COVID-19 vaccination intent and willingness to pay in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Aim: This article reports the intent to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, its predictors and willingness to pay in Bangladesh. Subject and Methods: We did a cross-sectional survey of 697 adults in January 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to assess vaccination intent. Questionnaire included potential socio-demographic variables and health belief model constructs which may predict vaccination intent. Results: Among the participants, 25.5% demonstrated a definite intent, 43% probable intent, 24% probable negative, and 7.5% a definite negative intention. Multivariable logistic regression analyses suggest association between definite intent and previous COVID-19 infection (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.71 – 4.78), perceiving COVID-19 as serious (OR 1.93; 1.04 – 3.59), the belief that vaccination would make them feel less worried about COVID-19 (OR 4.42; 2.25 – 8.68), and concerns about vaccine affordability (OR 1.51; 1.01 – 2.25). Individuals afraid of the side effects (OR 0.34; 0.21 – 0.53) and would take the vaccine if the vaccine were taken by many in public (OR 0.44; 0.29 – 0.67) are less likely to have a definite intent. A definite negative intent is associated with the concern that the vaccine may not be halal (OR 2.03; 1.04 – 3.96). 68.4% are willing to pay for vaccine. The median amount they are willing to pay is $7.08. Conclusion: Adequate monitoring to stop the spreading of misinformation, and further research work to understand challenges in making a new vaccine acceptable by the population are needed.