Integrated factors affecting intention of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours including vaccination in Korea

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of the study was to determine the multiple potential contributing factors in preventive behaviours, including COVID‐19 vaccination for an effective campaign strategy. Design This is a descriptive correlation study to examine the effects of the behavioural outcome, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, optimistic bias and social stigma on the intention of preventive behaviour, based on Ajen's Theory of Planned Behaviour. Methods The survey was performed by a professional research company online from 16–19 July 2021. Two hundred and thirty‐three participants who had not been vaccinated against COVID‐19 at the time of data collection completed the survey. Results Perceived benefit, perceived behavioural control and social stigma are significantly associated with intention of preventive behaviours. The factors engaging in preventive behaviour presents us that our society is strongly influenced by social groups. Social groups influence decision‐making in intention of preventing behaviour. Public education using social networks can increase such desirable behaviour.

Keywords

• COVID‐19 vaccines
• health behaviour
• herd immunity
• optimism bias
• preventive behaviour
• social stigma