Klib M, Alazki O, Issa Nabhan A, Brakat AM, Zuhair Alafandi B, Abdulmoain Idres F, Almenchaf R, Albakkar F, Ghandour M, Zahlout J, Tabsho S, Mouazen S. Assessing the prevalence and patterns of COVID-19 vaccine side effects among Syrian adults: A cross-sectional study.
Prev Med Rep 2024;
37:102558. [PMID:
38282667 PMCID:
PMC10810828 DOI:
10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102558]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of COVID-19 vaccine side effects among Syrian adults, with a focus on the AstraZeneca and Sputnik Light vaccines, in light of the low vaccination rate in Syria (below 18%) attributed to fear of side effects.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2022, using probability-based and convenient sampling strategies. Data was collected through online, paper, and face-to-face questionnaires that included demographic and vaccine-related questions.
Result
Out of 3,766 participants, the majority were female (56.7 %) and aged 18-24 years (53.3 %). Most participants had a university-level qualification (71.2 %) and were related to the medical sector (53.2 %). A significant proportion (47.0 %) received AstraZeneca, Sputnik Light (22.1 %) and Sinopharm (14.7 %). Common side effects included sleepiness and lethargy (50.0 %), fever and chills (45.0 %), and pain/swelling at the injection site (35.9 %). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male (OR: 0.57, CI: 0.48-0.68) and participants aged 45-65 years (OR: 0.53, CI: 0.40-0.70) were less likely to experience side effects. Participants who believed COVID-19 posed a high threat to their personal life had higher odds of side effects (OR: 1.74, CI: 1.22-2.46). Vaccine type was also associated with side effects, with Sputnik Light (OR: 2.52, CI: 1.85-3.46) and AstraZeneca (OR: 1.61, CI: 1.26-2.05) having increased odds.
Conclusion
Our study found that COVID-19 vaccines are well tolerated among the Syrian population, with short-term side effects that typically resolve within three days. These findings are expected to bolster vaccination rates through enhanced public confidence and acceptance.
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