Understanding Factors Impacting Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Hesitancy in a Rural Surgical Clinic

Abstract

Objective:

Evaluate patient hesitancy about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.

Patients and Methods:

English and Spanish pre-and post-video surveys were completed by patients at rural surgery clinics. The surveys consisted of 25 or 21 five-point Likert statements, respectively. Paired difference t-tests and independent sample t-tests were performed.

Results:

Ninety-four patients completed the surveys: 137 females (73%) and 51 (27%) males; 113 patients were Hispanic (64%); 63 patients were white (36%). The pre-video survey showed that the top two factors influencing patients were: preference for wearing masks over vaccination (n = 185; $\overline{x}$  = 3.55) and not trusting the effectiveness of the vaccine (n = 186; $\overline{x}$  = 3.01). Patients agreed that the video made them want to talk to their family about getting vaccinated (n = 176; $\overline{x}$  = 3.14) and made them appreciate that they can get really sick from COVID-19 (n = 177; $\overline{x}$  = 3.14). After watching the video, women of childbearing age (WCBA; n = 65; $\overline{x}$  = 3.20) agreed more that the video made them want to get the COVID-19 vaccine than non-WCBA (n = 59; $\overline{x}$  = 2.37; p = 0.0123). Women of childbearing age (n = 66; $\overline{x}$  = 3.32) also agreed more that the video made them appreciate that they can get really sick from the COVID virus than non-WCBA (n = 60; $\overline{x}$  = 2.58; p = 0.0254). Post-video statements showed that patients agreed that the video was easy to understand, they liked the video, and the video was helpful.

Conclusions:

There is room to better inform patients in a rural setting, especially WCBA, about COVID-19 illness and vaccination through video testimonies. Surgeons are uniquely positioned to offer effective recommendations, to increase vaccination rates, and address vaccine hesitancy.