A1 Final Paper

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE LEVEL OF ACCEPTANCE ON
COVID-19 VACCINES AMONG TERTIARY STUDENTS OF

NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY
By
BAI SHEEJAN ZANDRA P. AMBOLODTO

ZAHRA A. ARSAD
WAFAH B. SAPAL
CAROLYN MAE P. VILLANUEVA
A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of College of Health Sciences in Partial

Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

COTABATO CITY
2022
Notre Dame University
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Notre Dame Avenue, Cotabato City
APPROVAL SHEET
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

IN NURSING (BSN) this THESIS entitled:
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE LEVEL OF ACCEPTANCE ON

COVID-19 VACCINES AMONG TERTIARY STUDENTS OF
has been prepared and submitted BAI SHEEJAN ZANDRA P. AMBOLODTO,

ZAHRA A. ARSAD, WAFAH B. SAPAL and CAROLYN MAE P. VILLANUEVA,
who are recommended for the corresponding ORAL EXAMINATION.
IMELDA V. JAVIER, RN RM MAN

Adviser
APPROVED in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)
By the Oral Examination Committee:
MARY JANE K. BALAWAG, PhD RN

Chairman
DONNAVILLA D. YAP, RN MN HANNA TERESA C. SALGADO, RN MAN
Secretary Member
ACCEPTED in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)
July 2022 NORMA C. SALGADO, RN MAN
Factors Influencing the Level of Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccines Among Tertiary Students of Notre
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Dean
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, praises and thanks to God, the Almighty Allah (SWT) for his
showers of blessings throughout the whole research process to complete this study
successfully. We graciously thank you for letting us through all the hurdles and obstacles
as we experience your guidance day by day.
Our profound and fervent thanks to the following people who helped lead the path
to the realization of our pursuit for professional nursing advancement:
To Notre Dame University, the respective college deans of the institution: Dr.
Nancy C. Alombro, Dr. Raymond G. Mamaril, Dr. Ronald G. Mamaril and Dr. Edgard R.
Cabales. To the College of Health Sciences and our very own college dean, Norma C.
Salgado, RN MAN, and the ever-hospitable level coordinators, Renalyn C. Notario, RN
MAN, Maria Hazel D. Cayena, RN MAN, Elvira A. Baquial, PhD RN, and Joyce C.
Bisnar, RN RM MAN for their approval and positive responses to the requests made
relevant to this undertaking. We could not have done this without your full support and
kind generosity.
To the distinguished panel members headed by Mary Jane K. Balawag, PhD RN,
together with Hanna Teresa C. Salgado, RN MAN, and Donnavilla D. Yap, RN MN for
the approval of our work and exemplary recognition, for providing encouragements,
insights and expertise that greatly assisted this research.
To our research adviser, Imelda V. Javier, RN RM MAN for having contributed
to a rewarding college experience by giving us intellectual freedom in our work,
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supporting our attendance at various meetings, engaging us in new ideas, correcting our
errors and demanding a high quality of work in all our endeavors.
Additionally, the researchers would like to thank their Nursing Research Concept
teacher, Nancy U. Guinta, RN MAN for the constant motivation, unrelenting
encouragement and helpful suggestions and reminders.
To Dr. Elyn M. Dimagiba and Meilin Abigail A. Abang, LPT, for their assistance
with the statistics of the study regarding the data gathered and for their untiring help and
sharing vital statistical information that greatly improved the manuscript.
To the students and participants from CAS, CBA, CED, CENCS and CHS for
willingly participating and sharing their pearls of wisdom through their answers to the
researchers during the course of this research.
Last and definitely not the least, the researchers would like to thank from the very
bottom of their hearts their beloved parents: Bai Abier Pasigan Ambolodto, Datu Habib
Sinsuat Ambolodto, Samida Alipolo Arsad, Zakaria Kalon Arsad, Menchie Borero Sapal,
Penny Guiaman Sapal, Merlene Pueblo Villanueva and Carlito Ducusin Villanueva,
whom truly supported them since the very beginning, whom provided for them for all the
expenses that they poured into this very research and whom provided us with hope when
we saw none, love when we felt the lowest, and encouragement when we felt
undetermined and unmotivated. To our family, thank you for believing that we are
capable of finishing this research study.
BSZPA
ZAA
WBS
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CMPV
ABSTRACT
This descriptive study focused on the factors that influence the tertiary students’
level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. It involved 180 vaccinated participants from
the different colleges of Notre Dame University who were vaccinated against COVID-19.
A self-made questionnaire was utilized during the data gathering. With the surge of
COVID-19 cases worldwide, vaccines against COVID-19 are also developing across the
countries. However, the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccination among general people is
still questionable. With the findings of the study, it was revealed that tertiary students
generally have a high level of vaccine acceptance (seventy-five percent). The outcome of
the study revealed that the identified factors such as knowledge and attitude towards
COVID-19 vaccines, sociodemographic factors, and information about the vaccines
influenced the participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. The results also
showed that most participants accepted the COVID-19 vaccine as it was part of the
mandate to resume face-to-face classes, since the vaccines are free, accessible, and are
available, as their decision to get vaccinated was supported by their social circle, having
had received a series of childhood vaccines, and due to being aware of the spread of
misinformation. Parent/s’ refusal, health problems and uncertainty on vaccine safety were
also identified as possible reasons behind vaccine hesitancy. It was also found out that
there is a statistically significant difference on the health-related factors and college
department, which therefore, rejects the hypothesis of the study. While more research is
needed to identify underlying determinants and mechanisms, findings suggest a need to
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further sensitize and educate students about the benefits, safety and efficacy of COVID-
19 vaccines.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page ……………………………………………………………. i

Approval Sheet ……………………………………………………………. ii
Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………………. iii
Abstract ……………………………………………………………. v
Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………. vi
List of Tables ……………………………………………………………. viii
List of Figure ……………………………………………………………. ix
CHAPTER
I. INTRODUCTION
Review of Related Literature…………………………....... 3
Theoretical Framework……………………………….…... 19
Conceptual Framework…………………………...………. 20
Statement of the Problem……………………………...….. 21
Hypothesis……………………………………………….... 22
Significance of the Study…………………………………. 22
Scope and Limitations…………………………………….. 24
Definition of Terms……………………………………….. 25
II. METHODS
Research Design………………………………………...... 27
Setting…………..…….…………………………………... 27
Participants………………………………………………... 28
Sample Size/Sampling Technique …….……………...….. 28
Instrumentation…………………………………………… 29
Measures………………………………………………….. 29
Data Gathering Procedure………………………………… 31
Treatment of Data………………………………………… 31
III. RESULTS 33
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IV. DISCUSSION
Major Findings of the Study……………………………… 52
Conclusion…………..…….……………………………… 54
Recommendation…………………………………………. 55
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………...... 58
APPENDICES
A. Letter to the Dean.…….…………………….……………. 65
B. Letter to the Level Coordinator.…………...…….……...... 70
C. Letter to the Participants………………………………….. 74
D. Informed Consent………………………………………… 75
E. Survey Questionnaire……………………………………... 76
CURRICULUM VITAE…………………………………………………………. 80
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LIST OF TABLES
Tables Page
1 Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Participants’

Demographic Profile…………………....……..…………………… 33
2 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Level of Acceptance on

COVID-19 Vaccines……………………………………………….. 34
3.1 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Knowledge and Attitude

towards COVID-19 Vaccines………...……………………………. 35
3.2 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Sociodemographic

Factors……………………………………………………………… 36
3.3 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Health-Related

Factors………………………………...……………………………. 37
3.4 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Information about COVID-19

Vaccines……………………………………………………………. 38
3.5 Overall Mean and Standard Deviation of the Factors Influencing

the Level of Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccines…………………. 39
4.1 Significant Differences of Participants’ Factors when Grouped

According to Sex………………………………………………….... 39

According to Religion……………………………………………… 40

According to College Department…………………………………. 41
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According to Vaccination Status…………………………………... 42
LIST OF FIGURE
Figures Page
1 Schematic Diagram Showing the Variables of the

Study…………………....……..……………………………… 21
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
The development of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is a critical step to
halt the pandemic, given the elevated morbidity and mortality associated with the virus.
As such, a COVID-19 vaccine is regarded as the most promising means of limiting the
spread of or eliminating the pandemic and the success of this strategy will rely on the rate
of vaccine acceptance globally (Joshi et al., 2021).
Based on the World Health Organization (2022), 53.2% (4.2 billion) of the
world’s population had been fully vaccinated. Nationally, 58.1 million Filipinos were
fully vaccinated, accounting only to 54.1% of the national population. In Cotabato City,
only 45,000 residents have received vaccinations, which is approximately 15% of the
local population (Philippine News Agency, 2021). Although vaccine acceptance rates
worldwide have seen an increase in most countries, Kanyike et al., (2021) stated that
acceptance rate still vary from state-to-state. As a matter of fact, COVID-19 vaccine
acceptance rates have fluctuated from 23.6 to 97%, including rates between 27.7 and
78.1% from surveys even among healthcare workers (Sirikalyanpaiboon et al., 2021).
Moreover, many factors are found to affect vaccine acceptance, whereby studies have
assessed the role of perceived risk, vaccine efficacy, amount of information, and types of
job on vaccine acceptance. However, due to culture diversity, each country might have
different level of acceptance and associated determinants.
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The problem of vaccine refusal and skepticism has many contributing factors and
these various concerns may affect the public confidence in vaccines. Although several
studies have already identified factors and predictors that influence COVID-19 vaccine
uptake and acceptance across different states, there still has been limited up-to-date data
and a scarcity in the literature and/or studies with regards to the level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines among tertiary students and the factors that influence them. Hence,
the degree to which individuals accept, question, or refuse vaccination is still unclear. To
facilitate vaccine acceptance via effective health communication, it is key to understand
levels of vaccine acceptance and skepticism, and the demographic, psychological and
political predictors (Lindholt et al., 2021).
Understanding and identifying these factors is essential so that effective measures
can be done to promote and protect the students’ health for better learning and self-
preparation more so, since the Philippines has started to implement its limited face-to-
face classes among selected college courses and universities as of late November 2021.
The study will also aid in determining if the students are indeed completely willing and
voluntarily consented and accepted to receive COVID-19 vaccines, or if there are other
predictors, such as the vaccination being in demand or requirement for entry on
establishments and enrolment in institutions as mandated, which have urged them to get
vaccinated. As such, this prompted the researchers to explore the factors that influence
the level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines among the tertiary students of Notre
Dame University, Cotabato City.
Review of Related Literature
This chapter contains relevant literature and concepts providing significant
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insights and comprehensive background to the present investigation.
While evidence on promoting vaccination in general is useful in the context of the
current pandemic, the acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines present an
unprecedented challenge. Evidence has shown that reducing barriers and making it easy
to get vaccinated will increase vaccine uptake, especially for the large proportion of
people who are not deliberately avoiding vaccination (WHO, 2020).
Vaccines are regarded as one of the most reliable and cost-effective public health
interventions ever implemented, saving millions of lives each year. They are effective
interventions that can help reduce the high burden of diseases globally (El-Elimat et al.,
2021). As a matter of fact, vaccination is recognized as one of the most effective ways to
reduce and eliminate the burden of COVID-19. However, the success of a vaccination
programs depends on the willingness of the population to be vaccinated (Syed Alwi et al.,
2021). Vaccination programs can lead to herd immunity without requiring a substantial
proportion of the community to be infected. However, such immunity will require a
sufficient portion of the population to get vaccinated. Public vaccine hesitancy is a
pressing problem for public health (Syed Alwi et al., 2021).
Knowledge and Attitude Towards COVID-19 Vaccines
According to Bautista et al., (2021), the assurance that vaccines are safe and
effective, in addition to their cost, are important factors that will convince more people to
get vaccinated. They stated that vaccine safety and effectiveness was the most important
factor that affects an individual’s intent to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Majority of
those who are willing to get immunized believe that the vaccines will make them safe
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from COVID-19, and that the vaccines are indeed safe. The study further concluded that
other safety-related concerns include the potential side effects and allergic reactions that
might happen to those who will be vaccinated. They concluded that in ensuring safety
from COVID-19, vaccine safety, effectiveness, and side effects are primary concerns
among the public. As stated by Patelarou et al. (2021), the most important reason for
refusal of a COVID-19 vaccine was doubts about the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of
the vaccine. The most commonly stated concern for willingness to get vaccinated is
concern about safety, specifically, its side effects (Solís Arce et al., 2021). This finding is
also supported by Al-Jayyousi et al., (2021), wherein they stated that the efficacy and
adverse effects or toxicity of the vaccine were among the vaccine characteristics which
have been reported to shape public concerns about the vaccines. Furthemore, it is
believed that vaccine acceptability has been influenced by factors such as gender,
knowledge, safety and importance of the vaccine, and mistrust in sources relaying
information about the vaccine (Bono et al., 2021).
According to Wang et al., (2021), those individuals with knowledge that COVID-
19 vaccination is an effective way to prevent and control COVID-19 and that COVID-19
vaccine is successfully developed and approved for listing in the future are more
accepting of COVID-vaccines than those who do not. They further stated that vaccine
convenience (vaccination method, frequency, distance to vaccination sites), vaccine price
and a doctor's recommendation are also important factors that increase positive attitudes
towards vaccination decision-making. Attitude towards getting vaccinated also are
influenced by government requirements such as requiring employees, both public and
private, doing on-site work to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 and the mandate
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that entitles the public and private establishments to refuse entry and deny services to
unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals (Atienza, 2021). Department of Health
(2021) released a memorandum stating that all government agencies are enjoined to
implement measures prioritizing fully vaccinated individuals availing of government
programs and services. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also released a
mandate for schools and universities to only allow students who are vaccinated to join
face-to-face classes (Magsambol, 2021). After this announcement, about 87.1% of higher
education institution (HEI) personnel and 59.7% tertiary students have already been
vaccinated against COVID-19 (“Over 50% of Faculty, Tertiary Students Vaccinated”,
2021). The vaccination rate for students has also significantly increased from less than
30% to now 46% with the aggressive school-based vaccination drive spearheaded by
CHED in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH), the National Task Force
(NTF) Against COVID-19, local government units (LGUs), and partner HEIs (De Vera,
2021).
The efficient and effective distribution and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines
among the general public is also a crucial challenge to ensure that herd immunity can be
achieved (Bautista et al., 2021). The government needs to ensure that it will be easy for
the citizens to acquire the vaccine because an even distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine
for citizens could increase their perceived ease of use (Faturohman et al., 2021).
According to Harapan et al., (2020), it is important for the government to formulate the
best approach to implement mass vaccination programs for COVID-19 as the deployment
of COVID-19 vaccines are found to positively impact people's willingness to be
vaccinated.
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Another factor for vaccination acceptance is adequate knowledge and awareness,
wherein the lack of knowledge and understanding of the benefits of vaccination,
inconsistent recommendations by providers, and uncertainties about the cost and benefits
might be some of the critical contributors of low adult-vaccination coverage (Ali et al.,
2021). According to Patelarou et al., (2021), individuals with a higher level of knowledge
about COVID-19 vaccines were more likely to get vaccinated in contrast to those with
low levels. Studies have shown that students with high levels of vaccine knowledge are
more likely to vaccinate themselves therefore, increasing the knowledge of the target
population about vaccines could improve uptake rates. Additionally, inclusion of the
vaccination benefits should be a regular part for healthcare professions curricula.
Moreover, individuals who had high knowledge about the pathogen, treatment,
preventive measures, severity of COVID-19 were also more likely to have a higher
acceptance on the vaccination (Huynh et al., 2021). Higher knowledge about COVID-19
symptoms, transmission routes, and prevention and control measures against COVID-19
were also found to be associated with the willingness of accepting COVID-19
vaccine (Mahmud et al., 2021).
Moreover, as stated by Bell et al. (2020), the availability of a vaccine was viewed
as the only way of ending social-distancing measures and returning to normal life. The
interviewees in their study talked about lockdown as being financially unsustainable, and
detrimental to physical and mental wellbeing and children’s educational and social
development. The interviewees that were shielding during the pandemic were particularly
keen to accept a future vaccine, with one parent who had looked into entering a COVID-
19 vaccine trial saying they ‘would be first at the door’. In the same study, the
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participants also indicated that they would be vaccinated (3.7%; n = 33) and get their
children vaccinated (2.6%; n = 24) as a means of stopping the need for social distancing
and returning to normality.
Vaccine confidence and preference are also among key players in accepting
COVID-19 vaccination. In fact, according to Solís Arce et al., (2021), a large number of
individuals have preferred brands in mind, which might affect the vaccination program of
the government. Intensive media coverage of adverse events may aggravate concerns
about side effects. Nevertheless, brand preferences have also contributed to COVID-19
vaccine hesitancy. An informal online survey showed that the majority of the residents
are willing to get vaccinated as long as their preferred vaccine is used and that majority of
the respondents prefer the Pfizer vaccine. (Abad, 2021). Additionally, the most important
vaccine attribute for selection was increased efficacy, followed by a longer duration of
protection and a significantly lower incidence of major adverse events. Individuals who
did not observe any adverse effect or have observed less serious side effects on other
people (commonly their closer circle including family members and significant others)
have a higher probability and intent to accept the vaccine while hesitant groups expressed
worry regarding the adverse effects of immunizations. Majority of the self-reported
likelihood of selecting and receiving a hypothetical vaccine were based on seven
attributes namely, efficacy, duration of protection, major adverse events, minor adverse
events, US FDA approval process, country of origin, and political endorsement (“Factors
Affecting COVID-19”, 2020).
Acceptance levels on COVID-19 vaccines have also been found to be high if
vaccination has been recommended by medical professionals. Members of the society
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who have an important role to play aid in influencing the public’s willingness to be
vaccinated including immediate members of the family, medical experts, church
ministries and organizations, and businesses and employers. Promotion of pro-
vaccination principles such as vaccine safety and efficacy must target these sectors, and
the government must use them as positive influencers. People who trust the governments,
the experts and the doctors were more willing to get vaccinated (Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development, 2021).
Similarly, according to Lucia et al. (2020), people that trusted information
provided from government sources have higher probability to accept a COVID-19
vaccine. Students who trust the public health experts were also more likely to get
vaccinated. Receiving information from scientists was significantly correlated with high
vaccine acceptance. Doctors also play an important role in enhancing trust and addressing
conspiracy theories, and vaccine recommendations from a healthcare provider increases
the chances of getting vaccinated. It is said that health workers are the most trusted
sources of guidance about COVID-19 vaccines.
Trust in vaccines as well as the institutions that administer them are key
determinants of the success of any vaccination campaign (Solís Arce et al., 2021). Social
service and healthcare providers and the physician’s recommendation of vaccination were
the most prevalent ones. In fact, individuals who were advised by a physician or any
other healthcare provider to take a vaccine were more likely to have a positive attitude
towards it than those who did not get any advice. Among the factors associated with more
vaccination acceptance included positive subjective norms and attitudes towards
vaccination in general and COVID-19 vaccination in particular, high perceived benefits,
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self-efficacy, institutional and government trust, previous exposure to flu or other
vaccines, and prosocial concerns. Enhancing these factors may improve the vaccination
uptake rate (Al-Jayyousi et al., 2021).
Another key finding that vaccine acceptability rates are higher when endorsed by
public health agencies rather than politicians highlights the need to build trust among the
public, which requires "a unified, proactive, highly visible communication structure
within federal public health agencies to inform the public on a regular basis about these
processes". Systematic interventions are required by public health authorities to reduce
the levels of vaccines’ hesitancy and improve their acceptance (“Factors Affecting
COVID-19”, 2020).
Sociodemographic Factors
The most common factors found to influence vaccine acceptance at the microlevel
were age, educational level, gender, race, and income status. Assessment of the role of
gender in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy revealed that men are more willing to accept the
vaccine than women. Women were reported to have adopted more negative views about
vaccination while men showed a lower belief in rumors and conspiracy theories
surrounding COVID-19 and higher risk perception for the disease (Al-Jayyousi et al.,
2021). Patelarou et al. (2021) also yielded the same results indicating that men are more
likely to get vaccinated than women. Similar results were also presented in other studies
with women being more reluctant to get vaccinated in comparison to men. Consistent
with other studies, higher average vaccine acceptance among men than women were
found (Solís Arce et al., 2021).
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According to Handebo et al., (2021), socio-demographic factors including
religious affiliation and educational status were found to be associated with intention to
accept the vaccine. Compared to individuals affiliated with Orthodox religion, those
affiliated with other category of religions (i.e., Catholic and Protestant) had increased
intention to accept the vaccine. They further stated that this may be attributed to
perceived lower risk to get infected or vaccine hesitancy due to religious values or lack of
trust in the health system. Thus, the need to engage religious leaders and communities
from the very beginning in designing vaccine promotion strategies. In addition, according
to Schonfeld (2021), Muslims were among the first to believe in COVID-19 vaccines.
The study further elaborated that Muslims have done preventive medicine throughout
history, and Muslims are among the first people to believe in the idea of vaccination.
Moreover, they stated that the idea of preventing harm comes from the renowned prophet
of the Islamic religion, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who said that if there's any
contagious disease in a city, one should not enter that city or leave it. If one contracts that
sickness, you should not go on to spread it. This is the theological foundation for
vaccination thereby influencing the Islamic believers to seek and accept vaccinations.
Shmueli (2021) stated that being affiliated with other category of religion,
bachelor degree, educational status, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit, perceived
barrier, and cues to action were significantly associated with the intention to receive
COVID-19 vaccine. College and graduate degree holders are also said to be more likely
to get vaccinated compared to people with lower educational attainment. In support to
this finding, Elhadi et al. (2021) revealed that high education level and high-income
status were associated with positive attitudes toward vaccination, owing to minimal
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barriers related to knowledge, health literacy, and cost concerns. They also concluded
that acceptance rates of a safe and effective vaccine are higher among nursing students.
Due to their future profession, nursing students have more knowledge about benefits of
