Knowledge, beliefs and hesitancy among medical and non-medical university students toward COVID-19 vaccination in Punjab, Pakistan

Biodemography Soc Biol. 2023 Oct-Dec;68(4):196-208. doi: 10.1080/19485565.2023.2272718. Epub 2023 Nov 27.

Abstract

This study assessed the knowledge, beliefs, and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination among medical (MS) and nonmedical students (NMS) in Punjab, Pakistan. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted by enrolling 624 MS and 476 NMS in the largest province of Pakistan, i.e., Punjab. Chi-square tests were used to determine significant frequency distributions, and logistic regression to determine associations. The majority of students, males and females, were between 18-25 years of age and had good self-reported health. MS demonstrated adequate knowledge and positive beliefs about COVID-19. Fewer MS were indecisive about the vaccination; nonetheless, overall, 71.5% of MS and 78.2% of NMS were willing to receive the vaccine. A greater number of MS students were concerned about vaccine safety or side effects. A greater number of NMS demonstrated misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine - its effect on fertility and alterations in genomic DNA. The binary logistics regression exhibited a significant association between students' knowledge in the medical sciences (OR;1.53,p = 0.002) and area of residence (OR;1.60,p = 0.008). Compared to NMS, MS had a better understanding of the COVID-19 vaccine and were concerned about the acceptability of the vaccine, although NMS had misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Knowledge was significantly associated with the field of study.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pakistan
  • Students
  • Universities
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines