ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to examine the association between COVID-19 information search activities and vaccination intention. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected using online surveys. Independent variables included COVID-19 information search on the 1) science of viral effects of COVID-19 on the body, 2) origin of COVID-19, 3) symptoms and outcomes, 4) transmission & prevention, 5) future outbreak, and 6) policies/procedures to follow. The outcome variable was vaccination intention. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Participants (N= 501) had a mean age of 32.44±11.94 years, were 55.3% female, and 67.9% White. Most COVID-19 information search was on symptoms and outcomes (77.7%), and policies/procedures to follow (69.9%). Intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 was higher among participants who searched for information on the science of viral effects of COVID-19 on the body (ß=0.23, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI)= 0.03-0.43; p=0.03) and policies/procedures to follow (ß =0.24, 0.03-0.41, p= 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: People who searched for information about 1) the science of viral effects of COVID-19 and 2) policies/procedures recommendations also reported higher vaccination intention. Risk communication seeking to increase vaccination should meet the consumer's information demand by prioritizing the scientific rationale for COVID-19 vaccination and clarifying what policies/procedures are recommended.
ABSTRACT
Religion is a complex and sociocultural driver of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination decisions, but its exact role has been mixed/unclear. We used a cross-sectional study of 342 Christian parents to examine the associations between the three domains of religiosity (organizational, non-organizational, and intrinsic) and the intention to (i) seek HPV information and (ii) receive the HPV vaccine. Organizational religiosity was the only domain that was positively associated with information-seeking intention regardless of the type of covariates included. Mixed findings in the association between religiosity and HPV vaccination decisions may depend on the religiosity domain being assessed.