Understanding Parental Intentions for COVID-19 Child Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study From Jordan Using Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Introduction

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study addresses the factors that influence parental intentions to vaccinate their 12- to 17-year-old children against COVID-19. The study looked at how attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and fear of the COVID-19 vaccine impact these intentions.

Methods

Between November and December 2021, 396 Jordanian parents completed an anonymous online survey. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for analyzing the relationships.

Results

While 94.7% of children had received routine vaccinations, only 23.5% intended to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, indicating a vaccine acceptance gap. The analysis revealed that attitudes are the most significant positive predictor of vaccination intent, accounting for 75% of the variance. Subjective norms had a positive influence on parents’ decisions, whereas fear of the COVID-19 vaccine was a significant barrier. Perceived behavioral control had a small but negative effect, indicating significant challenges to vaccination.

Conclusion

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) clarifies numerous factors that influence parents’ decisions to immunize their children against COVID-19. Understanding these factors is critical for narrowing the gap between high rates of routine vaccinations and low rates of COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as developing effective strategies to increase vaccine acceptance among parents.

Keywords:

• theory of planned behavior
• COVID-19 vaccination
• parental intentions
• attitudes
• subjective norms
• perceived behavioral control
• fear
• children vaccination
• parental decision-making
• vaccination confidence
• vaccine uptake

Data Sharing Statement

Due to confidentiality agreements, supporting data can only be made available to bona fide researchers subject to a non-disclosure agreement. Details of the data and how to request access are available from available upon request from the corresponding author [Eman F. Badran].

Ethical Approval

Before executing the study, the design was reviewed and approved by The Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of the University of Jordan’s School of Medicine institutional review board committee approved this study, (approval Number: 5083/2021/67).

Acknowledgments

We thank the school principals, parents, and all healthcare workers who helped share the online survey with potential participants. We are incredibly grateful for the time and contribution of all parents who participated in the study.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.