Understanding intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19: The predictor role of experiencing financial loss, perceived knowledge about vaccines, and health anxiety

Abstract

Although it is known that vaccination is very crucial for controlling the spread of COVID-19, intentions of individuals to be vaccinated may vary considerably. Therefore, in this study, the aim was to examine the factors related with individuals’ intentions of COVID-19 vaccine. To assess the individuals’ intentions of COVID-19 vaccine, 525 individuals be-tween 18-64 ages who had not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine participated in this study. The study was conducted using an online questionnaire method, consisting of measures of sociodemographic characteristics, variables related to exposure to COVID-19, risk group status for COVID-19, perceived knowledge on vaccines, health anxiety, and self-efficacy levels. Data were analyzed through hierarchical regression analysis. Sociodemographic variables, being in the risk group for COVID-19, and individuals' own or a close one’s previous diagnosis of COVID-19 were not associated with their intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19. On the other hand, results showed that individuals' intentions of COVID-19 vac-cine were significantly related with increased perceived knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, having experienced financial loss in the COVID-19 outbreak, and having high levels of health anxiety. Findings of the study may help to design vaccination campaigns in the society

Keywords

• covid-19
• vaccine
• health
• intention to vaccinate
• health anxie-ty
• self-efficacy