Intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among nursing students: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, safe and effective vaccines with high coverage remain the most effective way of controlling the infection. Therefore, the intention to get vaccinated is a critical issue for nursing students because they will act as health care providers and educators due to their future profession. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention among Chinese nursing students. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey was used. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1070 Chinese nursing students participated in this study. METHODS: The study used structured self-administered questionnaires to assess the effects of the following elements; sociodemographic factors, vaccination status, beliefs on general vaccination, beliefs and attitudes towards COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination, and COVID-19 vaccination intention. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between these variables and COVID-19 vaccination intention. RESULTS: More than half (51.9%) of nursing students were willing to vaccinate against COVID-19, while 43.4% were uncertain and 4.7% were unwilling to get vaccinated. Increased likelihood of intention to get vaccinated was associated with positive beliefs towards general vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination, perceived less adverse effects following vaccination, the greater impact of COVID-19 on daily life, and less clinical practice experience in healthcare settings. Those hesitant to vaccinate raised concerns about the safety of vaccines, doubted the efficacy, believed that vaccination was unnecessary, or had insufficient information on COVID-19 vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: More efforts are needed to enhance vaccine confidence and increase the vaccination rates against COVID-19 in nursing students by organizing effective educational campaigns and establishing positive vaccination beliefs.