gms | German Medical Science

Background: With the approval of the COVID-19 vaccines, vaccination has become one of the most effective measures in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the pandemic has significantly influenced the organization of teaching and learning. In many disciplines, classroom teaching and practical training are central parts of the curriculum, allowing students to be prepared for future professional life. However, in the context of the pandemic, high-quality academic education can only be implemented with sufficient health protection such as recommended occupational and safety measures including vaccination. Currently, there is little knowledge about factors influencing the COVID-19 vaccination status of university students. Understanding vaccination behavior in university students contributes to the development of information campaigns at universities.

Research question and objective: This study aims to investigate the influence of personal, SARS-CoV-2 and study-related factors on the COVID-19 vaccination status of university students using quantitative analysis.

Method: A cross-sectional study design was applied. Students from six German universities completed an anonymous online questionnaire between July 2021 and November 2021. Descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS. Based on the results of univariate logistic regression, predictors for COVID-19 vaccination status were identified in multivariate logistic regression.

Results: 6556 students took part in the survey. The mean age of the respondents was 24 years (SD=4.2; range: 18-70). The majority of participants were female (63%; n=4106). 91% (n=5935) had at least received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Univariate logistic regression revealed that being vaccinated was significantly associated with increased willingness to perform a SARS-CoV-2 rapid test (odds Ratio [OR]: 1.488; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.426–1.552), the belief that the vaccine helps to protect one’s own health (OR: 2.233; 95% CI: 2.117–2.355), the belief that the vaccine was safe (OR: 2.738; 95% CI: 2.574–2.913) as well as university curricula (healthcare vs. non-healthcare) (OR: 0.557; 95% CI: 0.395–0.789) and relationship status (OR: 1.328; 95% CI: 1.110–1.590). Reasons against vaccination provided by respondents who had not yet been vaccinated (9%; n=555) included: possible long-term effects of the vaccines, insufficient research due to conditional marketing authorization, low-risk perception of COVID-19 and poor risk-benefit balance.

Discussion: Overall, the results show that in our study population a higher percentage reported to be vaccinated (91%) than in the general population in Germany (60-70%). A generally positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines was most strongly associated with vaccination status. This will be further investigated over the course of this study.

Practical implications: Understanding vaccination behavior of university students supports public health efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Appeal for practice: The factors identified can be used in educational interventions and vaccination campaigns in order to increase vaccine uptake among university students and therefore limit impairments on academic training.

Funding: Sonstige Förderung; MWK Baden-Württemberg, D.26.01702