Secondary Risk in COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions: A Theoretical Contribution to the Protection Motivation Paradigm.

Area of Science:

• Health Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake is crucial for public health strategies.
• Fear of disease and perceived threat of interventions are key psychological drivers of health behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model the direct effect of fear of COVID-19 on vaccination intentions.
• To investigate the roles of fear of contracting COVID-19 and perceived vaccination threat in vaccination intention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a structural equation model (SEM) for analysis.
• Employed SmartPLS 3.2.6 software for model estimation and multivariate analysis.
• Examined relationships between fear of COVID-19, vaccination threat appraisal, response costs, and vaccination intention.

Main Results:

• Vaccination resistance is highest with lower fear of COVID-19 and higher perceived vaccination threat.
• A negative relationship exists between vaccination threat appraisal and vaccination intention.
• Higher response costs reduce motivation for COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions:

• Fear of COVID-19 and perceived vaccination threat significantly influence vaccination intentions.
• Public health interventions should consider tailoring messages based on individuals' primary fears (fear of disease vs. fear of vaccine).
• Addressing response costs can enhance motivation for vaccination.