Knowledge, Acceptance, and Perceptions Towards the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Malaysians: A Web-Based Survey

Abstract

Introduction:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly contagious viral illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has had a catastrophic effect around the world's population. Despite the proven efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and extensive promotion through mass media, some individuals still doubt their effectiveness and choose not to get vaccinated. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, acceptance and perception of Malaysian adults regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods:

We conducted an online survey for one month in March 2022. A bilingual questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, and shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Telegram, and WeChat. The questionnaire consisted of questions on knowledge, acceptance, and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine. The association between demographic factors and scores on knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed using independent samples t-tests and ANOVA.

Results:

A total of 386 respondents participated, with a mean age of 34.43 ±10.14 years, and among them, 210 (54.4%) were male. Sixty-one percent of respondents had goodknowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine. Social media and Ministry of Health were the most sought platform for information about COVID-19. 92.3% were willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Ninety-three percent of respondents had received their first booster dose. High knowledge scores were associated with living with someone who is at higher risk of getting severe COVID-19, having family members or friends with a history of COVID-19 infections, and being from a younger age group. About 67.4% perceived that they were able to spread the virus to other people and 77.7% of the respondents perceived that they were susceptible to get severe COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion:

This study offers early insights into the knowledge, acceptance, and perception of COVID-19 vaccines among the Malaysian population.These findings can assist the MOH in planning future efforts to increase vaccine uptake, especially regarding second booster doses, which may ultimately lead to herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2.