Applying the Health Belief Model for Investigating the Impact of Political Affiliation on COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhochhibhoya, Amir; Branscum, Paul; Thapaliya, Rashmi; Sharma Ghimire, Pragya; Wharton, Holisa
• Is Part Of: American journal of health education. Volume 52:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Health education -- United States -- Periodicals; School hygiene -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; 371
• DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1955231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-5037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Vaccination is likely the most effective approach to protect people from COVID-19. However, partisan differences have persisted for COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand different health beliefs related to COVID-19 vaccine uptake based on Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs among individuals with different political affiliations. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design and data were collected using an online survey. The survey was developed to assess political affiliation and the HBM constructs operationalized toward COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Results: A total of 1187 individuals completed the survey. Results showed a significant difference between all of the HBM constructs and political affiliation with a small effect size. Compared to republicans and independents, democrats were more likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Discussion: Findings from the study suggest that politically affiliated individuals view various constructs of HBM operationalized toward COVID-19 vaccine uptake differently. Translation to Health Education Practice: The risk perception differences based on political affiliations identified in this study can inform community-based intervention to address hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination in the United States. These efforts may help the United States reach herd immunity through successful COVID-19 vaccination at the earliest possible date.