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 -