Qualitative analysis of knowledge, attitude and practice of academic community of Mataram University regarding COVID-19 vaccine refusal, vaccination obligation and cultural barriers

Background: COVID-19 cases in Indonesia has spread rapidly throughout the country, so the government implemented COVID-19 vaccination program. This program raises differences in public perception of COVID-19 vaccination, includes polemics against religion and beliefs, vaccinations as right or obligation, as well as refusal against vaccines.

Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive study that focuses on knowledge, attitudes and behavior on three themes, namely obligation and voluntary for vaccination, the right to refuse vaccination, as well as social, religious and cultural barriers in accepting vaccination. This study uses purposive sampling with FGD technique in academic community in University of Mataram who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Total 11 lecturers and students met the inclusion and exclusion criteria participated in FGD. There were 11 sub-themes found. Participant knowledge is good, represented by knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination policy, benefits of COVID-19 vaccine policy and sources of information regarding COVID-19 vaccine. The majority of participants' attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine were positive and viewed the polemic of refusing vaccinations and vaccinations as right or obligation as a conditional matter. Social barrier is considered the biggest barrier to COVID-19 vaccination. Participant behavior regarding vaccine availability varied and some participants willing to help increase vaccination in the community.

Conclusion: FGD Participants have good knowledge ofCOVID-19 vaccination policy. The attitudes of FGD participants showed that there were variations in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, vaccines as mandatory or voluntary, refusal to vaccinate and COVID-19 barrier vaccinations. Participant behavior varies in willingness to vaccine and some participants willing to participate in increasing vaccination in the community.