Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine based on the health belief model: a multicenter national survey among medical care workers in China

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2022 Nov 30;18(5):2076523. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2076523. Epub 2022 May 18.

Abstract

Vaccine uptake rate is crucial for herd immunity. Medical care workers (MCWs) can serve as ambassadors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. This study aimed to assess MCWs' willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and to explore the factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. A multicenter study among medical care workers was conducted in seven selected hospitals from seven geographical territories of China, and data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine hesitancy, and health beliefs on COVID-19 vaccination among participants. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to explore the correlations between individual factors and the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Among the 2681 subjects, 82.5% of the participants were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccination. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that individuals with more cues to action about the vaccination, higher level of confidence about the vaccine, and higher level of trust in the recommendations of COVID-19 vaccine from the government and the healthcare system were more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast, subjects with higher level of perceived barriers and complacency were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, MCWs in China showed a high willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The governmental recommendation is an important driver and lead of vaccination. Relevant institutions could increase MCWs' willingness to COVID-19 vaccines by increasing MCWs' perception of confidence about COVID-19 vaccines and cues to action through various strategies and channels. Meanwhile, it can also provide evidence in similar circumstances in the future to develop vaccine promotion strategies.

Keywords: COVID-19; acceptance; health belief model; medical care works; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • China
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines*
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Influenza Vaccines

Grants and funding

This study was supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Asian Regional Special Cooperation Fund of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China (grant numbers BLXM01).