Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Pottie, Kevin
2nd Supervisor
Martin, Janet
Abstract
Background: Sex and gender differences can impact vaccine acceptance through various mechanisms within migrant populations.
Objective: To investigate whether COVID-19 vaccine acceptance differ by gender/sex
Methods: Five databases were searched to identify the relevant observational studies. We performed random effects meta-analysis to determine aggregate odds ratios of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among men compared to women.
Findings: Thirty studies met inclusion criteria. No significant difference was found in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance between immigrant and refugee men and women (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.35). Post-hoc analysis revealed higher acceptance odds among refugee men than women (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.47) after excluding studies with a large proportion of general population. The aggregate odds ratio in undocumented migrant sub-population indicated no statistically significant difference (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.25, 1.05).
Conclusion: Overall, no statistically significant difference was found in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance between men and women among migrant populations.
Summary for Lay Audience
In diverse migrant communities, gender differences can influence attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines due to various factors such as cultural beliefs and mistrust in healthcare. We wanted to understand if gender/sex differences affect vaccine acceptance among refugees, immigrants, and migrants (RIM) populations. We searched for relevant studies in multiple databases and websites and found 30 studies that met our criteria. Overall, no significant difference in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance between men and women in these populations was found in our study. However, when we looked specifically at studies which exclusively focused on refugees, we found that men were more willing to get vaccinated compared to women. For undocumented migrants, while both studies reported that women were more willing to get the vaccine than men, the overall difference was not statistically significant.
Unfortunately, there was not enough data to separately evaluate transgender and gender diverse groups.
Overall, the findings from current research indicate there was no meaningful difference in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance between men and women in migrant and refugee populations.
Recommended Citation
Yazdani, Yasaman, "Gender/sex differences in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among refugee, immigrant and migrant populations: An equity-oriented systematic review and meta-analysis" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10184.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10184