Using social media surveys and interventions to address vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia

• DOI: 10.26719/emhj.24.013
• Publication Date: 2024-04-14T06:52:12Z
• Authors: JungKyu Rhys Lim; Ellen Moscoe; Ada Alqunaibet; Daniel Alejandro ...; Amaal Alruwaily; Mohamad Chatila; Rasha Alfawaz; Laura Zoratto; Zeina Afif; Renos Vakis; Berq J Hadi Al-Ya...; Reem F Alsukait; Son Nam Nguyen; Christopher H Herbst; Abdullah Algwizani
• Keywords: Pandemic

Background: Countering COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has been a challenge in Saudi Arabia, one of the countries affected most by pandemic Eastern Mediterranean Region. Aims: To identify information needs, perceived benefits, concerns, trusted sources, social norms, and predictors for uptake Arabia effective messaging strategies to increase vaccination intentions among unvaccinated. Method: Between March April 2021, we conducted an online cross-sectional survey (N = 2883), part, randomized experiment unvaccinated participants (n 675) using Facebook Ads Messenger. Unvaccinated were randomly assigned 1 5 message conditions after exposure, asked if they planned take vaccine. Results: In total, 2883 adults participated survey. All framings worked equally well, with no statistically significant difference between arms. Approximately 80% across all said intended vaccinate. However, wanted know more about vaccines; 35% efficacy, 31.5% safety, 26.8% health authority’s recommendation, 3.7% where get vaccines. Health workers (61.4%) scientists epidemiologists (25.7%) sources. Others family members (7.5%), community leaders (2.2%), religious (1.6%), friends (1.4%), celebrities media influencers (0.2%). Conclusion: Vaccine can be overcome understanding individuals’ decision-making processes risk communication targeted their needs.