PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
BACKGROUND: The global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic relies significantly on vaccination. The collective international effort has been massive, but the pace of vaccination finds hindrance due to supply and vaccine hesitancy factors. Understanding public perceptions, especially through the lens of social media, is important. This study investigates the influence of social media on COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among university students in Malawi.
METHODS: The study utilized a quantitative methodology and employed a cross-sectional study design to explore the relationship between social media dynamics and COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among 382 randomly sampled students at MUBAS. Data, collected by use of a Likert-scale questionnaire, was analyzed using IBM SPSS 20 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests.
RESULTS: The findings reveal crucial correlations. Specifically, trust in online vaccine information shows a positive correlation (r = 0.296, p < 0.01) with active engagement in social media discussions. Conversely, a negative correlation surfaces concerning individuals\' reactions to vaccine availability in Malawi (r = -0.026, p > 0.05). The demographic overview highlights the prevalence of the 16 to 30 age group, representing 92.9% of respondents.
CONCLUSIONS: The identified correlations emphasize the need for careful communication strategies tailored to combat misinformation and enhance vaccine acceptance among the younger demographic in Malawi. The positive correlation between trust in online vaccine information and social media engagement underscores digital platforms\' potential for disseminating accurate information. Conversely, the negative correlation with vaccine availability reactions suggest the presence of complex factors shaping public perceptions.
METHODS: The study utilized a quantitative methodology and employed a cross-sectional study design to explore the relationship between social media dynamics and COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among 382 randomly sampled students at MUBAS. Data, collected by use of a Likert-scale questionnaire, was analyzed using IBM SPSS 20 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests.
RESULTS: The findings reveal crucial correlations. Specifically, trust in online vaccine information shows a positive correlation (r = 0.296, p < 0.01) with active engagement in social media discussions. Conversely, a negative correlation surfaces concerning individuals\' reactions to vaccine availability in Malawi (r = -0.026, p > 0.05). The demographic overview highlights the prevalence of the 16 to 30 age group, representing 92.9% of respondents.
CONCLUSIONS: The identified correlations emphasize the need for careful communication strategies tailored to combat misinformation and enhance vaccine acceptance among the younger demographic in Malawi. The positive correlation between trust in online vaccine information and social media engagement underscores digital platforms\' potential for disseminating accurate information. Conversely, the negative correlation with vaccine availability reactions suggest the presence of complex factors shaping public perceptions.
摘要：
背景：对抗COVID-19大流行的全球斗争在很大程度上依赖于疫苗接种。国际集体努力是巨大的，但是由于供应和疫苗犹豫因素，疫苗接种的速度受到阻碍。了解公众的看法，尤其是通过社交媒体的镜头，很重要。这项研究调查了社交媒体对马拉维大学生对COVID-19疫苗认知的影响。
方法：该研究利用定量方法并采用横断面研究设计，在MUBAS的382名随机抽样学生中探索社交媒体动态与COVID-19疫苗认知之间的关系。数据,通过使用李克特量表问卷收集，使用IBMSPSS20进行描述性统计和Pearson相关性检验。
结果：这些发现揭示了关键的相关性。具体来说,对在线疫苗信息的信任与积极参与社交媒体讨论呈正相关(r=0.296，p<0.01)。相反，马拉维个体对疫苗供应的反应呈负相关(r=-0.026，p>0.05)。人口概况突出了16至30岁年龄组的患病率，占受访者的92.9%。
结论：所确定的相关性强调需要制定谨慎的沟通策略，以打击错误信息并提高马拉维年轻人群对疫苗的接受度。对在线疫苗信息的信任与社交媒体参与度之间的正相关强调了数字平台传播准确信息的潜力。相反，与疫苗可用性反应的负相关性表明存在影响公众认知的复杂因素。
方法：该研究利用定量方法并采用横断面研究设计，在MUBAS的382名随机抽样学生中探索社交媒体动态与COVID-19疫苗认知之间的关系。数据,通过使用李克特量表问卷收集，使用IBMSPSS20进行描述性统计和Pearson相关性检验。
结果：这些发现揭示了关键的相关性。具体来说,对在线疫苗信息的信任与积极参与社交媒体讨论呈正相关(r=0.296，p<0.01)。相反，马拉维个体对疫苗供应的反应呈负相关(r=-0.026，p>0.05)。人口概况突出了16至30岁年龄组的患病率，占受访者的92.9%。
结论：所确定的相关性强调需要制定谨慎的沟通策略，以打击错误信息并提高马拉维年轻人群对疫苗的接受度。对在线疫苗信息的信任与社交媒体参与度之间的正相关强调了数字平台传播准确信息的潜力。相反，与疫苗可用性反应的负相关性表明存在影响公众认知的复杂因素。
