Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intention among parents of children aged 5-11 years in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting parents' intentions to have their children aged 5-11 years vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: The participants of the study were 298 parents with children aged 5-11 years in South Korea. Data collection took place from October 20 to October 26, 2022 and used an online survey (Google Forms). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the t test, analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression in IBM SPSS version 26.0.Results: The factors influencing participants' vaccination intentions for their children aged 5-11 years were cognitive behavioral control (β=.40, <i>p</i><.001), attitudes (β=.37, <i>p</i><.001), subjective norms (β=.20, <i>p</i><.001), and awareness of whether their child could receive the COVID-19 vaccine (β=.07, <i>p</i>=.016). The explanatory power of the regression equation was 89%.Conclusion: Parents' intentions to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 are influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control toward vaccines. Since parents are concerned about vaccine side effects, it is important to establish a trusted line of communication to keep them informed about vaccinations.