Assessment of the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and vaccine acceptance: a cross-sectional study in Jordan

BACKGROUND: In the absence of definitive treatment, vaccination against COVID-19 emerged as an effective solution to the spread of the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the factors impacting the rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Jordan, in addition to examining the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and vaccine acceptance among the Jordanian population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of adults (aged ≥18) residing in Jordan. Data were collected using an online questionnaire disseminated using social media platforms between December 2nd and December 29th, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 2,268 (72.3%) participants demonstrated willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The mean COVID-19 risk perception score among the participants was 4.65 out of 10 (median 5; IQR 3–6). Higher risk perception scores were significantly associated with being female (p = .001), young (p < .001), or a smoker (p = .005). A significant positive correlation was identified between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and risk perception scores (OR = 1.319, 95%, CI = 1.261–1.380, p < .001). Moreover, male participants (75%, OR = 1.220, 95% CI = 1.007–1.479, p = .043), participants aged 18–24 years (78.1%, OR = 1.635, 95% CI = 1.189–2.246, p = .002), and participants with children aged under 18 years (73.9%, OR = 1.210, 95% CI = 1.010–1.450, p = .039) were more willing than their counterparts to get vaccinated. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 risk perception and certain sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., being male, being young, and having children aged under 18 years) were found to be significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Policymakers are recommended to develop public educational campaigns to enhance people’s trust in and willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine.