ABSTRACT
Travel intention is an important factor in understanding the traveller's preferences in the travel and tourism business. The purpose of the research is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on travel intention in the Silicon Valley of India and to test the efficacy of the theory of planned behaviour to predict travel intentions. This empirical research followed a quantitative analysis using the data acquired from a structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling was followed to collect the data from the respondents. The multiple linear regression results indicate a significant relationship between attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behaviour control on the intention to travel. The research is limited to respondents from Silicon Valley. The study contributes to the limited literature available in developing countries with respect to understanding the efficacy of the theory of planned behaviour to predict travel intention. The policymakers and health authorities can use the study findings to make decisions and develop policy regulations during the pandemic. Copyright © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the worst pandemics witnessed across the globe. COVID-19 vaccination is one of the best available strategies to minimise the severity of the infection and reduce mortality rates. Active participation and involvement of the stakeholders in taking the COVID-19 vaccine are key aspects of the vaccination's success. Lack of knowledge, negative attitude, and willingness to vaccinate may pose a significant challenge for the health authorities to complete the vaccination drives. Aim: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) about COVID-19 vaccination among people of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India, in November 2021. Overall, 478 respondents aged above 18 years were included in the survey using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to assess the KAP regarding the COVID-19 vaccine among study subjects. The study used descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, and sentiment analysis. Results: Out of total sample, 99% of the study participants had taken the COVID-19 vaccine, 81% had taken the second dose, predominately 51% of the participants had taken the COVID-19 vaccine at a Government hospital, 74% of the participants mentioned that it was their responsibility to take COVID-19 vaccine. Regarding KAP, the knowledge score was 10 out of a total score of 14, the attitude score was 8 out of 10, and the total score of the COVID-19 related practice was 10 out of 10. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the vaccination drive in the population will be highly effective since the vaccine acceptance among the stakeholders was good due to sound knowledge, positive attitude, and safe COVID-19 practice.