Severity, susceptibility and social norms perceived as antecedents of the intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of perceived risk and social norms on COVID-19 and on the intention to be vaccinated if a vaccine were available to prevent infection. Methods A quantitative, explanatory and cross-sectional research was developed. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire applied electronically to inhabi-tants over 18 years of age in the state of Puebla in Mexico. An analysis with structural equations was used to identify the effects among the constructs studied. Results The results showed that both the perceived severity and susceptibility of contracting COVID-19 had a positive effect on the perceived social norms about the virus. Also, while the perceived severity had a positive effect on the intention to vaccinate, the perceived susceptibility was not significant on the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Conclusion Intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is affected by the severity and perceived social norms of contracting the infection. However, the perceived susceptibility to the virus does not have an effect on the intention to be vaccinated.