COVID-19 vaccination perception and attitude among Filipino mothers in Lucena, Quezon Province

Abstract

Background: Ever since the Dengvaxia controversy, vaccine confidence has plummeted in the Philippines,
posing a problem for the COVID-19 vaccination program in the country [1,2]. With the impending COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to identify those who refuse vaccination, their perception about vaccines, and the
immensity of their concerns [3].

Objectives: This study aimed to measure and describe the perception and attitude of Filipino mothers
regarding COVID-19 vaccination for themselves and their children.

Methodology: This descriptive-correlational study had a total of 404 respondents who answered the adapted survey questionnaire. The data gathered were analyzed through descriptive statistics such as percentages and standard deviations, and correlated using T-test and Pearson product-moment correlation.

Results: The majority of the respondents stated their reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for
themselves (56.9%) and their children (55%) while more than a third stated their refusal of the said vaccine for themselves (35%) and their children (39.6%). The top reason for their refusal was the concern for potential side effects. An overwhelming proportion of the respondents perceived that local leaders would support COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, those who heard negative feedback on vaccines still stated their willingness to accept it. The respondents generally had a positive attitude on COVID-19 vaccination in terms of its importance. Pearson correlation showed a high positive correlation (r=0.785, p<0.05) between attitude towards self- and child-vaccination.

Conclusion: Respondents had a general positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Respondents with a more positive attitude towards self-vaccination were likely to have a positive attitude towards child-vaccination for COVID-19. 

Published online: December 9, 2021