COVID-19 Vaccine Willingness and Education Level: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Analysis

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between individuals' education levels and their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Understanding vaccine willingness and its influences allows for the identification of vulnerable communities in the face of global viral pandemics such as COVID-19. By identifying vulnerable populations, such as individuals who have restricted access to education, public health officials can create more effective targeted interventions to increase vaccine willingness and uptake. Methodology Surveys were administered online and in person, targeting adults aged 18 years or older, and were designed to achieve broad geographical reach. Participants self-reported their highest level of education and rated statements related to COVID-19 vaccine willingness, perceived importance, and understanding. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel for Mac (version 16.70 23021201) (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). Results Results from our study demonstrate that individuals with higher education levels were significantly associated with greater vaccine willingness (B = -0.99, p < .001); since reverse scoring was utilized, lower willingness scores reflected greater willingness. The regression model accounted for 36.4% of the variance in willingness (R² = 0.364), suggesting a moderate to strong relationship within our sample. Conclusion As vaccine hesitancy remains a global challenge, our findings highlight education level as a potential strategy for addressing vaccine willingness across multiple countries within our sample. Having a well-rounded understanding of the key factors that influence vaccine willingness is significant for informing efficient public health policies.