vaccines and are more awareness about their need. The results revealed that when
evaluated on the attitude of population regarding future vaccination, half of them (49.7%)
reported a positive willingness with students and healthcare personnel being more
willingness in comparison to other occupational groups. Moreover, specialty was another
important factor influencing willingness to vaccinate. The willingness of students
majoring in Medical and Humanities were significantly higher than that of students from
other majors (Jiang et al., 2021).
Contrastingly, Prickett et al. (2021) stated that less-educated respondents and
respondents under age 25 years and are marginally more willing to take the vaccine than
older and acceptance is greater among more educated respondents. Faturohman et al.
(2021) also suggested that the older community and those who were working as
employees and entrepreneurs had lower COVID-19 vaccine acceptance compared to
younger citizens and students, respectively. Interestingly, Okubo et al. (2021) argued that
vaccine resistance was higher among older age groups.
In terms of race, it has been found out that Blacks, Hispanics, Chinese, Asian,
non-Irish, mixed, or other ethnicities were more hesitant and more likely to reject the
vaccines (Royal Society for Public Health, 2020). This finding was attributed to religious
and cultural beliefs, norms, and concerns. The study further revealed that more
willingness and acceptance were reported among married individuals, those who reside in
rural or suburban areas, being employed, especially in professional and managerial
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occupations, being at risk or belonging to a vulnerable group, and having insurance.
Contrastingly, Marzo et al. (2022) revealed that participants living in urban areas were
significantly more likely to agree that vaccines can effectively prevent and control
COVID-19, responded that they would accept the vaccines when they become available,
and believed that vaccination convenience, health providers’ advice, and costs of
vaccines are important for deciding whether to accept COVID-19 vaccines than those
living in rural areas. Participants living in rural areas were significantly more likely to
express hesitancy in receiving COVID-19 vaccines than those living in urban areas,
where there is a higher proportion of residents who lack health insurance, live with
comorbidities or disabilities, are aged ≥65 years, and have limited access to health care
facilities with intensive care capabilities, which places these residents at increased risk
for COVID-19–associated morbidity and mortality (Saelee et al., 2021).
In terms of socioeconomic status, a current study conducted by Lazarus et al.
(2021) revealed that socioeconomic status contributes to the emerging picture of global
vaccine acceptance by focusing on COVID-19 vaccine attitudes in a set of low-income
and lower-middle-income countries. Results showed that people in low- and middle-
income countries (LMICs) appear more willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine than those
living in richer countries. Recent studies have investigated COVID-19 vaccine rollout in
LMICs and reported challenges with ensuring LMICs have adequate COVID-19 vaccines
to achieve herd immunity. HICs have bought most of the vaccines, including those yet to
be produced. The average vaccine acceptance rate in the LMICs was around 80 percent.
Findings of Solís Arce et al.’s study (2021) also showed variable but broadly high levels
of prospective COVID-19 vaccine acceptance across the LMICs. Adversely, Kaadan et
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al. (2021) stated that citizens of high-income countries were more likely to accept the
vaccine than those from the LMICs. Although in their study, no association was found
between countries’ incomes and their acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine however, a
higher rate of acceptance was noted in countries with upper-middle income and high-
income, whereas those who live in lower-middle income countries had the lowest
acceptance rate.
Furthermore, different rates and levels of vaccine acceptance from 175 different
countries/territories, which were classified into seven regions has been reported by
Sallam et al. (2021). They found out that countries with the highest levels of COVID-19
vaccine acceptance included Nepal and Vietnam (97%), Niger (93%), Ethiopia and
Tunisia (92%), and Canada (91), while the lowest acceptance rates were reported in Iraq
(13%), Cameroon (15%), Bahrain (17%), Algeria, Lebanon and Senegal (21%). The
phenomenon of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy appeared more pronounced in some world
regions (the MENA region, Central Europe and Central Asia, and Western and Central
Africa). In the same study, the Philippines was reported to show an overall acceptance
level for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance of 62.5%.
Social influences also play a role in vaccination uptake and acceptance. During a
pandemic, in which people may be confined to their homes, perceptions of other people’s
behaviours, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing are more likely to be inferred
from mainstream and social media and via information online, and less likely to result
from direct interactions (WHO, 2020). Vaccination decision-making is also influenced by
people’s social networks, which include family members, friends, health professionals
and others with whom they interact, as well as the sources of information they consult.
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Furthermore, WHO (2020) added that the likelihood of vaccine uptake was found to be
increased with encouragement and social pressure from people that an individual respects
and trusts. A willingness to get vaccinated, or an unwillingness to do so, can spread
through a social cascade as one group of individuals influences another, and then the two
influence a third, and so on.
In addition, 78% of the participants in Bautista et al.’s study (2021) stated that
their decision to get a vaccine was supported by their family and friends, especially when
someone of their family members or friends was vaccinated. Significant others were
reported to influence one’s attitude and behavior. Moreover, Akther and Nur (2022)
stated that those who intend to receive the COVID-19 see high perceived benefits in
doing so for the purpose of protecting themselves and others in their circle, implying
vaccination compliance. The perception that vaccination can protect against COVID-19
virus infection, severe illness, and death, can make students more willing to take the
vaccine and to encourage others in their community to do so. Bolsewicz (2021) also
supports this statement as they stated that accepting individuals were more likely to
describe wanting to vaccinate to protect others at work (patients and co-workers), at
home (family and housemates) and in the community (friends and vulnerable community
members).
Information, acknowledgement, and recommendations from family members,
friends, employers, and community members were associated with favorable attitudes
and a higher uptake of vaccines (Danabal et al., 2021). Moreover, healthcare workers are
vital in social influencing. As a matter of fact, nurses play an integral role in determining
the general acceptance rate. They are a source of information to patients, even greater
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than physicians and other health care providers, often the first to contact patients and
administer vaccinations, and frequently contract COVID-19. Media seem to have played
a significant role in intention and had a twofold effect on reluctance to vaccinate infection
(Rabi et al., 2021).
According to Lin et al., (2020), majority of the participants (92.1%) in their study
reported that they would only receive the COVID-19 vaccine if given adequate
information, and 82.3% reported that they will only take the vaccine if taken by many in
the public. Qiao et al. (2020) have also stated that schools could also play a positive role
in vaccine campaign since the reluctancy group in their study considered that
recommendation by their school was important in their decision making and the duration
of vaccine protection, vaccine accessibility, and authoritative advice (e.g., if vaccination
is recommended by schools, governments, or doctors) were considered important among
the acceptance group.
Health-Related Factors
Lower acceptance has been reported among individuals with chronic disease who
most require the vaccinations. The presence of at least one underlying chronic disease
had lower chances for willingness to take the vaccine (Bono et al., 2021). According to
Mohamed et al., (2021), it was found out that those with existing chronic diseases have
significantly lower acceptance rates than those who were healthy. Additionally,
individuals with diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia are found to be less
accepting of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Adversely, pre-existing health conditions
were not associated with vaccine acceptability. However, a lower self-rated overall health
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status was associated with increased acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine (Tsai et al.,
2021).
Furthermore, according to Mesele (2021), individuals who received any vaccine
during childhood and those who had family members, friends and who themselves were
diagnosed and tested with COVID-19 were also more likely to accept the vaccine than
those who did not. Prior history of receiving an influenza vaccine was also associated
with increased acceptability for vaccination against COVID-19. However, previous
refusal to take vaccines or an inadequate previous vaccination history was associated
with decreased odds of accepting the COVID-19 vaccine (Mustapha et al., 2021).
As stated by Altulaihi (2021), among the factors that motivated students to get
vaccinated was fear of being infected and fear of infecting their family with COVID-19,
especially their parents. The factor that students feared transmitting the infection to a
family member proved to have a statistically significant effect on their willingness to take
the COVID-19 vaccine and the fear of being infected with COVID-19 had statistically
increased the students’ willingness to take the vaccine. This finding was supported by the
study of Saied et al. (2021), wherein it was found out that fear of infecting their family,
especially parents, or being infected themselves were the most reported motivators
(77.7% and 35.1%, respectively).
In addition, Alqudeimat et al. (2021) also revealed that people who think they are
at a higher risk of being infected with COVID -19, who believe that COVID-19 might be
highly severe for them, and good knowledge about COVID-19 and COVID-19
vaccination were also found to be significantly linked with vaccine acceptability.
Moreover, former cigarette smokers and underweight, overweight, and obese individuals
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were said to be more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who strongly disagreed
with “development of natural immunity following suffering from COVID-19 being better
than immunity developed by a potential COVID-19 vaccine” were also more willing to
accept a COVID-19 vaccine as compared to those who strongly agreed with development
of natural immunity. Higher acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine was also found to be
related to self-perceived chances of contracting the infection and its severity.
Additionally, Joshi et al. (2021) concluded that individuals with health insurance
coverage, vaccine coverage and no chronic illness are associated with a higher vaccine
acceptance as compared to those who have no health insurance and vaccine coverage, and
individuals having a chronic illness.
Information About COVID-19 Vaccines
According to Wake (2021), education is a powerful strategy to disseminate the
essential information about the health of individuals. In fact, the level of education of
people will affect the general knowledge and awareness of the individuals in particular,
whereas residency has also an effect on information achievement since the urban
population receives information more easily when compared to the rural population.
Piltch-Loeb et al. (2021) stated that traditional channels of information, especially
national TV, national newspapers, and local newspapers increased the likelihood of
vaccine acceptance. They further revealed that individuals who received information
from traditional media compared to social media or both traditional and social media
were most likely to accept the vaccine.
According to Lindholt et al. (2021), awareness of misinformation is positively
associated and significantly positively predicts vaccine acceptance. In this study,
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respondents who think that they have been exposed to misinformation have 4 (95% CI 1
to 7) percentage points higher acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Furthermore, Sirikalyanpaiboon et al., (2021) stated that physicians who received
information from the hospital channel had a significantly higher rate of being
“acceptors”. In fact, hospital-based information and information coming from scientific
articles were significantly associated with a lower rate of being a “hesitator”. Social
media (67.1%), scientific articles (65.0%), and hospital media (41.8%) were the most
common sources of COVID-19 vaccination information. It was also found that physicians
who perceived having easier access to COVID-19 vaccine knowledge were less likely to
state a hesitancy to take the vaccination, especially when information was distributed via
hospital media. In order to increase positive attitudes toward vaccination, it would be
reasonable to encourage individuals to acknowledge and appreciate accessible
information from hospital newspapers, medical organizations and professional societies
rather than from potentially inaccurate or propaganda sources. Misinformation about
vaccine effectiveness and safety, especially regarding neurological and severe adverse
events, should be seen as one of the leading causes of vaccine mistrust.
Trust in authorities such as the government, health system, health care providers,
and employer for recommendation and information on COVID-19 infection and vaccine
had a strong impact on the vaccine acceptance/willingness (Joshi et al., 2021). Other
sources of information regarding COVID-19 vaccines also include social media, mass
media, HCWs and friends/family/neighbor (Syed Alwi et al., 2021). They further stated
that many reliable websites are providing the public with updates regarding the COVID-
19 disease, including information about the vaccines, namely the WHO, Centers for
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Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). Information
about this pandemic is also regularly aired across radio, television networks and
newspapers.
It was also reported that higher levels of trust in information from government
sources were more likely to accept a vaccine and take their employer’s advice to do so
(Lazarus et al., 2021). As stated by El-Elimat et al. (2021), interventions should take the
form of reviving the trust in national health authorities and structured awareness
campaigns that offer transparent information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines
and the technologies that were utilized in their production.
Theoretical Framework
The study was anchored on the Health Belief Model (HBM).
The Health Belief Model (HBM) are among the various theories that have been
proposed to explain the behavior of people during disease outbreaks. Different studies
have used the HBM to ascertain the perceived benefits in relation to the vaccine
decreasing the probability of an infection and making people less worried about
contracting the disease (Shmueli, 2021). The HBM helps the study as it helped explore
the motives of individuals willing to vaccinate, but even more importantly to investigate
the reasons behind refusing vaccination. It empowers researchers to explain and predict
health promoting behavior in terms of patterns of belief by addressing the association
between health behaviors and health services utilization (Wong et al., 2021). When HBM
is applied to disease prevention, it suggests that one's willingness to prevent an illness
combined with their expectations of a particular action, such as receiving a vaccine, can
serve as a predictor for future behaviors (Al-Metwali et al., 2021).
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This model sought to explain and predict preventive health behavior in terms of
certain belief patterns. There are multiple factors influencing vaccination intention. The
Health Belief Model explains and predicts a variety of human behaviors and is one of the
most commonly used models to determine vaccination intention. Specifically, HBM
suggests that an individual’s engagement (or lack of engagement) in health-promoting
behavior can be explained by their perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived
benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Perceived susceptibility
refers to beliefs regarding vulnerability to infection, while perceived severity refers to
beliefs regarding the negative effects of contracting the infection. In relation to
vaccination, perceived benefits are defined as an individual’s beliefs on the advantages of
being vaccinated, and perceived barriers are described as the belief that being vaccinated
is restricted due to psychosocial, physical or financial factors. Self-efficacy pertains to the
confidence and ability of an individual to get vaccinated and cues to action include
information, people and events that serve to motivate vaccination, such as information
from the mass media or a doctor who recommends taking the vaccine (Lin et al., 2021).
Conceptual Framework
The schematic diagram of the study shows the Notre Dame University tertiary
students’ level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines and its contributing factors. The
independent variables are the participants’ sex, religion, college department, and
vaccination status. While, the dependent variables in the study are the factors that
influence the participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines specifically,
knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines, sociodemographic factors, health-
related factors and information about COVID-19 vaccines. The independent and
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dependent variables were linked in such a way that the independent variables have an
influence on the dependent variable.
Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Demographic Profile of the Factors Influencing the Level of
Participants Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccines
a. Sex  Knowledge and Attitude

towards COVID-19 Vaccines
b. Religion
 Sociodemographic Factors
c. College Department  Health-Related Factors
d. Vaccination Status  Information about COVID-19
vaccines
Figure 1. Schematic Diagram Showing the Variables of the Study.
Statement of the Problem
The study aimed to identify the factors that influence the level of acceptance of Notre
Dame University tertiary students on COVID-19 vaccines. Specifically, it sought to
answer the following questions:
1. What is the demographic profile of the participants in terms of:
a. sex;
b. religion;
c. college department; and
d. vaccination status?
2. What is the participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines?
3. What are the factors that influence the participants’ level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines in terms of:
a. knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines;
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b. sociodemographic factors;
c. health-related factors; and
d. information about COVID-19 vaccines?
4. Is there a significant difference on the factors that influence the participants’ level
of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines when grouped according to profile?
Null Hypothesis
The study tested the null hypothesis:
Ho: There is no significant difference on the factors that influence the tertiary students’
level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines when grouped according to profile.
Significance of the Study

The results of the study would benefit the researchers and may serve its purpose
to other specific fields. The overall findings of this study would possibly benefit the
following entities:
Notre Dame University. The study results may enable the institution to evaluate
the readiness and safety of the students, especially on the implementation of the limited
face-to-face classes. This may help the university prepare measures to further strengthen
and minimize risk of infecting and exposing the students to the virus once face-to-face
classes have resumed.
College Departments. The results serve as a basis to further knowledge about the
possible factors that influence the uptake and acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines among
tertiary students in general. The results inform the different college department about the
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perception and understanding of the students about COVID-19 vaccines in terms of
quality, safety and efficacy, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Nursing Education. The findings of the study will serve as a basis for awareness
and increase the student-nurses’ knowledge, which is helpful in conducting health
promotion activities such as health teaching regarding the possible factors that have an
effect on the level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. This helps deepen the nursing
students’ knowledge and understanding of the possible factors that affect an individual’s
attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine acceptance This study also raises awareness on the
need for enlightenment campaigns and can help correct common misconceptions about
the vaccines and its importance, as well as its benefits and risks to public health.
Nursing Practice. This study helps the nurses in terms of the approaches they
could utilize in administering the vaccines to the general public. The results of the study
help the nursing profession become more sensitive to the factors that influence the
population’s level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines and enables the profession to
effectively deliver care and protect and promote health among the society.
Nursing Research. The results of this study help improve and advance
knowledge concerning the uptake and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. It contributes
to the body of knowledge by determining the possible factors that influence how students
and adolescents accept and view COVID-19 vaccines, as well as their attitudes on its
uptake and acceptance. This study also serves as a reference for future researchers in
conducting related studies. This study encourages future researchers to explore and
research more on untouched aspects of COVID-19 vaccines, which in turn can help the
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general public become more enlightened on the topic of COVID-19 in an effort to
prevent further mortalities and fatalities.
Scope and Limitation
The study focused on the factors that influence the level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines of Notre Dame University tertiary students, such as knowledge and
attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines, sociodemographic factors, health-related factors
and information about COVID-19 vaccines. It involved 180 randomly selected
vaccinated and 22 unvaccinated tertiary students coming from the Five (5) different
colleges and all year levels currently enrolled in academic year 2021-2022. Participants
involved were first to fourth year college so as to maximize responses from the whole
NDU tertiary population. Initially, a pre-survey was planned however, due to the
constraint on accessing students from other colleges, target number of participants was
not attained. There is also unequal quantity of participants from the Five (5) colleges due
to the refusal and/or inability of certain students to take part on the survey, either by free
choice, medical reasons and also due to poor accessibility of the researchers to reach
students from other colleges. Only those who were vaccinated were permitted to answer
Parts II and III of the questionnaires to elicit answers on the level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines and the factors that influence them. Unvaccinated students were
asked to fill up the first part as they were asked the reason behind their refusal to receive
COVID-19 vaccination but were not required to proceed answering further into the
questionnaire. Data gathering was conducted in Notre Dame University by means of an
online platform to secure the safety of both the participants and researchers by mitigating
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the spread of the virus. An approval was sought to conduct a survey that was given to the
participants through a distribution of self-developed structured questionnaire.
Definition of Terms
The following terms were operationally defined as they were used in the study:
Factors. A circumstance or belief that influences to a result or outcome, which
affect the thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors of an individual to accept the
COVID-19 vaccine/s.
Fully Vaccinated. Pertains to the vaccination status where the individual has
received 1st dose of J&J vaccine and/or 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from any other
brand.
Fully Vaccinated with Booster Dose. Pertains to the vaccination status where the
individual has received 1st dose of J&J vaccine and/or 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine
from other brands, with an additional COVID-19 booster dose of any brand.
Health-Related Factors. Factors that include the presence of chronic illness/es,
comorbidities and previous experiences on vaccines that influence the participants’ level
of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccine/s.
Information about COVID-19 Vaccines. Pertains to the factors revolving
around the communication and dissemination of information about COVID-19 vaccine/s.
Knowledge and Attitude. Pertains to factors including vaccine safety and
efficacy, accessibility and availability, knowledge and awareness, confidence and
preference, and government, healthcare workers and public trust which influence the
participants’ knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine/s.
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Level of Acceptance. The degree to which the tertiary students agree or consent
to receive any brand of COVID-19 vaccine/s.
Partially Vaccinated. Pertains to the vaccination status where the individual has
received 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine from any brand, excluding the J&J vaccine.
Sociodemographic Factors. Influencing factors such as religion, culture, gender,
age, education, socioeconomic status, and social and historical influences.
Tertiary Students. Students in the college level, ranging from 1st to 4th year
students from the different college departments of Notre Dame University enrolled in AY
2021-2022.
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CHAPTER II
METHODS
This chapter covers the research design, the participants of the study, the setting,
the sampling size and technique, the research instruments, the data gathering procedure,
and the statistical measures, which were used in the study.
Research Design
The study utilized the descriptive-quantitative design as it describes the profile of
the participants in terms of sex, religion, college department, and vaccination status, and
the level of acceptance of Notre Dame University tertiary students on COVID-19
vaccines. It also explored on its contributing factors and compare if there is any
significant difference on the factors when participants will be grouped according to their
profile.
Setting
The researchers conducted the study at Notre Dame University, a tertiary school
located at Notre Dame Avenue, Cotabato City. Notre Dame University (NDU) is a
private research university in Cotabato City owned and managed by the Oblates of Mary
Immaculate (OMI) and is currently ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
certified. The university offers pre-school, elementary, junior and senior high school,
undergraduate and graduate education for more than decades. The said institution has five
(5) college departments for this academic year 2021-2022 which are, the College of Arts
and Sciences (CAS), College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), College of Education
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(CED), College of Engineering and Computer Studies (CENCS), and College of Health
Sciences (CHS).
Participants
The participants of the study involved vaccinated tertiary students of Notre Dame
University coming from the different college departments namely, the College of Arts
(CED), College of Engineering and Computer Studies (CENCS), and the College of
Health Sciences (CHS), and of different year levels who are enrolled in Academic Year
(AY) 2021-2022.
Sample Size/Sampling Technique
A total sample size of 202 tertiary students from each of the Five (5) college
departments namely, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Business and
Accountancy (CBA), College of Education (CED), College of Engineering and Computer
Studies (CENCS), and the College of Health Sciences (CHS) were the participants of the
study. From the total sample size, only 180 participants were vaccinated while the
remaining 22 were unvaccinated.
The researchers utilized a probability sampling technique specifically, stratified
random sampling to give equal chances for the participants to be selected in the
stratification of colleges to represent the underlying characteristics of the population of
their respective departments.
Instrumentation
The instrument used in the study were self-made questionnaires, utilizing a web-
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based survey, which means data collection was done online. The self-constructed
questionnaire was sub-divided into three (3) parts. Part I asked for the participants’
demographic profile, comprising of Four (4) required questions and Two (2) optional
items, while the Part II drew out the participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-19
vaccines, which comprises of Ten (10) statements. Part III includes questions designed to
measure the factors that influence the participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-19
vaccines, consisting of Forty (40) items.
Measures
After the completion of the data gathering, data collection and analysis followed
in order to facilitate the tallying of data in tables. All responses from the items in the
questionnaire were weighted using the Likert Five-Point rating scale. A scale from 1 to 4
were used for each statement. The following were the set scale to determine each
descriptive statistic. The participants were instructed to choose the numerical scale that
represents their response in each item. The following scales, ranges, descriptions, and
interpretations are assigned to the questionnaires in Parts II and III, respectively.
For the second part of the questionnaire, the following table was used:
Scale Range of Mean Description Interpretation
The participant has a very

