Factors Affecting the Awareness, Acceptance, and Hesitancy Among Unvaccinated Filipinos Without Medical Background Regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccine
R. Roldan-Gan, J. Chua, C. Dela Rosa, and B. Arellano (26-43)
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination is essential in resolving the pandemic but is in limited supply. Hence, vaccine hesitancy profiling is important to increase efficiency of distribution. This study aimed to determine the awareness, attitude, and acceptance/hesitancy among unvaccinated Filipinos regarding COVID-19, its vaccines, and the government’s vaccination program. Factors influencing behaviors were also investigated.
Online survey using Google Forms was assessed for reliability based on previous vaccine studies and panel content review. Sample size (n = 438) validity was determined using Cochran’s formula. Results revealed that there is moderate awareness of facts regarding COVID-19, vaccine etiology (50.06%), and vaccine complications (13.90%). Moreover, most respondents acquire information from traditional media (40.87%) over social media (36.99%). Majority agreed that everyone should get vaccinated (72.23%), and only few expressed fear of vaccine side effects (24.56%). Statistical analysis showed that gender is not associated with brand preference, knowledge, and attitude towards vaccination. Age and regionality are significantly associated with the participant’s response. Respondents from Visayas and Mindanao showed less awareness and a more negative attitude about the issue.
Many respondents were willing to receive vaccination; however, lack of vaccine supply is the major problem. A proportion of the population will require better health education to address their misconceptions.