Title : Factors affecting hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine amongst parents of children aged 5-17 years in San Juan, Metro Manila
Abstract:
Background: To examine the COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy level and influencing factors among parents of children aged 5–17 years residing in San Juan City. Results determined parental concerns and identified effective measures for health education.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy amongst parents of children aged 5-17 years in San Juan City and identify the factors and their associations.
Methods:
A. Research Design: Cross-sectional analytical study conducted in San Juan City during January to June of 2023.
B. Participants: Modified SAGE questionnaire on vaccine hesitancy was distributed online or face-to-face to the eligible 472 participants.
C. Measurements: Data regarding the frequency of vaccine hesitancy, relevant factors to decision making, and sources of information were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
D. Statistical Analysis: Frequencies and percentages summarized the categorical variables; chi-square test determined correlations with and among the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and refusal. Binary logistic regression between hesitancy and the hypothesized factors was performed to determine the point and 95% confidence interval adjusted odds ratio estimates. All tests were performed at 5% level of significance.
Results: Vaccine hesitancy was measured at 26.5% (n=125) and the stated reasons included concerns about the vaccine safety, exposure to negative media, having heard negative feedback from someone they know, and disbelief in its efficacy. There were significant associations between vaccine hesitancy and parental refusal for the vaccination for themselves (n=26, 92.8%) and younger age of children below 13 years (n=52, 41.6%; n=62, 49.6%). Participants who obtained their information from doctors were significantly more willing to consent to vaccinate (n=183, 52.7%), while those who relied on social media were significantly more hesitant. (n=72, 57.6%).
Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in San Juan City had a prevalence of 26.5%. The significant factors associated with this included parental hesitancy for the vaccine for themselves and having children below 13 years of age. The decision to give the vaccine to their children was negatively influenced by social media and positively by physicians. These findings may be used to strategically form local campaigns and encourage active participation of healthcare professionals to promote COVID-19 vaccination in children.
