COVID-19 Vaccine Motivation, Willingness and Hesitancy of Health Majors University Students in Palestine

Background: The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign hinges on the motivation and willingness of the general population to be vaccinated. The purpose of this research was to determine the motivation, willingness, and hesitancy of Al-Quds University students enrolled in health majors to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as to detect their attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to target students in health majors at Al-Quds University during the first semester of 2023–2024, using a proportionate sample stratified by specialization and educational level. A self-reported questionnaire consisted of five main sections: sociodemographic details, information on attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19, attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination, degree of willingness and hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccine, and lastly, sources of knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccine. A linear logistic regression was performed to investigate associations between willingness and hesitancy to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and sociodemographic factors. Results: 66.1% of participants reported being very likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19, 22.8% were unsure, and 11.1% reported being very unlikely to be vaccinated. The major reason for vaccination hesitancy was insecurity due to the rapid development of the vaccine, concerns about COVID‐19 vaccination, fear of needles, and distrust in vaccine against mutation. Whereas the essential reasons for vaccination motivation and acceptance ranged from fear of being infected with Covid-19, the desire to get back to normal life, and fear of transmitting the infection to family and others. Additionally, TV and radio were the main source of information regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion: This study showed a high reluctant level among university students in health majors against COVID-19 vaccines. Providing correct information to the public through independent health organizations that are not associated with the ruling authority, particularly to university students, on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines is highly recommended.