Sociopolitical antecedents influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Pima County, Arizona

Introduction

Vaccine hesitancy among marginalized populations particularly in the Hispanic community over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented as a public health issue. This study examined the relationship between political affiliation and vaccination decisions of Hispanic adults in Pima County, Arizona.

Methods

Between January and October 2022, 623 participants completed surveys in English or Spanish after completing informed consent process. Information collected included sociodemographic, political affiliation and philosophy and COVID vaccination uptake. Participants were recruited at different community events in Southern Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. Participants received five dollars for completing the surveys. Data were analyzed with Stata version 16.1.

Results

Participants were 81.8 % Hispanic and 18.2 % non-Hispanic. On average, participants were 32.9 (SD ± 11.8) years of age with a median age of 31 (IQR: 23, 41). Participants who had a bachelor's degree or above had 2.9 times greater odds of being vaccinated compared to those who had less than a high school education (Adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.84; 95 % CI: 1.12, 7.22). Individuals identifying as politically liberal had 3.28 times higher odds of being vaccinated compared to those identifying as conservative (OR = 3.28; 95 % CI: 1.5, 7.16). Similarly, Democrats had 3.36 times higher odds of being vaccinated than Republicans (OR = 3.36; 95 % CI: 1.61, 7.01). People who were strongly religious had statistically significantly lower odds of recommending the vaccine to others as compared to those who self-reported as not being religious.

Conclusions

There was an association with Hispanic adults who aligned liberal or Democrat to express more favorable views toward vaccinations. Additionally, individuals who were more educated, less religious, and in better financial situations tended to be more favorable toward vaccinations in Arizona.