Determinants and reasons for coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine hesitancy in Croatia

AIM: To assess the determinants and reasons for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy in Croatia. METHODS: The data were collected through a sociological survey by using a mixed-mode approach (computer-assisted web interviewing and computer-assisted telephone interview) on a national sample of 765 adults aged 18 or above. Bivariate (χ(2) test) and multivariate (binary logistic regression) statistical methods were used. RESULTS: The rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was relatively high (35%), with unequal distribution across demographic groups. Binary logistic regression with demographic characteristics as predictors showed that women, younger age groups (especially 25-34-year-olds), persons residing in households with children, inhabitants of smaller settlements, and persons with lower levels of education had higher odds of vaccine hesitancy. Trust in the five main actors responding to the COVID-19 pandemic (the National Civil Protection Headquarters, Government, health care system, scientists-researchers, and media) was also a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy. Risk perception was an even stronger predictor: persons who perceived SARS-CoV-2 infection as a small risk were more than ten times likelier to be vaccine hesitant than those who perceived it as a great risk. CONCLUSION: Social groups that are more prone to vaccine hesitancy need to be approached through different channels and messages by taking into account their trust in institutions and risk perception.