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A cross-sectional study to assess hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination and its determinants among 18 year and above general population residing in a rural area of Uttar Pradesh

Background: COVID-19 was declared as pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Earlier COVID-19 vaccine trends show that vaccine coverage rate is lower in rural people as compared to their urban counterparts which may be due to many reasons, that is, acceptability, accessibility, or affordability to vaccination program. The present study focuses on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its determinants among rural people. 

Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination and its determinants among 18 year and above general population residing in a rural area of UP. 

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during May 22 among 18 years and above 444 subjects residing in a rural area of UP. Information was collected with reference to sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and COVID vaccination status and reason for vaccine hesitancy if any.

Results: A total of 444 respondents participated in study. About 16.6% of respondents have not taken COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine Hesitancy regarding COVID-19 was more in 60 years and above age group, females, Hindus, and illiterates. Vaccine hesitancy related to COVID-19 is significantly associated with age and literacy status (P < 0.05). Out of 74 unvaccinated respondents, majority said (37.8%) that lack of time was major reason for vaccine hesitancy followed by health issues (28.4%) (such as fever, diabetes, and respiratory problems). 

Conclusions: It is important to find solution to reason to reason for vaccine hesitancy in general population and expel myth and misconceptions regarding vaccine hesitancy.