Knowledge, level of acceptance, and perception of low socio-economic status families towards Covid-19 vaccination in Tarlac Province

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the knowledge, acceptance, and perception of families with low socio-economic status towards Covid-19 Vaccination in the Province of Tarlac. The study utilized a quantitative approach via descriptive-correlational research design, while a structured, validated, and reliability-tested questionnaire was used in data gathering through online surveys and face-to-face interviews. The respondents are 171 low socio-economic status families chosen via non-probability purposive sampling design with the inclusion criteria of poor to low-income families from three districts in the Province of Tarlac while also belonging to first,-second- and third-class municipalities. The study found that the respondents were comprised mainly of 04 - 06 household members and had completed secondary level, poor in socio-economic status and not members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) beneficiaries, with optimal health and mostly finished the two Covid-19 vaccination doses. In addition, most respondents are aware of credible sources of information, vaccine efficacy, expected immune response reactions, and related mortality, which facilitates high vaccine acceptance. The study also found a significant relationship between low-income families' level of acceptance of vaccines and their perceived susceptibility and severity to Covid -19 diseases. However, in terms of knowledge and perception, the study found a significant link between the profile of the respondents- in terms of their age, number of household members, and monthly income- and their knowledge and perception, but no significant relationship between the educational status and health status. Furthermore, intervention measures were proposed to enhance the knowledge, acceptance, and perception of families with low socio-economic status towards Covid-19 vaccination in Tarlac Province.