Vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and associated factors in university students in Southern Mexico

Abstract

Objetive: The purpose of this study was to assess COVID-19 vaccination coverage among university students in Guerrero, Mexico, and to analyze the factors associated with their acceptance or refusal of the vaccine.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect demographic data, vaccination status, perceptions of vaccine efficacy and safety, and postvaccination experiences.

Results: Of the 1052 students surveyed, 97.1% reported having been vaccinated. A higher likelihood of vaccination was associated with having access to medical services (adjusted odds ratio [ORa] = 4.27; 95% CI: 2.06–8.85), perceiving the vaccine as effective (ORa = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.00–5.43), knowing someone who had contracted COVID-19 (ORa = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.04–4.49), and regularly receiving influenza vaccines (ORa = 1.89; 95% CI: 0.92–3.90).

Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of healthcare access, risk perception, and positive vaccination habits in promoting vaccine uptake. High vaccination coverage in this population reflects positive attitudes toward immunization.

Key words: Vaccination; COVID-19; Coverage; SARS-CoV-2; Hesitancy.