How information processing and risk/benefit perception affect COVID-19 vaccination intention of users in online health communities

Hao Liu; Liyue Gong; Cao Wang; Yunyun Gao; Yi Guo; Minhan Yi; Hao Jiang; Xusheng Wu; Dehua Hu

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1043485

Frontiers in Public Health (Feb 2023)

How information processing and risk/benefit perception affect COVID-19 vaccination intention of users in online health communities

Hao Liu,
Liyue Gong,
Cao Wang,
Yunyun Gao,
Yi Guo,
Minhan Yi,
Hao Jiang,
Xusheng Wu,
Dehua Hu

Affiliations

Hao Liu: Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
Liyue Gong: Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
Cao Wang: Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
Yunyun Gao: Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
Yi Guo: Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
Minhan Yi: Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
Hao Jiang: Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
Xusheng Wu: Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, China
Dehua Hu: Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1043485
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship among information processing, risk/benefit perception and the COVID-19 vaccination intention of OHCs users with the heuristic-systematic model (HSM).MethodsThis study conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire via an online survey among Chinese adults. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to examine the research hypotheses.ResultsSystematic information processing positively influenced benefit perception, and heuristic information processing positively influenced risk perception. Benefit perception had a significant positive effect on users' vaccination intention. Risk perception had a negative impact on vaccination intention. Findings revealed that differences in information processing methods affect users' perceptions of risk and benefit, which decide their vaccination intention.ConclusionOnline health communities can provide more systematic cues and users should process information systematically to increase their perceived benefits, consequently increase their willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine.

Published in Frontiers in Public Health

ISSN: 2296-2565 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health

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