Authors: Anas Khalid Alghamdi , Yazeed Alsulaiman , Yazeed Alqarni , Abdulaziz Almisbahi , Ibrahim Aldosari , Bader Alshajry , Nasim Ullah Siddiqui

Abstract

Background: Vaccine hesitancy remains a critical public health challenge that impedes herd immunity and disease mitigation. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, perceived severity, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines among a convenience sample of adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to identify demographic determinants influencing vaccine acceptance.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted utilizing convenience sampling across two commercial centers in Riyadh. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 379 adult participants aged 18-60 years. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for statistical evaluations.

Results: Among 379 participants, 88.9% had received a COVID-19 vaccine, and 60.7% reported prior COVID-19 infection. Participants demonstrated significantly higher confidence in locally manufactured vaccines (67.6%) compared to imported options (49.1%). Key barriers to immunization included concerns regarding adverse effects (69.2%) and the belief that natural infection grants sufficient immunity (71.5%). Higher educational attainment and professional occupational status were significantly associated with increased perceived disease severity and vaccine confidence.

Conclusions: Despite high overall vaccination coverage, persistent hesitancy driven by safety apprehensions and reliance on natural immunity remains prevalent among this sample. The findings highlight a strategic opportunity for national biotechnology initiatives, though the convenience sampling method limits broader population generalizability. Targeted messaging is required for optimizing future immunization protocols.

Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccine hesitancy, Public health, Riyadh, Cross-sectional study, Health Belief Model.