Race and sex differences in COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy amongst patients with neurological disorders in Hawaii

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.119819
• Publication Date: 2021-10-08T19:32:28Z
• Authors: Shaina Yamashita; Tate Higashihara; Kimberly Teehera; Frances Morden; Connor Goo; Michelle Pang; Kyung Moo Kim; Rachel Lew; Kayti Luu; Cori Sutton; Catherine Mitchell; Enrique Carrazana; Jason Viereck; Kore Liow; Arash Ghaffari-Rafi
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Article

This quality improvement (QI) project was conducted in order to better understand how demographic factors may influence the likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination hesitation and declination patients with neurological disorders Hawaii. Adult who had visited Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience (HPN) between January 1, 2019 2021 were contacted through a telephone QI survey assess hesitancy relation patient race sex. Over 30 different sociodemographic variables medical comorbidities examined. Statistical analysis utilized univariate multivariable logistic regression determine associated vaccine acceptance. Amongst all sex strata, odds acceptance significantly lower for those perceiving as unsafe. After modeling, strongest predictors identified. For females, included concerns safety (p = 0.0094) self-perception pre-existing condition contraindicating 0.00050). males, not receiving flu within past year 0.037), perception that is severe illness being politically conservative 0.034). Whites, 0.044) high school education only 0.037). Asians, 0.0066) 0.014). Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, predictor positive depression screening 0.040). Patients exhibit hesitancy, dependent upon Hence, tailoring per increase outreach effectiveness.