Perceived Vaccine Efficacy, Willingness to Pay for COVID-19 Vaccine and Associated Determinants among Foreign Migrants in China

Prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among migrant and refugee groups: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among migrant and refugee groups is critical for achieving vaccine equity. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among migrant and refugee populations.

Methods

A systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42022333337) was conducted (December 2019-July 2022) using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest and Google Scholar.

Results

Nineteen studies from 12 countries were included. The pooled estimated prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine willingness among migrant and refugee groups was 70% (19 studies, 95% CI: 62.3-77.4%, I2: 99.19%, τ2: 0.03). Female and male participants did not differ significantly with each other (p = 0.64). Although no individual variable contributed statistically significantly in multivariable meta-regression analysis, the multivariable model that considered methodological quality, mean age of participants, participant group and country of origin explained 67% of variance.

Discussion

Proportions of migrant/refugee groups receiving COVID-19 vaccinations approximated those observed among general populations. Additional studies are needed to examine factors relating to vaccine willingness to identify the most significant factors that may be targeted in interventions.

Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among foreign migrants in China

Background/Purpose

The COVID-19 outbreak created unique policy challenges for vaccinating special groups like migrants. As part of sustainable development goals, the equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine can contribute to ensuring health for all. This study examined COVID-19 vaccine uptake among foreign migrants in China based on sociodemographics, cultural beliefs, past vaccine behaviors, and psychosocial factors.

Design

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among foreign migrants in mainland China via social media platforms from 21 November through 20 December 2021. Bivariate (unadjusted odd-ratio) and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to establish the correlates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Result

Surveyed foreign migrants that are culture neutral (AOR: 2.5, CI: 95%, 1.02-5.90, p = 0.044), willing to pay for vaccination (AOR: 2.27, CI: 95%, 1.18-3.98, p = 0.012), believe in vaccine efficacy (AOR: 3.00, CI: 95%, 1.75-5.16, p < 0.000), have poor psychological health (AOR: 1.96, CI: 95%, 1.14-3.38, p = 0 0.014), and have higher perceived seriousness of COVID-19 (AOR: 2.12, CI: 95%, 1.26-3.57, p = 0.005) are more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Those migrants with a history of declining vaccination (AOR: 0.34, CI: 95%, 0.18-0.65, p = 0.000) and middle-income earners $1701-3500 (AOR: 0.43, CI: 95%, 0.23-0.82, p = 0.010) are less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusion

This study brings a unique perspective to understanding vaccine behavior among international migrants in China. There is an urgent call from the World Health Organization and countries for complete vaccination and efforts to improve vaccine coverage. However, fewer studies have been conducted globally on the vaccination of migrant populations. The current study provides empirical information to increase the knowledge of the correlates of vaccine behavior among immigrants in countries around the globe. Future studies should conduct cross-country comparisons to understand the factors associated with increasing vaccination rates among immigrant populations to formulate a strong policy to increase vaccine coverage among immigrant populations across countries.

Loneliness and quality of life: Perceived online and offline social support among Sub-Saharan African students in China during the COVID-19 lockdowns

<b>Objective/background: </b>The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education globally, triggering fear and uncertainties for students. However, there is currently no research evidence to document the loneliness experience of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) students in China and how social support influenced their quality of life (QoL). This study explored the effect of COVID-19-induced loneliness and social support on the QoL of SSA students in China.<br /> <b>Method:</b> The study adopted an institutional-based cross-sectional survey through an online questionnaire on social media platforms to investigate the QoL of SSA students in Chinese universities. Pearson correlation matrix and regression analysis were conducted to validate the association of loneliness, social support (online and offline), and socio-demographic attributes on the student’s QoL.<br /> <b>Result: </b>In the population of 358 SSA students appraised in the study, loneliness experience was negatively associated with QoL. Online social support and offline social support were positively associated with QoL. The linear regression shows that loneliness, social support, and socio-demographic attributes explain 25.7% (psychological health), 26.6% (physical health), 24.9% (environmental health), and 30.3% (social relation) of the variance in the QoL domains. By evaluating the EUROHIS subjective QoL, loneliness independently accounts for 24.5% of the variance in the subjective QoL of the SSA students examined in the study (model 1). In comparison, the added effects of social supports and socio-demographic attributes on model 3 explained 32% of the subjective QoL.<br /> <b>Conclusion: </b>It is strongly recommended that loneliness eradication programs be implemented in these universities among SSA students who experience loneliness that negates their QoL. Interventions should focus on how these students can integrate and build social networks (online and offline) to improve social interaction and support for better QoL.