Authors

Shadé Owolabi, Emory UniversityFollow
Helen Singer, Emory University, Rollins School of Public HealthFollow
Katherine Reilly, Emory University, Rollins School of Public HealthFollow
Łucja T. Bundy MA-EdM, Emory University, Rollins School of Public HealthFollow
J.K. Veluswamy, Horizons Community Solutions, Inc.Follow
Carla Berg, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington UniversityFollow
Regine Haardörfer, Emory University, Rollins School of Public HealthFollow
James Hotz, Albany Area Primary Health CareFollow
Ajay Gehlot, CareConnect HealthFollow
Michelle Kegler, Emory University, Rollins School of Public HealthFollow

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among People who Smoke in Rural Southwest Georgia: Perspectives and Influencing Factors

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical tool in reducing COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy is an ongoing public health challenge, especially in certain geographic areas and sub-populations. This study assessed factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among individuals who smoke in rural communities in southwest Georgia, one of the first COVID-19 “hot spots” in the U.S.

Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews (n=23) using a semi-structured interview guide, informed by the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM), that assessed vaccine-related behavior, intention to be vaccinated, perceived risk, social norms, attitudes, and environmental barriers and facilitators influencing vaccine hesitance and uptake.

Results: Participants were 46 years old on average (SD=9.9; range: 25-63), 82.6% female, 60.9% Black, and 43.5% with an annual income

Conclusions: Current results uncovered several salient factors aligning with IBM that should be considered when addressing vaccine uptake and hesitancy among priority populations, particularly those in rural areas who smoke, and improving vaccination outreach efforts.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Owolabi, Shadé; Singer, Helen; Reilly, Katherine; Bundy, Łucja T. MA-EdM; Veluswamy, J.K.; Berg, Carla; Haardörfer, Regine; Hotz, James; Gehlot, Ajay; and Kegler, Michelle (2025) "COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among People who Smoke in Rural Southwest Georgia: Perspectives and Influencing Factors," Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association: Vol. 11: No. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/jgpha/vol11/iss1/7