Title:
Knowledge, Perception, and Acceptability on Covid-19 Vaccine Among International Students: A Cross-section Study in China

Authors:
Jean Nepomuscene Ntezimana, Habasi Patrick Manzi, Emmanuel Habinshuti, Yi-MinWang, Angelique kwizera, China

Abstract:

Background: International students could experience an uncomfortable vaccination approach when studying in a foreign country due to awareness issues. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine among international students in Lanzhou, China.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out from April to June 2021. The questionnaire comprised of questions on knowledge, perception, and acceptability about the COVID-19 vaccine was developed using Google form. The link was shared with the participants via WhatsApp and WeChat. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe participant characteristics. The Chi-square test was applied to assess the association level among variables with a significance level of P<0.05.

Results: 462 participants responded in this study, 312 (67.5%) and 150 (32.5%) were male and female, respectively. Females compared to male participants were correctly answered questions related to the vaccination and allergic reactions 63.3% vs. 48.4%, while males compared to females had good knowledge on a question related to community (herd) immunity 49.7% vs. 33.3%. Females had a substantially greater perception of the COVID-19 vaccinations than males, 46 % vs. 39.4 %. The respondents who planned to be vaccinated if a COVID-19 vaccine was available were only 22.7%.

Conclusion: Even though participants' knowledge about the COVID-19 was not scarce, most of the respondents were not prepared to get vaccinated. However, the interference of their beliefs can be a barrier. Therefore, it is recommended to provide unique campaigns in different universities with international students to overcome wrong myths about the COVID-19vaccine.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2022.6110