ASSESSING THE DETERMINANTS AND ACCEPTANCY OF CORONA VIRUS VACCINE AMONG GENERAL POPULATION IN URBANIZED SETTING

Background: Vaccine hesitancy remains a major public health concern, particularly in regions where misinformation and conspiracy theories influence healthcare decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified debates surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy, leading to varying acceptance rates worldwide. In Pakistan, myths and misconceptions have contributed to skepticism regarding international health campaigns. Understanding the factors influencing vaccine uptake is essential for designing targeted interventions to improve immunization coverage. Objective: This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and explore the impact of myths and misconceptions among the general population in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban areas of Peshawar from August to November 2021. A total of 1000 individuals were recruited using a random sampling approach. Data were collected through a semi-structured, pretested, and self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with vaccine acceptance. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated, considering a p-value of ≤0.05 statistically significant. Results: The overall vaccine acceptance rate was 68%. Males (59.9%) had a higher acceptance rate than females (45.1%). The highest acceptance was observed in individuals aged 21–30 years (46.4%), followed by 31–40 years (17.7%). Among vaccinated participants, 67.4% were Muslims, while 0.6% were Christians. Education level showed an inverse association, with higher acceptance among those with lower education (AOR=2.75, CI: 1.74–4.33, p<0.00). Common myths significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy included fears of death within two years (AOR=0.47, CI: 0.22–0.98, p<0.04), blood clot formation (AOR=0.35, CI: 0.16–0.78, p<0.01), and microchip implantation (AOR=0.28, CI: 0.12–0.64, p<0.00). The primary source of vaccine-related information was media (44.3%), followed by family discussions (11.2%). Conclusion: Despite moderate vaccine acceptance, prevalent misconceptions contributed to hesitancy. Media played a crucial role in shaping public perception, both positively and negatively. Strengthening health communication strategies and addressing misinformation through targeted awareness programs are essential to improve vaccine uptake and public trust in immunization programs.