[Factors Influencing the COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions in Nurses: Korea, February 2021].

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intentions in nurses.

METHODS

The participants were 184 nurses in Korea. Data were collected using a Google Form online survey method in February, 2021, and analyzed using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis with the SPSS/WIN 26.0 program.

RESULTS

COVID-19 vaccination intention in nurses was correlated significantly with vaccine hesitancy (r = .58, < .001), risk perception of COVID-19 (r =.22, = .003), perception of vaccination as a professional duty (r = .59, < .001), and attitude towards workplace infection control policies (r = .20, = .007). Vaccine hesitancy (β = .40, < .001) and the perception of vaccination as a professional duty (β = .44, < .001) significantly influenced COVID-19 vaccination intention. The model developed in this study explained 50% of the variation in COVID-19 vaccination intention.

CONCLUSION

Improving the perception of vaccination as a professional duty and lowering vaccine hesitancy may enhance nurses' COVID-19 vaccination intention. Above all, it is necessary to provide programs to encourage voluntary recognition of vaccination as a professional duty and develop strategies to reduce hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccinations.