Associated Factors to Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy of Elders Residing in Selected Barangays of La Trinidad, Benguet

Abstract

La Trinidad is unable to reach 75% COVID-19 herd immunity due to hesitancy of elders to be vaccinated. Hence, the researchers want to determine the factors linked with the elders' hesitancy and recognize any correlation between these factors and vaccine hesitancy. The study intended to evaluate the following: (1) level of knowledge and attitude; (2) level of fear of COVID-19, and level of perceived risks and benefits toward COVID-19 vaccines; (3) extent of vaccine hesitancy among elders; (4) difference in the level of vaccine hesitancy among elders when grouped according to Demographic profile (Sex, Civil Status, Household composition, Educational Attainment, and Presence of comorbidities); (5) association between the extent of vaccine hesitancy and the level of knowledge and attitude; level of fear of COVID-19; and perceived level of risk and benefits. Descriptive correlation research design was utilized. Data privacy and confidentiality were strictly maintained as 60 elders were surveyed in the three barangays of La Trinidad— Balili, Betag, and Pico. Statistical treatments were done after data collection.The findings of this study have determined that: elders have high level of knowledge but have negative attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines; elders have very low level of fear towards COVID-19 and perceive COVID-19 vaccination as highly risky with low benefits; elderly population have high COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy; all demographic variables have no significant difference in the extent of vaccine hesitancy; there is no significant association between vaccine hesitancy and all the factors except perceived benefits of the COVID-19 Vaccine. Local government may consider enhancing effective campaigns like targeted strategies and vigorous outreach initiatives to reach the elders and emphasize the benefits, efficacy, and safety of vaccines. Future nursing research should expand the sample size and scope.