To Vaccinate or Not? Perceived Benefits and Social Media Exposure as Predictors of COVID-19 Booster Jab Vaccination Practices with Self-Efficacy as Moderator

Abstract

Vaccination acceptance and its rates among Malaysians have generally been shown to be high during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, statistics from the Ministry of Health Malaysia show that the uptake for booster jab vaccination among Malaysians is significantly lower than the rate of uptake when the first dose of vaccinations was offered. Thus, this study examined the perceived benefits and social media exposure of booster jab vaccination practices among Malaysians, moderated by self-efficacy. The study used the Stimulus-Response model as a theoretical basis. A quantitative method was applied by conducting an online survey and gathering 300 valid data. The study employed a non-probability sampling procedure that combined purposive and convenience samplings. The data was analysed using the structural equation modeling via Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results affirmed that perceived benefits and exposure to social media have a positive and significant relationship with booster jab practices. Meanwhile, the moderating role of self-efficacy established a negative relationship between perceived benefits and booster jab practices, and self-efficacy does not moderate the path between social media exposure and booster jab practices. The research findings provide an opportunity for more comprehensive educational programmes that focus on consistency in providing the public with adequate knowledge and communicating consistent health messages to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Conclusion, implications, and future research pathways are also discussed.