Social Media Influence on COVID-19 Vaccine Perceptions Among University Students: A Malawi Case Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic relies significantly on vaccination. The collective international effort has been massive, but the pace of vaccination finds hindrance due to supply and vaccine hesitancy factors. Understanding public perceptions, especially through the lens of social media, is important. This study investigates the impact of social media on COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among university students in Malawi. Methodology The study utilized a quantitative methodology and employed a cross-sectional study design to explore the relationship between social media dynamics and COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among 382 randomly sampled students at MUBAS. Data, collected by use of a Likert-scale questionnaire, was analyzed using IBM SPSS 20 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests. Results and discussion The findings reveal crucial correlations. Specifically, trust in online vaccine information shows a positive correlation (r = 0.296, p < 0.01) with active engagement in social media discussions. Conversely, a negative correlation surfaces concerning individuals' reactions to vaccine availability in Malawi (r = -0.026, p > 0.05), necessitating an exploration of influencing factors. The demographic overview underscores the need for tailored communication strategies, given the dominance of the 16 to 30 age group, representing 92.9% of respondents. Conclusion The identified correlations emphasize the need for careful communication strategies tailored to combat misinformation and enhance vaccine acceptance among the younger demographic in Malawi.