Individual-level social capital and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Japan: a cross-sectional study
To reduce vaccine hesitancy, it is important to identify factors that can intervene at the individual or community level. Social capital is a possible factor because it is associated with various vaccine hesitancy, such as for measles and influenza. However, limited studies have explored the associa...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2022-11-01
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| Series: | Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2022.2086773 |
| Summary: | To reduce vaccine hesitancy, it is important to identify factors that can intervene at the individual or community level. Social capital is a possible factor because it is associated with various vaccine hesitancy, such as for measles and influenza. However, limited studies have explored the association between social capital and vaccination for COVID-19, which is an unprecedented pandemic and infodemic. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the association between social capital and COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study used quota sampling for an online-based survey. Participants were asked whether they had previously been vaccinated for COVID-19 and their intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Social capital was evaluated using three measures (individual-level civic participation, social cohesion, and reciprocity). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to clarify the association between social capital and previous COVID-19 vaccination status as well as intention to receive a COVID-19 booster. Participants were 2,313 individuals, of whom 87.2% had received a COVID-19 vaccine; 72.3% intended to obtain a COVID-19 booster. Individuals with any social capital are more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccination than those with none (OR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.18–2.54; OR: 1.58, 95%CI: 1.22–2.05; OR: 3.05, 95%CI: 2.15–4.33). These indicators were also associated with the intention to receive a COVID-19 booster. Thus, our results suggest that among the general public, those with individual-level social capital are more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccination than those with none. Social capital may be a factor that can reduce vaccine hesitancy during a pandemic. |
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| ISSN: | 2164-5515 2164-554X |