4 3.50 – 4.00 Strongly Agree high level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines (100%).
The participant has a high

3 2.50 – 3.49 Agree level of acceptance on
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The participant has a low
2 1.50 – 2.49 Disagree level of acceptance on
The participant has a very low

1 1.00 – 1.49 Strongly Disagree level of acceptance on
Scale Range of Mean Description Interpretation
The factor identified greatly

4 3.50 – 4.00 Strongly Agree influenced the participant’s
level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines.
The factor identified

3 2.50 – 3.49 Agree influenced the participant’s
acceptance on COVID-19
vaccines.
The factor identified partially

2 1.50 – 2.49 Disagree influenced the participant’s
COVID-19 vaccines.
The factor identified did not

1 1.00 – 1.49 Strongly Disagree influence the participant’s
COVID-19 vaccines.
For the third part of the questionnaire, the following table was used:
Data Gathering Procedure
Initially, after the study was approved for data gathering by the adviser and
panelists, the researchers made a letter to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences
(CHS) asking permission to conduct the study. Upon approval, the researchers asked for
consent from the Deans of the different college departments namely, the College of Arts
(CED), College of Engineering and Computer Studies (CENCS) and College of Health
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Sciences (CHS) for the distribution of questionnaires to the students under their
respective departments after thorough explanation of the study. The participants were
only given 10-15 minutes to answer the whole questionnaire and were instructed that
should there be queries pertaining to the questionnaire, the researchers were fully-willing
and available to answer those. The self-developed structured questionnaire was emailed
and distributed online to the participants with the consent form attached to it. Strict
confidentiality was observed throughout the process. Retrieval of questionnaires,
tabulation of data, analysis and interpretation were done after all participants had
answered the questionnaires.
Treatment of Data
The responses to the questions were statistically treated using frequency,
percentages, means, and standard deviation. Findings were presented in a tabular form
and interpretation of the results thereafter. For Part I, the researchers used the frequency
and percentage distribution to present the demographic profile of the participants. For
parts II and III, the researchers utilized the mean, overall mean and standard deviation to
measure the participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines and the factors that
influence the participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. For part IV, the
researchers used the T-Test and ANOVA method to determine if there is a significant
difference on the factors that influence the participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-
19 vaccines when participants are grouped according to their profile.
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CHAPTER III
RESULTS
This chapter presents the findings of the study along with the analysis and
interpretation of the data. Each part of the research instrument is answered through
presentation of tables, followed by interpretation of data and analysis.
Table 1 presents the demographic characteristics of the participants. Majority of
which were females, corresponding to 64.4% as compared to males with only 35.6%. In
terms of religion, majority of the participants follow Islam with 66.7%, followed by
Catholics with 30.6% and only 2.8% constitute the non-Catholics. As for the College
Department, majority (26.7.3%) were from College of Health Sciences while the least
came from the College of Art and Sciences with only 9.4%. Moreover, 80% of the
participants were fully vaccinated while the remaining 16.1% comprise of students who
are fully vaccinated with a booster dose. This is followed by 3.9% of participants who
were only partially vaccinated.
Table 1. Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Participants’ Demographic

Profile
Sex f %
Female 116 64.4
Male 64 35.6
Total 180 100.0

Religion f %
Catholic 55 30.6
Non-Catholic 5 2.8
Islam 120 66.7
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Total 180 100.0
College Department f %
CAS 17 9.4
CBA 48 26.7
CED 18 10.0
CENCS 46 25.6
CHS 51 28.3
Total 180 100.0
Vaccination Status f %
Fully Vaccinated with Booster 29 16.1
Fully Vaccinated 144 80.0
Partially Vaccinated 7 3.9
Total 180 100.0
Table 2 presents the level of acceptance of tertiary students on COVID-19
vaccines, with an over-all mean of 2.88 (Agree), which means that the participants’ level
of acceptance is 75% and that they have a high level of acceptance on COVID-19
vaccines. Moreover, the participants strongly agreed that they accepted the vaccine as it
was part of the to resume face-to-face classes, which garnered the highest mean of 3.52.
Contrastingly, the first statement got the lowest mean with 1.26, wherein the participants
disagreed that they got vaccinated due to having been confirmed positive for COVID-19.
Table 2. Mean and Standard Deviation of the Level of Acceptance on COVID-19

Vaccines
Statement Mean SD Description
I accepted the COVID-19 vaccine because...

1. I was confirmed positive for COVID-
1.26 .63530 Disagree
19.
2. It was part of the COVID-19 program. 3.20 .88690 Agree
3. I previously received other vaccines. 2.16 1.04728 Disagree
4. I previously refused other vaccines. 1.81 .90182 Disagree
5. I want to recommend COVID-19
vaccines to my friends and colleagues
3.47 .80799 Agree
to get protection from COVID-19.
6. I enjoyed the benefits of getting
3.32 .76703 Agree
vaccinated.
7. It is a requirement of the government. 3.42 .72432 Agree
8. It was a mandate to resume face-to- 3.52 .65549
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face classes. Strongly Agree
9. I believe that it will stop the need for
social distancing and return to
3.37 .76246 Agree
normality.
10. I fear that I will get infected or affect
3.33 .87165 Agree
others.
Over-all Mean 2.88 Agree
Table 3.1 presents the factors that influence the students’ level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines, specifically the knowledge and attitude of the participants on the
COVID-19 vaccines. Participants likewise agree to all statements, wherein in statement 1,
they strongly agreed to believing that the vaccines are free, accessible, and are available
to people, which got the highest mean of 3.59. On the other hand, agreeing that they have
a high level of vaccine knowledge got the lowest mean score (2.87). With an overall
mean of 3.22, this means that this factor has influenced the participants’ acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines.
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Table 3.1. Mean and Standard Deviation of the Knowledge and Attitude
towards COVID-19 Vaccines
Knowledge and Attitude towards COVID-19 Mea SD Description

Vaccines n
1. I believe that the vaccines are safe and effective. 3.44 .57141 Agree
2. I know that the vaccines will make me safe from
3.35 .60373 Agree
COVID-19.
3. I have a high level of vaccine knowledge. 2.87 .69339 Agree
4. I have high knowledge about COVID-19 pathogen,
prevention and treatment options. 2.91 .72233 Agree
5. I got a vaccine recommendation from a healthcare
provider and/or professional. 3.09 .84092 Agree
6. I trust the government’s recommendation and
information on COVID-19. 3.19 .66094 Agree
7. I have a preferred vaccine in mind. 3.08 .82472 Agree
8. Vaccines are free, accessible, and are available to
people. 3.59 .58736 Strongly Agree
9. I know that the vaccines are developed and approved
for listing for future use. 3.39 .57409 Agree
10. I have trust in the vaccines and the institutions that
3.28 .64535 Agree
administer them.
Over-all Mean 3.22 .42812 Agree
For Table 3.2, the participants agree that sociodemographic factors influenced
their level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. Statement 1 got the highest mean of
3.51, implying that their decision to get vaccinated was supported by their social
environment, particularly their families and friends. Adversely, they disagreed to the
statement that their decision to get vaccinated was influenced by their religious beliefs
thus, garnering the lowest mean of 1.87. Ultimately, Sociodemographic factors were
interpreted as having influence on the participants’ acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines
with an overall mean of 2.79.
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Table 3.2. Mean and Standard Deviation of the Sociodemographic Factors
Sociodemographic Factors Mea SD Description

n
1. The decision to get vaccinated is supported by my Strongly
3.51 .69707
family and friends. Agree
2. I receive encouragement and social pressure from
people I trust and/or respect. 3.01 .83564 Agree
3. I lived in a rural or suburban area where vaccine
coverage and healthcare access are limited. 2.21 .90483 Disagree
4. I am influenced by religious beliefs. 1.87 .82578 Disagree
5. I am influenced by cultural norms. 2.02 .81518 Disagree
6. The vaccine has been taken by many in the public. 3.13 .71222 Agree
7. I lived in a lower-middle income country where
vaccine access is challenging. 2.32 .86182 Disagree
8. I lived in an urban area where people receive
information more easily. 3.13 .77698 Agree
9. My school recommended that I get vaccinated. 3.32 .80262 Agree
10. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
mandated that schools only allow vaccinated
3.39 .70511 Agree
students to join onsite classes.
As for Table 3.3, it demonstrates the agreement and disagreement of the
participants on the health-related factors that influence their level of acceptance on the
COVID-19 vaccines. They indicated their agreement on statements, which implies that
they have accepted the COVID-19 vaccine due to not being diagnosed with a chronic
disease (3.11) and having received a series of childhood vaccines (3.10) thereby,
receiving the highest means. However, the statement that garnered the lowest mean was
the participants disagreeing to smoking cigarettes (1.41), which did not influence their
decision to get vaccinated. Overall, a mean score of 2.32 indicates that the participants
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generally disagree that Health-Related Factors have an influence on their level of
acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines.
Table 3.3. Mean and Standard Deviation of the Health-Related Factors
Health-Related Factors Mean SD Description

