Association of knowledge and risk perceptions of Manila City school teachers with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance

Janel Carla D Quinto; Anne Nirelle C Balderrama; Frances Nadine Z Hocson; Mikaela B Salanguit; Maylin C Palatino; Jr Ernesto R Gregorio

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Association of knowledge and risk perceptions of Manila City school teachers with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance

Author: Janel Carla D. Quinto ¹ ; Anne Nirelle C. Balderrama ¹ ; Frances Nadine Z. Hocson ¹ ; Mikaela B. Salanguit ¹ ; Maylin C. Palatino ² ; Ernesto R. Gregorio, Jr ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
2. The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Rhode Island, USA
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Risk perceptions; Vaccine acceptance
MeSH: COVID-19 Vaccines; Health Belief Model; School Teachers; Knowledge
From: Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2021;25(COVID-19 Supplement):8-18
CountryPhilippines
Language:English
Abstract: Background and Objective:In addressing vaccine acceptance, teachers may play a pivotal role as educators and models of behavior, as they serve as reliable sources of information. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between knowledge and risk perception of teachers and their acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Methodology:This study utilized an analytic, cross-sectional design. Seven hundred and seven public secondary school teachers in Manila City, Philippines accomplished the online self-administered questionnaire. The study was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM). Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Results:Respondents had a high knowledge on COVID-19 mode of transmission (95.2%), signs and symptoms (92.9%), diagnosis (57.6%), treatment (98.9%), and prevention (92.2%). They had a high risk perception (>69.2%) pertaining to four constructs (Perceived Susceptibility, Perceived Severity, Perceived Benefits, Cues to Action) of the HBM. Low risk perception of barriers was observed (66.1%). The majority (92.5%) are willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Respondents who teach health-related subjects (94.4%) garnered more vaccine acceptors compared to teachers of non-health-related subjects (91.6%). After adjusting for sex, age, highest educational attainment, and subjects taught, Cues to Action remained to be associated with COVID- 19 vaccine acceptance.
Conclusion:Although high levels of knowledge and risk perceptions were observed, only Cues to Action had a significant association with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Hence, they need external cues, from physicians or the Food and Drug Administration, to accept the COVID-19 vaccine.
Full text:524-1306-2-PB.pdf