Predictors of the intention to receive the COVID 19 vaccine by Iranians 18–70 year old: Application of health belief model

BACKGROUND: In terms of public health, vaccination is considered as the most effective approach against the infectious diseases. Accepting and receiving the first vaccine produced as an innovation may not be easy. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the predictors of intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine by Iranians aged 18–70 years based on the health belief model in 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was performed on 2365 people aged 18–70-year old in Iran by random cluster sampling. Receipt of data was done electronically questionnaire through the Porcelain system. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 using Chi-square, one-way analysis of variance, independent t-test, and multiple regression analysis at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The mean score of receiving the Iranian corona vaccine was 3.06 ± 1.30 out of 5 points. About 16.7% reported that they will definitely choose the Iranian vaccine. The highest correlation was between the intention to receive the vaccine with self-efficacy (r = 0.239, P < 0.001) and barriers to receiving the vaccine (r = −0.237, P < 0.001). Self-efficacy (β = 0.114, P < 0.001), perceived barriers (β = −0.126, P < 0.001), and benefits of vaccine (β = 0.061, P = 0.022) were most important predictors the intention to receive the vaccine. CONCLUSION: Approximately 38% reported that they would definitely and probably not choose the Iranian corona vaccine. Therefore, it is suggested that more information should be provided about the features and benefits of domestically produced vaccines compared to foreign products.