1. I am not diagnosed with a chronic disease. 3.11 1.08570 Agree
2. I have a low self-rated overall health status. 2.21 .83892 Disagree
3. I have received a series of childhood vaccines. 3.10 .87229 Agree
4. I have received an influenza vaccine. 2.44 .97007 Disagree
5. I had family members and/or friends who tested
with COVID-19. 2.36 1.14639 Disagree
6. I have a higher risk of being infected with
COVID-19. 1.98 .86828 Disagree
7. I have health insurance coverage. 2.26 .93572 Disagree
8. I currently/formerly smoke cigarettes. 1.41 .73763 Disagree
9. I am underweight/overweight/obese. 2.20 1.06441 Disagree
10. I disagree with developing natural immunity
from getting infected with COVID-19. 2.16 .84671 Disagree
Over-all Mean 2.32 .46218 Disagree
Information about COVID-19 Vaccines, presented in Table 3.4, gathered an
overall mean of 3.12, implying that the participants agree that this factor influenced their
level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. They highly agreed on being aware of the
spreading of misinformation (3.43), which resulted to this statement having the highest
mean score. Although agreed to, the statement that the participants did not observe any
untoward effects from those who received the vaccine ahead of them yielded the lowest
mean of 2.60. Moreover, Information about COVID-19 vaccines got the highest mean out
of all the four factors identified with an overall mean of 3.12. Therefore, this factor is
identified to have an influence on the participants’ acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines.
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Table 3.4, Mean and Standard Deviation of the Information About COVID-19 Vaccines
Information About COVID-19 Vaccines Mean SD Description
1. I have enough information about the good
effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. 3.26 .60834 Agree
2. I did not observe any untoward effects from
those who received the vaccine ahead of me. 2.60 .85613 Agree
3. I have received adequate information from
traditional media (e.g., televisions and/or
newspapers). 3.11 .64200 Agree
4. I trust the information coming from government
sources. 3.13 .66878 Agree
5. Good information about COVID-19 vaccines is
accessible through the media. 3.28 .60974 Agree
6. I have access to information coming from
scientists and medical professionals. 2.99 .78384 Agree
7. Vaccination is endorsed by public health
3.39 .55428 Agree
agencies.
8. I am aware of the spreading of misinformation. 3.43 .61726 Agree
9. I have received hospital-based information. 2.95 .81381 Agree
10. I read scientific journals/articles about COVID-
3.08 .77163 Agree
19 vaccines.
Table 3.5 presents the overall mean for the identified factors that influence the
participants’ level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. Knowledge and attitude
received the highest mean of 3.22 (Agree) while health-related factors got the least with a
2.32 mean (Disagree). An overall mean of 2.86 was revealed meaning, participants agree
that the fours factors identified influence their acceptance level on the vaccine.
Table 3.5. Overall Mean and Standard Deviation of the Factors Influencing the Level of
Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccines
Factors Mean SD Description

Knowledge and Attitude towards COVID-19 Vaccines 3.22 .42812 Agree
Sociodemographic Factors 2.79 .44065 Agree
Health-Related Factors 2.32 .46218 Disagree
Information about COVID-19 Vaccines 3.12 .47297 Agree
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Table 4.1 shows the significant differences on the factors influencing the level of
acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines when grouped according to sex. Independent-samples
T-Test was conducted to compare the different factor scores for males and females. The
results revealed that there were no significant differences in terms of the knowledge and
attitude on COVID-19 vaccines [t(116)= -1.249, p>.05], sociodemographic factors
[t(116)= -.470, p>.05], health-related factors [t(116)= -.115, p>.05] and the information
about COVID-19 vaccines [t(116)= -.561, p>.05] between males and females.
Table 4.1. Significant Differences of Participants’ Factors when Grouped According to Sex
Sex n M sd t df p-value Sig
Knowledge Female 116 3.1914 .43690 -1.249 178 .578 NS
& Attitude Male 64 3.2745 .40966
SF Female 116 2.7802 .45363 -.470 178 .492 NS
Male 64 2.8125 .41880
HF Female 116 2.3198 .44803 -.115 178 .760 NS
Male 64 2.3281 .49037
Information Female 116 3.1086 .49071 -.561 178 .462 NS
Male 64 3.1500 .44150
Table 4.2 displays the significant differences on the factors influencing the level
of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines when grouped according to religion. To compare
the different factor scores for the three religious groups specifically, Islam, Catholic and
Non-Catholic, the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized and the results revealed
that there were no significant differences on the four factors that influence the level of
acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines when the participants were grouped according to their
religion. Particularly, no statistically significant differences were found on the knowledge
and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccines [F(2, 177) = .311, p>.05],
sociodemographic factors [F(2, 177) = .474, p>.05], health-related factors [F(2,
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177)= .094, p>.05], and information about COVID-19 vaccines [F(2, 177) = .543, p>.05].
Thus, no significant differences were found to exist between and among the three
religious’ groups since their p-values are greater than .05 hence, statistical differences
observed between the groups are unlikely to reflect chance variation.
Table 4.2. Significant Differences of Participants’ Factors when Grouped According to

Religion
Religion Sum of df Mean F p-value Sig
Squares Square
Knowledge Between Groups .246 2 .123 .311 .669 NS
& Attitude Within Groups 32.563 177 .184
Total 32.809 179
SF Between Groups .030 2 .015 .474 .076 NS
Within Groups 34.728 177 .196
Total 34.758 179
HF Between Groups .491 2 .246 .094 .094 NS
Total 38.237 179
Informatio Between Groups .285 2 .142 .543 .543 NS
n Within Groups 39.757 177 .225
Total 40.042 179
Table 4.3 shows the significant differences on the factors influencing the level of
acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines when grouped according to college department. A
one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the significant differences
on the factors. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences at the
p>.05 value in all the other three factor scores among the five colleges, excluding the
health-related factors. The three factors particularly, knowledge and attitude towards
COVID-19 vaccines [F(4, 175) = 1.317, p>.05], sociodemographic factors [F(4, 175) =
1.698, p>.05], and information about COVID-19 vaccine [F(4, 175) = .198, p>.05]
yielded higher p-values than .05 hence, were interpreted as having no significant
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differences as they are comparable or the same. As for the health-related factors, it
yielded a p-value of <.05 since [F(4, 175) = 4.328, p<.05] thus, a significant difference
between and among the different colleges was found to exist as the results were not
comparable.

