Path analysis of perceived disease vulnerability, COVID-19 fear, and lower vaccine hesitancy within the context of protection motivation theory.

ABSTRACT: COVID-19 vaccinations have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing severe infections. However, vaccine hesitancy posed a major public health hurdle to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Online spread of vaccine conspiracy beliefs generated unwarranted mistrust and resistance to vaccines. While numerous studies have explored the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the interplay between perceived disease vulnerability, COVID-19 fear, and vaccine hesitancy. Protection motivation theory posits citizens will evaluate perceived threats and take actions to mitigate potential harm. With a large U.S. sample, path analysis demonstrated individuals' perceived disease vulnerability was associated with lower vaccine hesitancy. Greater perceived

SUBMITTER: Bok S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10881856 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature