Mixed-methods study reveals drivers and barriers to vaccine uptake across the public and physicians, highlighting the need for health literacy to counter hesitancy.
Key Points
To identify key barriers and facilitators influencing vaccination acceptance and uptake from the viewpoints of both healthcare providers and the general population in Saudi Arabia.
Conducted a nationwide online cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling to evaluate sociodemographics, vaccine uptake, acceptance, and hesitancy (N=937).
Completed qualitative structured in-depth interviews with healthcare providers (N=20) to assess clinical perspectives on patient hesitancy.
Identified primary facilitators for vaccine uptake as physician recommendations, official health ministry mandates, and beliefs that vaccines prevent illness or mitigate disease complications.
Interviews revealed that most physicians encounter vaccine hesitancy regarding adult and childhood immunizations, with physicians themselves expressing concerns over potential long-term complications of specific vaccines.