A comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 vaccination behavior: The influence of religion, information sources, political leanings, and demographic factors

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of vaccines in controlling the virus. Despite their effectiveness, however, vaccine hesitancy remained a challenge, particularly within certain population groups. This multi-disciplinary study investigates the diverse socio-demographic factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination decisions in the United States. Through a nationally representative survey of 5,240 people, the research explores the interplay of information sources, religious beliefs, political party, and demographic characteristics of the respondents. Our findings reveal associations of main sources of information with vaccination likelihood, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention demonstrating the highest association with full vaccination. Religious beliefs are significant determinants, with Evangelical Protestants exhibiting the lowest vaccination rates. We also highlight the intricate relationship between political leanings and vaccination behavior, emphasizing higher levels of vaccination among Democrats. Demographic variables, including age, education, gender, and race/ethnicity, also play pivotal roles, exposing disparities in vaccination access and decisions. In particular, older individuals and those with higher levels of education show a greater inclination to achieve full vaccination, while women and African Americans are less likely to attain complete vaccination. Lastly, while major ethnoracial groups seem to respond to different sources of information similarly, there are also nuanced differences, such as Asians being especially likely to be fully vaccinated if they depend on the CDC or other health sources while more disadvantaged groups seem less responsive to these sources. Overall, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of the nuanced factors shaping vaccination behavior. It contributes valuable knowledge to public health strategies, emphasizing the need for targeted communication campaigns tailored to diverse communities.