Predictors of intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine using the theory of planned behavior and the health belief model among the health ambassadors of Kashan City in 2021

Aims: The purpose of the study was to examine the intention of the health ambassadors to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and investigate predictors of intention using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and health belief model (HBM). Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted on 500 health ambassadors. Simple randomized sampling was applied to select the participants. We called the participants and asked them to fill out our 28-item questionnaire. Univariate analyses were used to examine relationships between dependent and independent variables. We used the independent t-test to measure the relationship between quantitatively independent variables and the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test to measure the relationship between qualitative independent variables. Finally, significant independent variables were entered into a hierarchical logistic regression model and the results were interpreted. Results: Overall, 44.8% (224) of participants reported that they have the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The significant demographic predictors include age, having a chronic disease, Having COVID-19 in the last year, and perceived health status. According to the HBM, the dimensions of perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and cues to action. According to the TPB, the dimensions of the subject norm, perceived behavior control, and self-efficacy were significant predictors of vaccination. Conclusion: According to the low rate of COVID-19 vaccination, health educational programs together with encouraging/reinforcing programs may change perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived behavioral control, and intention. It is better to use various kinds of sources to implement the educational program.