TY - JOUR
T1 - Key predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia
T2 - An integrated framework
AU - Jian Ng, Jason Wei
AU - Vaithilingam, Santha
AU - Nair, Mahendhiran
AU - Hwang, Li-Ann
AU - Musa, Kamarul Imran
N1 - Funding Information:
The authors thank Ipsos Malaysia for their assistance in the data collection via their online portal.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Public Library of Science. All rights reserved.
PY - 2022/5/23
Y1 - 2022/5/23
N2 - Background As the vaccination drive against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Malaysia progresses rapidly, the main challenge will gradually shift from procuring and distributing vaccines to ensuring the broadest possible acceptance among all population segments. Therefore, this study used the integrated framework of the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) to investigate the predictors of intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines in Malaysia. Methodology A market research company in Malaysia was engaged to collect data during June 11–20, 2021 using self-administered questionnaires via its online panel, ensuring a nationwide random sample of 804 respondents. A logistic regression was subsequently estimated to determine the significant predictors of vaccination intention. Results The predictors that significantly affect COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia are age, susceptibility, religious beliefs, attitude, subjective norms, and trust in the vaccine. In particular, those who are more inclined to get vaccinated are older individuals, have a higher perceived risk of infection and social pressure to get vaccinated, have a positive attitude, and have high levels of trust in the vaccine. Individuals’ who perceive that their religious beliefs are against vaccination are more likely to exhibit uncertainty toward it. Conclusion This study showed that although a large proportion of respondents indicated that they were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, there are concerns about religious barriers and trust in the vaccine that the relevant stakeholders should address. Campaigns should also focus on shaping the nation’s attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines, in parallel with encouraging people to use their social influence in helping those in their close circle who are unsure of vaccination to cross the line. These measures will prove to be pertinent as the nation begins to administer booster vaccines to tackle the waning effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
AB - Background As the vaccination drive against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Malaysia progresses rapidly, the main challenge will gradually shift from procuring and distributing vaccines to ensuring the broadest possible acceptance among all population segments. Therefore, this study used the integrated framework of the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) to investigate the predictors of intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines in Malaysia. Methodology A market research company in Malaysia was engaged to collect data during June 11–20, 2021 using self-administered questionnaires via its online panel, ensuring a nationwide random sample of 804 respondents. A logistic regression was subsequently estimated to determine the significant predictors of vaccination intention. Results The predictors that significantly affect COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia are age, susceptibility, religious beliefs, attitude, subjective norms, and trust in the vaccine. In particular, those who are more inclined to get vaccinated are older individuals, have a higher perceived risk of infection and social pressure to get vaccinated, have a positive attitude, and have high levels of trust in the vaccine. Individuals’ who perceive that their religious beliefs are against vaccination are more likely to exhibit uncertainty toward it. Conclusion This study showed that although a large proportion of respondents indicated that they were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, there are concerns about religious barriers and trust in the vaccine that the relevant stakeholders should address. Campaigns should also focus on shaping the nation’s attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines, in parallel with encouraging people to use their social influence in helping those in their close circle who are unsure of vaccination to cross the line. These measures will prove to be pertinent as the nation begins to administer booster vaccines to tackle the waning effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85130491125&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1371/journal.pone.0268926
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0268926
M3 - Article
C2 - 35604921
AN - SCOPUS:85130491125
SN - 1932-6203
VL - 17
JO - PLoS ONE
JF - PLoS ONE
IS - 5
M1 - e0268926
ER -
