Knowledge, Beliefs, and Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19 Among the Seventh Day Adventists in Southeast Asia Region

Objective: The vaccine rollout in the Asian region was slower than in other countries. Factors such as lack of knowledge and skepticism towards the vaccine were noted. On the other hand, the influence of religious leaders on the congregation was enormous, including their intention to vaccinate. Guided by the Health Belief Model theory, this study aimed to explore the knowledge, belief and perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID, the perceived benefits and barriers of the vaccines, and the intention to vaccinate among the Seventh Day Adventists in Asia.

Methods: This was a descriptive study with respondents chosen through a multi-stage sampling method within the Asian region. A validated self-survey questionnaire, piloted among 40 respondents, was used using the Google online form. Data gathering was conducted for one month, from May until June 2021.

Results: Out of 400 questionnaires distributed, 396 responded with a return rate of 0.99%. The majority were aged 18-29 years (43.2%), men (61.4%), married (50.2%), completed a bachelors' degree (49.5%), currently working (65.4%), and have been a member of the church for 20 years (30.8%). The majority had excellent knowledge regarding the vaccine (mean 4.72, ± 1.33); despite having low belief in the vaccine (mean 2.18, ± 0.43), low perception of their susceptibility to acquiring COVID (mean 2.43, ± 0.34), low perception on the seriousness of COVID (mean 2.30, ±0.40), low perception on vaccine benefits (mean 2.27, ± 0.45), and perceived low barrier on being vaccinated (mean 2.27, ±.45). Most of them intend to vaccinate (67.3%).

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the majority of Adventists intend to vaccinate. However, there is a need for health education to enhance their belief in the vaccine and change their negative perception about their susceptibility and severity of COVID.