Filipinos’ health information-seeking behaviors and their implications for COVID-19 vaccination

Objectives: This study examined Filipinos' health information-seeking behaviors, specifically their information engagement and apprehension of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the reasons for vaccination, and how these factors influenced their decision to get vaccinated. Design: Quantitative, cross-sectional, and predictive approaches. Sample: This study conducted a national online survey using convenience sampling (n = 2709). Measurement: The Health Information Orientation Scale (HIOS) and Statista.com's “reasons for not getting a COVID-19 vaccination” were used to collect data. Demographic characteristics that predict information engagement and apprehension were identified using multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: Responses to information engagement and apprehension revealed “often true” and “sometimes true,” respectively. The majority of participants intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. “Concerned about the vaccine's safety” is the most common reason for not getting vaccinated. Female gender, college graduate, employed, and using social media to obtain COVID-19 vaccine information were all significant predictors of information engagement and apprehension. Information engagement and apprehension were predicted by age and religion, respectively. Conclusions: Policymakers should consider how people seek information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and why some people refuse to get vaccinated. Additionally, public health nurses should educate the public about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.