College Department
College Sum of df Mean F p-value Sig
Department Squares Square
Knowledge Between Groups .959 4 .240 1.317 .265 NS
Total 32.809 179
SF Between Groups 1.298 4 .325 1.698 .153 NS
Total 34.758 179
HF Between Groups 3.442 4 .861 4.328 .002 S
Total 38.237 179
Informatio Between Groups .180 4 .045 .198 .939 NS
n Within Groups 39.862 175 .228
Total 40.042 179
Table 4.4 shows the significant differences of participants’ factors when grouped
according to vaccination status. Using the ANOVA, no significant differences can be
observed between the participants’ vaccination status and the knowledge and attitude on
the vaccines [F(2, 177)= .376, p<.05], sociodemographic factors [F(2, 177)= 2.981,
p>.05], health-related factors [F(2, 177)= 5.438, p>.05], and information about COVID-
19 vaccines [F(2, 177)= 11.073, p>.05]. Overall, all four factors did not present any
significant difference as their p-values were >.05 regardless of whether the participants
were fully vaccinated alone or with an additional booster or were only partially
vaccinated.
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Vaccination Status
Vaccine Status Sum of df Mean F p-value Sig
Squares Square
Knowledge Between Groups .139 2 .069 .376 .687 NS
Total 32.809 179
SF Between Groups 1.133 2 .566 2.981 .053 NS
Total 34.758 179
HF Between Groups .346 2 .173 5.438 .808 NS
Total 38.237 179
Information Between Groups .249 2 .125 11.073 .554 NS
Total 40.042 179
CHAPTER IV
DISCUSSION
Despite the implementation of different COVID-19 prevention measures, the
incidence of the disease worldwide continues to soar. Hence, vaccines have been taken as
the best option for controlling the transmission of the virus. Although the approved and
rolled-out COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective, multiple internal and
external factors still exist influencing its acceptance.
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In the study, the level of acceptance among tertiary students on the COVID-19
vaccines was investigated. As such, it was revealed that the participants agree,
implicating a 75% acceptance on the COVID-19 vaccines. The participants were
vaccinated tertiary students of Notre Dame University from all year levels of the five
colleges, wherein majority were females, nursing students and having Islam as their
religion. Schonfeld (2021) stated that Muslims were among the first to believe in
COVID-19 vaccines and have been engaged in preventive medicine since time
immemorial. This practice practically stems from their Islamic belief that one should not
spread the disease should they contract one, hence, were among the first religions to
believe in the idea of vaccination.
Contrastingly, majority of the vaccinated participants are females as opposed to
the findings of Al-Jayyousi et al. (2021) that women were more reluctant to get
vaccinated and adopted more negative views about vaccination as compared to men.
Also, the abundance of nursing students as vaccinated participants is supported by
Patelarou et al. (2021) wherein it was concluded that acceptance rates of COVID-19
vaccines were higher among nursing students. Due to their future profession, nursing
students have more knowledge about the benefits of vaccines and are more aware about
their need, which has resulted to a positive willingness.
With the emergence of COVID-19, not only has it presented an unprecedented
challenge to public health but it has also resulted to school closures, devastated industries
and millions of jobs lost – the social and economic costs of the pandemic are many and
varied. This may reflect the participants’ strong agreement to get vaccinated as they
affirmed that they got vaccinated as it was part of the mandate to resume face-to-face
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classes. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released a mandate for schools
and universities to only allow students who are vaccinated to join face-to-face classes
(Magsambol, 2021). After this announcement, about 87.1% of higher education
institution (HEI) personnel and 59.7% tertiary students have already been vaccinated
against COVID-19 (GMA News Online, 2021). According to De Vera (2021), the
vaccination rate for students has also significantly increased from less than 30% to now
being 46% with the aggressive school-based vaccination drive spearheaded by CHED in
cooperation with the Department of Health, the National Task Force against COVID-19,
local government units, and partner HEIs.
In fact, the CHED announced that unvaccinated students can continue their
education only through remote learning (Magsambol, 2021). This might have urged them
to get vaccinated as Notre Dame University has started to implement its limited face-to-
face classes among selected college courses. The institution has also strongly urged their
students to get vaccinated as they even set the university gym as vaccination site
exclusively offering COVID-19 vaccines for Notre Dame University constituents. The
participants will resume onsite classes, coupled with the CHED mandate (Joint
Memorandum Circular No. 2021-004) and school recommendation might have convinced
them to get vaccinated as self-preparation for the limited face-to-face classes. It may also
be inferred that the students have gotten vaccinated for wanting an extra layer of
protection once onsite classes has commenced as the young population age group can’t
be guaranteed to wear face masks while in school all the time as they want more
interaction with their friends and acquaintances, and they can’t endure the
inconvenience of wearing face masks for a long period.
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On the latter, the participants disagreed that they accepted the COVID-19 vaccine
due to being confirmed positive for the virus. This is contrary to the findings of Mesele
(2021) stating that being diagnosed and tested with COVID-19 increases the likelihood of
the individual to accept the vaccine. However, this may be drawn out from the fact that
most participants in the study might not have contracted the disease while in the
preceding study, it might have involved several COVID-19 positive participants. Being
confirmed positive for the virus might not necessarily reflect poor influence on the
vaccine acceptance as there may be a possibility that students disagreed to this statement
primarily because they have not been diagnosed with having COVID-19 to begin with.
Identified in the study are several factors that influence the level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines but have been clustered into 4 namely, knowledge and attitude
towards the vaccine, sociodemographic and health-related factors, and information about
COVID-19 vaccines. Overall, it was concluded that knowledge and attitude on the
vaccines influenced the participant’s acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. As such,
participants strongly agreed that the vaccines being free, accessible, and available to
people have influenced their vaccination decision. According to Bell et al. (2020), the
availability of a vaccine was viewed as the only way of ending social-distancing
measures and returning to normal life. Further, Marzo et al. (2022) stated that most
individuals would accept the vaccines when they become available and believed that
vaccination convenience is important for deciding whether to accept COVID-19
vaccines. The increase of convenient access to and affordability of vaccine by the
government providing vaccination on site, schools or at workplaces might have positively
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influenced the participants to get vaccinated as the vaccines become conveniently
available and accessible to them.
On the contrary, the statement that got the lowest mean is agreeing to having a
high level of vaccine knowledge. This is in line with the findings of Patelarou et al.
(2021) wherein individuals with a higher level of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines
were more likely to get vaccinated in contrast to those with low levels. Although most
participants agreed that this factor influenced their level of acceptance, it might have
garnered the lowest mean due to the differences on the sources and access to vaccine-
related information. Some might have done deeper research about the available vaccines
prior to getting vaccinated while others did not. However, being more knowledgeable and
concerned about their health and well-being, through access to more information sources,
and become more engaged in life events that could impact them, such as COVID-19
vaccination has positively influenced their acceptance on the vaccine.
In terms of the sociodemographic factors, most participants strongly affirmed
being supported by family and friends in their decision to get vaccinated. WHO (2020)
stated that the likelihood of vaccine uptake was found to be increased with
encouragement and social pressure from people that an individual respects and trusts
including their family and friends. Bautista et al. (2021) also revealed that the decision to
get a vaccine, which was supported by family and friends, especially when someone of
their family members or friends was vaccinated influences one’s attitude and behavior.
Nonetheless, the statement that they were influenced by their religious beliefs was
disagreed to by most participants. This is contrary to the findings of Handebo et al.
(2021), where they stated that socio-demographic factors including religious affiliation
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and educational status were found to be associated with intention to accept the vaccine. It
can be inferred that although religious groups have their existing independent views on
vaccination and other health-related practices, most participants might not necessarily
link religious beliefs with that of scientific practices.
About the health-related factors, most students agreed to accepting the COVID-
19 vaccine as they have received a series of childhood vaccinations. Mesele (2021) stated
that individuals who received any vaccine during childhood were more likely to accept
the vaccine than those who did not. Additionally, not being diagnosed with a chronic
disease was also linked by the participants as an influencing factor and thus supports the
findings of Joshi et al. (2021) that having no chronic illness was associated with a higher
vaccine acceptance than those with a chronic illness.
Adversely, the statement suggesting that currently or formerly smoking cigarettes
as an influencing factor were disagreed to by the participants. This then controverts the
findings of Alqudeimat et al. (2021) stating that people who think they are at a higher risk
of being infected with COVID -19, particularly those who believe that COVID-19 might
be highly severe for them, those who are former cigarette smokers and the underweight,
overweight, and obese individuals were more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine. This
could imply that smoking may have little to no influence on vaccine decision-making or
the disagreement may also be deduced from the probability that the participants were not
smokers or have not tried smoking in the first place.
In terms of the information about COVID-19 vaccines, most participants agreed
that they were aware of the spreading of misinformation. According to Lindholt et al.
(2021), awareness of misinformation is positively associated and significantly positively
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predicts vaccine acceptance. Individuals who perceived that they have been exposed to
misinformation were reported to have a higher acceptance of an approved COVID-19
vaccine. This might be because individuals who are aware of misinformation about
COVID-19 vaccines are able differentiate facts from false information. Being aware that
these kinds of information are widespread, more so since this pandemic is new to us and
much is unknown, enables them to understand and distinguish real information from fake
ones. From the literature, we know that susceptibility to misinformation negatively
affects people’s acceptance of a vaccine against COVID-19. However, studies have also
shown that prebunking can help cultivate ‘mental antibodies’ against misinformation.
Thus, it is likely that awareness of misinformation is positively associated with vaccine
acceptance.
Remarkably, the study results revealed that although affirmed, not being able to
observe any untoward effects from those who received the vaccine ahead got the lowest
mean. Those who did not observe any adverse effect or may have observed less serious
side effects on their family members or significant others have a higher probability to
accept the vaccine (“Factors Affecting COVID-19”, 2020). In fact, students whose
families experienced no side effects of other vaccines showed a stronger willingness to be
vaccinated (Jiang et al., 2021). The findings may reflect the possibility that most
participants might not have observed untoward effects from prior vaccinees, or it might
also be inferred that some did observe side effects from their social circle who were
vaccinated ahead of them but were not necessarily influenced as strongly as the other
factors did.
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Moreover, it was revealed in the study that when participants were grouped
according to their sex, there is no significant difference in the knowledge and attitude on
the COVID-19 vaccines, sociodemographic and health-related factors, and information
about COVID-19 vaccines. This means that being a male or female does not have an
influence on their level of acceptance on the vaccines as they are not comparable. This
might refute the findings of Solís Arce et al. (2021) as they stated that marked differences
on vaccine acceptance can be observed between men and women as men showed a lower
belief in rumors and conspiracy theories resulting to a higher acceptance while women
harbored more negative views about vaccination hence, a lower acceptance. It can be
inferred then that Solís Arce et al. (2021) dissents with the findings of the study since the
participants were found not to have any significant difference in terms of COVID-19
information regardless of their sex.
In terms of their religion, results revealed that in terms of knowledge and attitude,
sociodemographic and health-related factors, and information about COVID-19 vaccines,
there were no significant differences found since their p-values are >.05, concluding that
religion has no influence on the level of acceptance of the participants on COVID-19
vaccines. The findings of the study dissents from the findings of Handebo et al. (2021)
wherein socio-demographic factors including religious affiliation were found to be
associated with intention to accept the vaccine. Compared to individuals affiliated with
Orthodox religion, those affiliated with other category of religions (i.e., Catholic and
Protestant) had increased intention to accept the vaccine. This may likewise be attributed
to vaccine hesitancy due to religious values, as is supported by Shmueli (2021), claiming
that being affiliated with other category of religion may significantly be associated with
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the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. However, the study findings refute the nature
of the preceding literature.
Additionally, when participants were grouped according to their college
department, there are marked significant differences observed on the health-related
factors. This means that the course and degree that they are majoring in influences their
views on health-related factors that in turn, influence their vaccine acceptance level. This
might also imply that health factors exist between and among the different tertiary groups
thus, resulting to significant differences. However, in terms of knowledge and attitude,
sociodemographic factors and information about the vaccines, there were no significant
differences observed. This is contrary to what was stated by to Jiang et al. (2021) wherein
it was revealed that the willingness of students majoring in Medical and Humanities were
significantly higher than that of students from other majors. Nonetheless, they also stated
that in terms of knowledge and willingness, medical students were significantly higher
than those of students in other majors.
Furthermore, when participants were grouped according to vaccination status,
factors such as knowledge and attitude, sociodemographic and health-related factors, and
information about COVID-19 vaccines presented without significant differences. As
such, this implies that their answers were comparable to each other or the same.
In addition to the findings generated from the vaccinated participants, non-
vaccinated participants were also asked about the reason/s behind their refusal to get
vaccinated. Reasons stated were generally due to not being permitted by parent/s,
presence of health problems and uncertainties on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Majority of the unvaccinated participants reported refusal due to health-related problems
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such as having a bone fracture and having undergone surgery while still waiting for their
physician’s recommendation. Concerns about allergies were also expressed therefore,
wanting to consult their allergologist first before deciding whether or not to take the
vaccine. Refusal of the parent/s to get their children vaccinated were also reported but
underlying reasons behind the refusal were unknown to the participants. In addition, fear
and being unaware of the possible long-term and side effects, and not trusting the
vaccines were reported. Other reasons included not having enough time (but have plans
to vaccinate themselves in the future) and refusing merely because it is their own choice.
The significance of the Health Belief Model was also observed in the findings of
the study. Most of the HBM constructs were found to be significantly associated with
vaccine acceptance. In particular, participants who perceived COVID-19 as serious, the
vaccine as conferring benefits, and received cues to action from their social environments
were significantly more likely to accept the vaccine. On the other hand, the perception of
access barriers and potential harm induced by the vaccine were negatively associated
with their acceptance. In addition, it was found that the public value the efficacy and
safety of vaccines more than the cost of the vaccines as they believe that the vaccines are
free and easily accessible. The HBM was significant in ascertaining the perceived
benefits in relation to the vaccine decreasing the probability of an infection and making
people less worried about contracting the disease; a perceived susceptibility linked to the
notion of a high risk of infection and perceived barriers linked to a limited belief or
mistrust in the efficacy of the vaccine are some of the factors that affect vaccine
acceptance. These findings suggest that the constructs of HBM could be used to explain
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vaccine uptake behavior, as in previous studies demonstrating the capability of the HBM
constructs in predicting behaviors related to other vaccinations.
MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
Based on the data presented, analyzed, and interpreted, the following are the
major findings of the study:
1. In terms of the profile of the participants, majority were females, of Islamic
religion, College of Health Sciences (CHS) students and were fully vaccinated.
2. Majority of the participants accepted the COVID-19 vaccine because it was part
of the mandate to resume face-to-face classes; they want to recommend it to their
significant others as means of protection from the virus; and because it was a
requirement of the government. On the latter, participants disagreed that they got
vaccinated due to being tested positive for the disease. Overall, the participants
have a high level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines or a 75% acceptance
level.
3. The results show that in terms of the knowledge and attitude towards the vaccines,
majority agreed that they accepted the COVID-19 vaccine because the vaccines
are free, accessible, and are available to people; are safe and effective; and are
developed and approved for listing for future use. As for the sociodemographic
factors, most participants agreed that their decision to get vaccinated was
supported by their family and friends; gotten vaccinated as the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) mandated that schools only allow vaccinated students
to join onsite classes; and accepted COVID-19 vaccines due to the school’s
recommendation to get vaccinated. Alternatively, they disagreed on the statement
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that they were influenced to receive the vaccine as they were influenced by their
religious beliefs and cultural norms. Overall, most participants disagreed that
health-related factors influenced their level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines.
Specifically, they disagreed that they accepted the vaccine due to currently or
formerly smoking cigarettes; having a higher risk of being infected with COVID-
19; and disagreeing with the development of natural immunity through the
infection of COVID-19. However, majority of the participants agreed that their
level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccine was influenced due to having received
a series of childhood vaccines; and not being diagnosed with a chronic disease.
Results revealed that in terms of the information about COVID-19 vaccines, the
participants accepted the COVID-19 vaccines due to being aware of the spread of
misinformation; the vaccination being endorsed by public health agencies; and
having access to good COVID-19 vaccine-information through the media.
4. Overall, the participants agreed that the factors identified indeed influenced their
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance level. Generally, reasons behind the refusal to get
vaccinated were due to not having the permission from the participants’ parent/s;
suffering from health-related problems; having uncertainties on the safety of the
COVID-19 vaccines; and fear of its potential long-term and side effects.
CONCLUSION
Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that generally, tertiary students
of Notre Dame University have a high level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Many
contributing factors have influenced the students’ decision to accept the vaccination and
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noticeably, some of the highest predictors were government requirement/incentives,
school recommendations, trust in public health agencies and the vaccines being
conveniently available, safe and effective. Not having trust in the vaccine and the lack of
knowledge and understanding of the benefits of vaccination may potentially be critical
contributors of vaccine hesitancy.
With the advent of mass vaccination to quell the COVID-19 pandemic,
appropriate steps to ensure vaccine acceptance among the public should be meticulously
devised by the government and related authorities. It is essential that health education be
provided to improve the willingness of the community. Analyzing the factors influencing
the vaccine acceptance, intention, and hesitancy will help in implementing a tailored
intervention to address the challenge of increasing vaccine uptake. Appropriate measures
to increase the cues also should be considered, since cues to action in social environments
are found to be very critical promoters.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the following are recommended:
A. For Action:
1. To the government, it is imperative to know about the type of messages and
campaigns to be developed to address the challenge of hesitancy toward the vaccine
and improve vaccine uptake. The HBM can be used as basis for campaigns. In the
strategy of improving vaccine acceptance, in addition to popularizing the relevant
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knowledge and the threat from infection, key interventions should be provided to
enhance the benefits perception of vaccination and to reduce the barrier perceptions.
Misinformation spread through multiple channels could have a considerable effect on
the acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is why governments, public health
officials and advocacy groups must be prepared to address and build vaccine literacy
so that the public will accept immunization when appropriate.
2. To public health agencies and healthcare professionals, the researchers strongly
recommend conducting continuous awareness creation campaigns on the importance
of the COVID-19 vaccine, safety, and its efficacy. In collaboration with the LGUs,
the distribution of strategically placed public health information regarding COVID-19
vaccination such as increasing the availability of accurate data on safety and efficacy
for each vaccine, delivered in locally customized and culturally appropriate language,
may be instrumental in increasing the general public’s willingness to take the
COVID-19 vaccine.
3. To the students, seeking information from reliable and credible websites is essential
to prevent spread of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. Although acceptance level is
high, and strong willingness and good knowledge were reported, there were
noticeable perceived barriers and related factors in vaccine acceptance hesitancy.
Thus, health education and communication regarding the vaccine are very crucial to
alleviate the identified barriers.
4. For parents and guardians, opening up a conversation with members of the public at
an early stage is key to understanding factors that may affect vaccine acceptability,
and developing approaches to allay any concerns. Although not forced, parents and
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guardians are encouraged to support and motivate their children to seek extra
protection from COVID-19. In cases that the parents and guardians are unwilling to
permit their children to get vaccinated, it is vital that they explain to their children
why they refused. Clear and open communication aids in an informed decision and
better understanding.
5. Furthermore, to the school administration and institution, promoting an enabling
environment, helping harness social influences, and increasing motivation through
open and transparent dialogue and communication about uncertainty of the students
and the safety and benefits of vaccination once face-to-face classes has commenced
should likewise be adapted to increase vaccine acceptance and uptake among the
tertiary population. It is strongly urged for schools to conduct greater education and
publicity of COVID-19 vaccines.
B. For Further Study:
1. A Comparative Study on COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Level between K-12 and
Tertiary Students
2. Beliefs, Predictors, and Barriers Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among K-
12 Students
3. Factors Associated with Decision Making on COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among
University Faculty and Staff
4. Hesitancy in COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Its Associated Factors among Tertiary
Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
5. Parents’ and Guardians’ Views and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines
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APPENDIX A
LETTER TO THE DEAN

