression was used to investigate the associations and calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In total, 92.5% (1563/1689) of the participants were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccines once available. No difference in sex was observed in the willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine (92.5 vs. 92%, p 0.5). Responders who believed vaccines in general to have health-related risks were less likely to get vaccinated (aPR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.35 - 0.44). In addition, participants who received the influenza vaccine were more willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine (aPR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.31 - 1.58). Acceptance of the vaccine against COVID-19 increased as the self-perceived chances of contracting the infection increased ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Overall, 92.5% of the study participants demonstrated a willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, we found that public health authorities should address several factors influencing the level of acceptance.