Key predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia: An integrated framework

Abstract

Background As the vaccination drive against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Malaysia progresses rapidly, the main challenge will gradually shift from procuring and distributing vaccines to ensuring the broadest possible acceptance among all population segments. Therefore, this study used the integrated framework of the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) to investigate the predictors of intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines in Malaysia. Methodology A market research company in Malaysia was engaged to collect data during June 11–20, 2021 using self-administered questionnaires via its online panel, ensuring a nationwide random sample of 804 respondents. A logistic regression was subsequently estimated to determine the significant predictors of vaccination intention. Results The predictors that significantly affect COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia are age, susceptibility, religious beliefs, attitude, subjective norms, and trust in the vaccine. In particular, those who are more inclined to get vaccinated are older individuals, have a higher perceived risk of infection and social pressure to get vaccinated, have a positive attitude, and have high levels of trust in the vaccine. Individuals’ who perceive that their religious beliefs are against vaccination are more likely to exhibit uncertainty toward it. Conclusion This study showed that although a large proportion of respondents indicated that they were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, there are concerns about religious barriers and trust in the vaccine that the relevant stakeholders should address. Campaigns should also focus on shaping the nation’s attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines, in parallel with encouraging people to use their social influence in helping those in their close circle who are unsure of vaccination to cross the line. These measures will prove to be pertinent as the nation begins to administer booster vaccines to tackle the waning effects of COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Hesitancy in Malaysia: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…Further, the Malaysian National Immunization Programme employed many other approaches and actions to promote vaccination, such as active negotiation with multiple vaccine supplier countries/companies for procurement, vaccine prioritization for at-risk people (front liners, those with chronic diseases, and the elderly), and care for the elderly and the vulnerable by providing special services and assistance for easy access to the vaccine. This could explain the relatively high level of vaccination and lower level of hesitancy among Malaysians, which is ascribed to positive attitudes and a high level of trust among them [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Hesitancy for COVID-19 Vaccines and Its Implications for Routine Immunisation

“…In a qualitative analysis that explored the intention to receive or not receive COVID-19 vaccine among Malaysians using an integrated framework of theory of reasoned action and health belief model, it was found that the predictors of vaccine hesitancy were age, religious beliefs, subjective norms, susceptibility, attitude, and vaccine confidence or trust [24]. In contrast to the findings of a global survey from seventeen countries which reported increasing vaccine hesitancy with increase in age [7], this study reported that the vaccine hesitancy was higher among those young, primarily driven by perceived (low) risk of COVID-19.…”

“…In contrast to the findings of a global survey from seventeen countries which reported increasing vaccine hesitancy with increase in age [7], this study reported that the vaccine hesitancy was higher among those young, primarily driven by perceived (low) risk of COVID-19. The study also stressed the importance of social influence; an individual is more likely to get vaccinated if one or the other in his/her closest circle is either vaccinated or intend to get vaccinated [24].…”

Contested bodies and delayed decisions: Attitudes to COVID-19 vaccines among Jamaicans

“…In their study of the willingness of health care workers to take the COVID-19 vaccination, Kumar et al (2021) uncovered wide-ranging justifications for vaccine hesitance, including vaccine safety concerns, anti-vaccination persuasions, personal choice, and waiting until others took the vaccine. Religious belief and various forms of religiosity can shape people's attitudes toward their health and COVID-19 vaccines specifically (Aziz, Niazi, & Ghani 2022;Ng et al, 2022;Salam, 2021). Corcoran, Scheitle, and DiGregorio (2021) identify Christian nationalism as one of the leading predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.…”