PERCEPTION OF GENERAL PUBLIC TOWARDS COVID-19 VACCINE; A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY IN A METROPOLITAN CITY OF A THIRD WORLD DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Dr. Muhammad Sami Bilal*, Dr. Waleed Ahmed, Dr. Maryam Hafeez Khan and Dr. Urooj Bari

ABSTRACT

Title of study: Perception of general public towards covid-19 vaccine; a cross-sectional survey in a metropolitan city of a third world developing country. Objective: The objective of this study is to find general public perception about covid-19 vaccine; factors causing vaccine hesitancy especially environmental and social factors. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted during a period of 6 months in Rawalpindi mainly, which included total 210 participants between the age ranges 16 to 70. All participants, male and female who gave informed consent were included in the study. All those who refused to give the consent were excluded. Literature based questionnaire was used and all data was collected confidentially. Ethical aspects of this study and its design was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of the institute. Results: The study showed that there were 57 (27.1%) females and 153 males (72.8%). 177 (84.3%) participants agreed that corona virus exists. 184(87.6%) participants agreed that covid-19 is preventable. 137(65.2%) participants agreed that vaccine is available in Pakistan. 160(76%) participants agreed that covid-19 recovered patients also require vaccination. Conclusion: Significant correlation between vaccine acceptance and general perception about covid-19 virus was found. Participants believed that getting mild body aches and mild fever after vaccination is normal. Environmental and social factors do influence vaccination process. Family and friends circle also influenced general public perception regarding the vaccination.

Keywords: Covid-19 Vaccine, hesitation, Third world developing country, general public awareness.