Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Mar 17, 2022
Date Accepted: Jul 13, 2022
Date Submitted to PubMed: Jul 25, 2022
Trustworthiness, health literacy, and self-efficacy: factors in communicating with COVID-19 vaccine hesitant audiences
ABSTRACT
Background:
Large-scale health communication challenges have influenced COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. There are limited studies exploring these components of health communication and vaccine acceptance.
Objective:
This analysis identified health communication factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Methods:
In February 2021, US adults (n=5,872) responded to a web-based survey on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and components of health communication (trust in sources of health information, health literacy). Multivariable logistic regressions explored associations.
Results:
The adjusted odds of vaccine hesitancy were greater among those who placed little to no trust in health professionals compared to those who held a lot of trust (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 8.54, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 6.52-11.19). The adjusted odds of vaccine hesitancy were greater among those who felt frustrated about finding health information, compared to those who did not (AOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.62-2.70). Participants who had little to no confidence in receiving health advice or information had greater odds of vaccine hesitancy compared to those who had a lot of confidence (AOR: 3.05, 95% CI: 2.34-3.97).
Conclusions:
This study underscores the importance of trust between health professionals and their patients and a need for improving health literacy regarding vaccines. The Health Belief Model can be applied to understand decision to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Clinical Trial:
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