Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Oct 25, 2024 2:34:06 GMT
Comparing role of religion in perception of the COVID-19 vaccines in Africa and Asia Pacific - Published Oct 24, 2024
Abstract
Background
In the midst of the global COVID-19 vaccine distribution challenge, religion stands out as a key determinant of vaccine hesitancy and health choices. Notably, the multifaceted religious environments of Africa and the Asia Pacific remain under-researched in this context.
Methods
Utilizing data from two survey waves conducted between 2021 and 2022, this cross-sectional study investigated the effects of religious beliefs on perceptions of compatibility between religion and vaccines and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Africa and Asia Pacific. Logistic regression models were employed, with interaction terms between socio-economic factors incorporated to account for variations among diverse subpopulations.
Results
Among the eight religious groups identified, Atheists and Buddhists in the Asia Pacific exhibit the lowest agreement, with fewer than 60% acknowledging the religious compatibility of vaccines. Willingness to accept vaccines, however, is consistently higher in Asia Pacific by at least four percentage points compared to Africa, with the disparity widening further in the second wave. Impacts of education on vaccine perceptions vary across religious groups, while acknowledging vaccine compatibility with religion positively contributed to vaccine acceptance. Dynamics between region, religion, and other socio-demographic factors have changed substantially over time. All but Atheists and Muslims exhibit a higher propensity to endorse vaccines during Survey Wave 2.
Conclusions
Our study reveals complex, context-dependent connections between vaccine attitudes and religion and the heterogeneous effects of time and education among different religious affiliations. Understanding the underlying drivers of these temporal variations helps inform tailored approaches aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy, promoting vaccine uptake, and improving the well-being of each religious group.
Plain Language Summary
This study examined the effects of religious beliefs on thoughts about agreement between religion and vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Africa and Asia Pacific. Data came from surveys of individuals across many regions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022. We found lower agreement to compatibility between vaccine and religious belief among Atheists and Buddhists in the Asia Pacific, while Africans were generally less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, education influenced vaccine views differently across religious groups, and those who felt vaccination was compatible with their religion were more likely to accept a vaccine. These findings show we should monitor vaccine confidence and tailor efforts to reduce vaccine hesitancy among different subgroups of people.
Abstract
Background
In the midst of the global COVID-19 vaccine distribution challenge, religion stands out as a key determinant of vaccine hesitancy and health choices. Notably, the multifaceted religious environments of Africa and the Asia Pacific remain under-researched in this context.
Methods
Utilizing data from two survey waves conducted between 2021 and 2022, this cross-sectional study investigated the effects of religious beliefs on perceptions of compatibility between religion and vaccines and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Africa and Asia Pacific. Logistic regression models were employed, with interaction terms between socio-economic factors incorporated to account for variations among diverse subpopulations.
Results
Among the eight religious groups identified, Atheists and Buddhists in the Asia Pacific exhibit the lowest agreement, with fewer than 60% acknowledging the religious compatibility of vaccines. Willingness to accept vaccines, however, is consistently higher in Asia Pacific by at least four percentage points compared to Africa, with the disparity widening further in the second wave. Impacts of education on vaccine perceptions vary across religious groups, while acknowledging vaccine compatibility with religion positively contributed to vaccine acceptance. Dynamics between region, religion, and other socio-demographic factors have changed substantially over time. All but Atheists and Muslims exhibit a higher propensity to endorse vaccines during Survey Wave 2.
Conclusions
Our study reveals complex, context-dependent connections between vaccine attitudes and religion and the heterogeneous effects of time and education among different religious affiliations. Understanding the underlying drivers of these temporal variations helps inform tailored approaches aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy, promoting vaccine uptake, and improving the well-being of each religious group.
Plain Language Summary
This study examined the effects of religious beliefs on thoughts about agreement between religion and vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Africa and Asia Pacific. Data came from surveys of individuals across many regions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022. We found lower agreement to compatibility between vaccine and religious belief among Atheists and Buddhists in the Asia Pacific, while Africans were generally less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, education influenced vaccine views differently across religious groups, and those who felt vaccination was compatible with their religion were more likely to accept a vaccine. These findings show we should monitor vaccine confidence and tailor efforts to reduce vaccine hesitancy among different subgroups of people.