Influenza vaccine hesitancy and its determinants among Lebanese public transportation drivers.

Abstract

Introduction: According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ensuring influenza vaccination for public transportation drivers is considered a public health objective, given that these drivers are at high risk of contracting influenza. The main purpose of this cross-sectional study is, thus, to evaluate influenza vaccine hesitancy (VH) and its determinants among a representative sample of Lebanese public transportation drivers.

Methods: A survey questionnaire is conducted between January and March 2023, with the participation of a proportionate purposeful sample of 509 drivers from various regions in Lebanon. Study exposures include socio-demographics, health/work related variables, past experiences, knowledge and fatalistic views. VH and Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) scales (score range 1 to 5 each) are used to measure study outcomes. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses, followed by ordinal and linear regression analyses are performed. Statistical significance is set at P < 0.025 (two sided).

Results: The vast majority of study participants (n = 499, 98 %) are males. Their age mean is 44.7 ± 12.6 years, while the mean duration of their work in public transportation is 11.5 ± 10.1 years. Results show vaccine hesitancy in terms of influenza risk calculation (3.27 ± 1.28), preference to natural immunity over influenza vaccines (3.23 ± 1.14) and vaccine constraints (2.83 ± 1.38). As for concerns regarding commercial profiteering behind influenza vaccines, the mean score of agreement with vaccines is 2.77 ± 1.10, while the mean score of lack of trust in vaccine safety is 2.70 ± 1.32.

Conclusions: Influenza VH among public transportation drivers in Lebanon is evident. Although a significant number of drivers are willing to be vaccinated, hesitancy often delays their decision. Study findings can inform influenza vaccination campaigns and syndicates regarding the need to raise awareness about influenza vaccine benefits among drivers and alleviate their hesitancies prior the upcoming flu season.