TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring the reasons behind low COVID-19 vaccination coverage in ethnic minorities–A qualitative study among Arabic-speaking public in Denmark
AU - Al-Saudi, Ghuna
AU - Thabit, Abrar K.
AU - Jose, Jimmy
AU - Badr, Aisha F.
AU - Jad, Lama
AU - Kaae, Susanne
AU - Jacobsen, Ramune
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Author(s)
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Aims: In Denmark, COVID-19 infection rates have been higher, and vaccination coverage has been lower in areas with many residents from ethnic minority backgrounds. This study aimed to explore COVID-19 vaccination perceptions among Arabic-speaking minorities in Denmark. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 individuals, varying in age, gender, education, employment, health, vaccination status, and the Arabic-speaking country of origin, were recruited and interviewed in Arabic. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using directed thematic analysis. Results: Most interviewees had some knowledge about how vaccines work to prevent infections; however, a wide spectrum of opinions about the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination policies in Denmark emerged. COVID-19 vaccination issues were extensively discussed in Arabic-speaking communities, but consensus was rarely reached. Many participants felt confused and only took vaccines for practical considerations, such as travel. Due to language barriers, some participants experienced difficulties in understanding vaccination-related information in electronic invitations from the health authorities and at vaccination centers, with family members often stepping in to provide translations. Conclusions: Systematic efforts to actively disseminate translated COVID-19 vaccination information are needed to support ethnic minority individuals in making informed decisions.
AB - Aims: In Denmark, COVID-19 infection rates have been higher, and vaccination coverage has been lower in areas with many residents from ethnic minority backgrounds. This study aimed to explore COVID-19 vaccination perceptions among Arabic-speaking minorities in Denmark. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 individuals, varying in age, gender, education, employment, health, vaccination status, and the Arabic-speaking country of origin, were recruited and interviewed in Arabic. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using directed thematic analysis. Results: Most interviewees had some knowledge about how vaccines work to prevent infections; however, a wide spectrum of opinions about the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination policies in Denmark emerged. COVID-19 vaccination issues were extensively discussed in Arabic-speaking communities, but consensus was rarely reached. Many participants felt confused and only took vaccines for practical considerations, such as travel. Due to language barriers, some participants experienced difficulties in understanding vaccination-related information in electronic invitations from the health authorities and at vaccination centers, with family members often stepping in to provide translations. Conclusions: Systematic efforts to actively disseminate translated COVID-19 vaccination information are needed to support ethnic minority individuals in making informed decisions.
KW - COVID-19 vaccines
KW - Denmark
KW - Ethnic and racial minorities
KW - Policy
KW - Qualitative research
U2 - 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104965
DO - 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104965
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 38104373
AN - SCOPUS:85180501268
VL - 139
JO - Health Policy
JF - Health Policy
SN - 0168-8510
M1 - 104965
ER -