The influence of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on vaccination intention among teachers: The moderating role of perceived policy effectiveness

Authors

  • Noor Amira Syazwani Abd Rahman Centre for Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia.
  • Soon-Yew Ju Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch, 26400 Bandar Tun Razak, Pahang, Malaysia.
  • Jamal Rizal Razali Centre for Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia.
  • Mohd Rozaimy Ridzuan Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch, 26400 Bandar Tun Razak, Pahang, Malaysia.
  • Lai-Kuan Kong Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch, 26400 Bandar Tun Razak, Pahang, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss1pp224-244

Abstract

Background and Purpose: This study explores teachers' influence on families' vaccination decisions and the role of schools in health education. It aims to identify factors shaping teachers' attitudes toward vaccines and their decision-making when vaccinating their children. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, the research examines educators' attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control about vaccination choices.

Methodology: A quantitative approach was employed to analyze the data in this study. Questionnaires were distributed to teachers in three states in Malaysia, namely Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. Out of the total 400 questionnaires distributed, only 326 were found suitable for analysis after the screening process. The data were then analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method.

Findings: The study reveals a significant link between teachers' attitudes toward vaccinating children and a connection between subjective norms and parents' vaccination intentions. These findings support previous research, underscoring the influence of attitudes and subjective norms on vaccination decisions. However, no significant relationship was found between perceived behavior control and parents' intention to vaccinate, suggesting that parents' beliefs about accessing vaccines or overcoming barriers have a limited impact on their vaccination intentions. In addition, Perceived policy effectiveness positively influenced parents' vaccination intentions.

Contributions: This study enhances understanding teachers' vaccination intentions, informing evidence-based policies to promote vaccination and address barriers. Recognizing the factors influencing teachers' decision-making, targeted interventions can enhance vaccination rates and improve public health outcomes.

Keywords: Vaccine acceptance, teachers' vaccination intentions, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control.

Author Biographies

  • Noor Amira Syazwani Abd Rahman, Centre for Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia.

    Noor Amira Syazwani binti Abd Rahman is a committed doctoral candidate at the distinguished Centre for Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah. Alongside her dedication to academic achievement, she also fulfills the role of a lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch. Her research focuses on the realms of social science and public administration.

  • Soon-Yew Ju, Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch, 26400 Bandar Tun Razak, Pahang, Malaysia.

    Soon-Yew Ju has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Administration, specializing in researching the environmental conduct of public sector employees. His expertise extends to leadership studies, organizational behavior, and quantitative behavioral analysis.

  • Jamal Rizal Razali, Centre for Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia.

    Jamal Rizal bin Razali holds the position of Associate Professor at the Centre for Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). He is keenly interested in disseminating TRIZ knowledge, particularly to schools and university students.

  • Mohd Rozaimy Ridzuan, Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch, 26400 Bandar Tun Razak, Pahang, Malaysia.

    Mohd Rozaimy Ridzuan is a lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies, UiTM Pahang Branch, Raub Campus. Engaging actively in writing, he contributes articles to various publications, including journals and newspapers such as Harian Metro, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, Mingguan Malaysia, Utusan Malaysia, and The New Straits Times.

  • Lai-Kuan Kong, Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch, 26400 Bandar Tun Razak, Pahang, Malaysia.

    Lai-Kuan Kong possesses a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the realm of small and medium-sized family businesses. Her focus areas of expertise and research lie in quantitative behavioral studies, small and medium-sized family businesses, and educational research.

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Published

2024-02-29

How to Cite

The influence of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on vaccination intention among teachers: The moderating role of perceived policy effectiveness. (2024). Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 9(1), 224-244. https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss1pp224-244