Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability Among Refugees and Other Migrant Populations: A Systematic Scoping Review

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2024 Jul 5

PMID 38968187

Authors

Yasaman Yazdani

Poojitha Pai

Shahab Sayfi

Arash Mohammadi

Saber Perdes

Denise Spitzer

Gabriel E Fabreau

Kevin Pottie

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to map the existing literature to identify predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among refugees, immigrants, and other migrant populations.

Methods: A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) was conducted up to 31 January 2023 to identify the relevant English peer-reviewed observational studies. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts, selected studies, and extracted data.

Results: We identified 34 cross-sectional studies, primarily conducted in high income countries (76%). Lower vaccine acceptance was associated with mistrust in the host countries' government and healthcare system, concerns about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, limited knowledge of COVID-19 infection and vaccines, lower COVID-19 risk perception, and lower integration level in the host country. Female gender, younger age, lower education level, and being single were associated with lower vaccine acceptance in most studies. Additionally, sources of information about COVID-19 and vaccines and previous history of COVID-19 infection, also influence vaccine acceptance. Vaccine acceptability towards COVID-19 booster doses and various vaccine brands were not adequately studied.

Conclusions: Vaccine hesitancy and a lack of trust in COVID-19 vaccines have become significant public health concerns within migrant populations. These findings may help in providing information for current and future vaccine outreach strategies among migrant populations.

Citing Articles

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Experiences and perceptions of migrant populations in South Africa on COVID-19 immunization: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.

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Evidence brief on facilitators, barriers and hesitancy of COVID-19 booster doses in Canada.

Young K, Corrin T, Pussegoda K, Baumeister A, Waddell L Can Commun Dis Rep. 2024; 50(10):338-344.

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