Assessment of acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine based on the health belief model among Malaysians-A qualitative approach

14Citations
Citations of this article
119Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Introduction Several countries have started mass vaccination programs to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. With an R naught value of 2 to 3, about 70% of the population needs to be immunized to achieve herd immunity. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for acceptance or refusal of COVID-19 vaccines among the Malaysian population. Methodology An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was performed. The cross-sectional survey used a non-probability convenient sampling technique to recruit the respondents, who were required to answer an open-ended question: Either "If you are willing to get the vaccine, please state your reason" or "If you are not willing to get vaccinated, please state your reason." The survey also included questions on demography such as age, gender, and place of residence. According to the Health Belief Model, the data was transcribed, translated, and analyzed: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived barrier, and cues for action. Results A total of 1091 respondents who completed the online survey comprised 685 (62.8%) females, 406 (37.2%) males, with a mean age of 38.16 (SD = 16.44). The majority (81.1%) were willing to get vaccinated. Thematic analysis showed that most respondents perceived that the vaccine is safe, effective, protective and will provide herd immunity. Barriers to vaccination include unknown long-term side effects, rapid vaccine production, inadequate information and concerns regarding halal status. Cues to vaccination included individual desire, social responsibility, economic concerns and wait-and-see behavior. Conclusions The public should be well informed about the vaccine, its efficacy, side effects, and halal status to increase vaccine acceptability and achieve herd immunity.

References Powered by Scopus

Early transmission dynamics in Wuhan, China, of novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia

11308Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization

6773Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Historical Origins of the Health Belief Model

3665Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

Drivers of and Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Acceptance in Indonesia

6Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Exposure to Misinformation, Risk Perception, and Confidence towards the Government as Factors Influencing Negative Attitudes towards COVID-19 Vaccination in Malaysia

6Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adults in India: A primary study based on health behavior theories and 5C psychological antecedents model

4Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Mohd Rani, M. D., Mohamed, N. A., Solehan, H. M., Ithnin, M., Ariffien, A. R., & Isahak, I. (2022). Assessment of acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine based on the health belief model among Malaysians-A qualitative approach. PLoS ONE, 17(6 June). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269059

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 25

81%

Professor / Associate Prof. 2

6%

Lecturer / Post doc 2

6%

Researcher 2

6%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Nursing and Health Professions 17

50%

Medicine and Dentistry 11

32%

Social Sciences 3

9%

Agricultural and Biological Sciences 3

9%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free