Filipinos’ health information-seeking behaviors and their implications for COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

Objectives This study examined Filipinos' health information-seeking behaviors, specifically their information engagement and apprehension of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the reasons for vaccination, and how these factors influenced their decision to get vaccinated.

Design Quantitative, cross-sectional, and predictive approaches.

Sample This study conducted a national online survey using convenience sampling (n = 2709).

Measurement The Health Information Orientation Scale (HIOS) and Statista.com's “reasons for not getting a COVID-19 vaccination” were used to collect data. Demographic characteristics that predict information engagement and apprehension were identified using multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results Responses to information engagement and apprehension revealed “often true” and “sometimes true,” respectively. The majority of participants intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. “Concerned about the vaccine's safety” is the most common reason for not getting vaccinated. Female gender, college graduate, employed, and using social media to obtain COVID-19 vaccine information were all significant predictors of information engagement and apprehension. Information engagement and apprehension were predicted by age and religion, respectively.

Conclusions Policymakers should consider how people seek information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and why some people refuse to get vaccinated. Additionally, public health nurses should educate the public about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.