College of Health Sciences
Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
NORMA C. SALGADO, RN, MAN

Dean, College of Health Sciences
Dame University 64
Dear Dean Salgado,
Greetings of peace!
We, the Level III nursing students of College of Health Sciences of Notre Dame
University, will be conducting a study entitled “Factors Influencing the Level of
Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccines Among Tertiary Students of Notre Dame
University” as part of the fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in
Nursing. The study will be conducted in order to determine the factors that influence the
level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines among Notre Dame University tertiary
students, which is crucial in helping understand and determine the readiness and safety of
students once onsite classes will resume. All information obtained and the participants’
identities will be kept confidential. Rest assured that the Data Privacy Act and Research
Ethics will be observed to prevent the mistreatment of the participants.
In line with this, the researchers would like to ask permission from your good office to
allow us to conduct the said study among the tertiary students of Notre Dame University.
We are looking forward that the request be given favorable consideration and approval.
Thank you very much and God bless.
Respectfully yours,
(Sgd) Bai Sheejan Zandra P. Ambolodto (Sgd) Zahra A. Arsad
Researcher Researcher
(Sgd) Wafah B. Sapal (Sgd) Carolyn Mae P. Villanueva
Concurred by:
(Sgd) Imelda V. Javier, RM, RN, MAN
Research Adviser
APPENDIX A
LETTER TO THE DEAN

Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
EDGARD R. CABALES, EdD

Dean, College of Education
Dear Dean Cabales,
Dame University 65
Greetings of peace!
Nursing. The study will be conducted in order to determine the factors influencing the
level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines among NDU tertiary students, which is
crucial in helping understand and determine the readiness and safety of students once
onsite classes will resume. All information obtained and the participants’ identities will
be kept and treated with utmost confidentiality. Rest assured that the Data Privacy Act
and Research Ethics will be observed to prevent the mistreatment of the participants.
Relative to this, the researchers would like to ask permission from your good office to
allow us to conduct the said study among the participants in the College of Education
particularly, the First to Fourth year students. We would also like to request for the list of
names of all students from first to fourth year from your respective college per section.
Respectfully yours,
Concurred by: Approved by:
(Sgd) Imelda V. Javier, RM, RN, MAN (Sgd) Norma C. Salgado, RN, MAN
Research Adviser Dean – College of Health Sciences
APPENDIX A
LETTER TO THE DEAN

Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
RAYMOND G. MAMARIL, PhD

Dean, College of Engineering and Computer Studies
Dear Dean Mamaril,
Dame University 66
Greetings of peace!
allow us to conduct the said study among the participants in the College of Engineering
and Computer Studies particularly, the First to Fourth year students. We would also like
to request for the list of names of all students from first to fourth year from your
respective college per section.
Respectfully yours,

APPENDIX A
LETTER TO THE DEAN

Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
DR. RONALD G. MAMARIL, CPA

Dean, College of Business and Accountancy
Dear Dean Mamaril,
Dame University 67
Greetings of peace!
allow us to conduct the said study among the participants in the College of Business and
Accountancy particularly, the First to Fourth year students. We would also like to request
for the list of names of all students from first to fourth year from your respective college
per section.
Respectfully yours,

APPENDIX A
LETTER TO THE DEAN

Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
DR. NANCY ALOMBRO

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Dear Dean Alombro,
Dame University 68
Greetings of peace!
allow us to conduct the said study among the participants in the College of Arts and
Sciences particularly, the First to Fourth year students. We would also like to request for
the list of names of all students from first to fourth year from your respective college per
section.
Respectfully yours,

APPENDIX B
LETTER TO THE LEVEL COORDINATOR

Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
RENALYN C. NOTARIO, RN, MAN

Level I Coordinator, College of Health Sciences
Dear Ma’am,
Dame University 69
Greetings of peace!
onsite classes will resume. We adhere to keep the information obtained and the
participants’ identities with utmost confidentiality and prevent leaking of data collected.
Rest assured that the Data Privacy Act and Research Ethics will be observed to prevent
the mistreatment of the participants.
In line with this, the researchers would like to conduct the study to the Level I nursing
students as participants. We would also like to request for the list of names of vaccinated
Level I nursing students per section. We are proposing to utilize stratified random
sampling in the selection of our participants.
Respectfully yours,
APPENDIX B

Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
MARIA HAZEL D. CAYENA, RN, MAN

Level II Coordinator, College of Health Sciences
Dear Ma’am,
Dame University 70
Greetings of peace!
In line with this, the researchers would like to conduct the study to the Level II nursing
Level II nursing students per section. We are proposing to utilize stratified random
Respectfully yours,
APPENDIX B

Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
ELVIRA A. BAQUIAL, RN, MAN, PhD

Level III Coordinator, College of Health Sciences
Dear Ma’am,
Dame University 71
Greetings of peace!
In line with this, the researchers would like to conduct the study to the Level III nursing
Level III nursing students per section. We are proposing to utilize stratified random
Respectfully yours,
APPENDIX B

Cotabato City
April 05, 2022
JOYCE C. BISNAR, RM, RN, MAN

Level IV Coordinator, College of Health Sciences
Dear Ma’am,
Dame University 72
Greetings of peace!
In line with this, the researchers would like to conduct the study to the Level IV nursing
Level IV nursing students per section. We are proposing to utilize stratified random
Respectfully yours,
APPENDIX C
LETTER TO THE PARTICIPANTS

Cotabato City
Dear Ma’am/Sir,
Greetings of peace!
We, students at College of Heath Sciences, Notre Dame University are currently
conducting a research study entitled “Factors Influencing the Level of Acceptance on
COVID-19 Vaccines Among Tertiary Students of Notre Dame University” as part of
the fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Dame University 73
The study will provide you significant information in fully understanding the factors that
influence the level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines among tertiary students, which
in turn affects the attitudes and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and
acceptance, and the procedures involve no foreseeable risks or harm. The study procedure
includes: (1) responding to a questionnaire about your personal profile; (2) level of
acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines and; (3) the factors that influence your level of
acceptance. Participation in this study will take approximately 10-15 minutes. You are
free to ask any questions regarding your participation as a respondent of this study. I can
be reached at this number +639171058981 and/or +639363168158 if you have further
questions.
Your participation in this study is voluntary without obligation to participate. Further,
you have the right to withdraw.
The study data gathered will be coded so they will not be linked to your name. Your
identity will not be revealed while the study is being conducted or when the study is
reported or published. All study data will be collected by Bai Sheejan Zandra P.
Ambolodto, Zahra A. Arsad, Wafah B. Sapal and Carolyn Mae P. Villanueva, stored in a
secured place and not shared with any other person without your permission.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Respectfully yours,

APPENDIX D
INFORMED CONSENT
CONSENT FORM
I have read the consent form and voluntarily consent to participate in this study.
___________________________________ __________________
Participant’s Signature over Printed name Date
I have explained this study to the abovementioned subject and have sought his/her
understanding for the informed consent.
Dame University 74
(Sgd) AMBOLODTO, BAI SHEEJAN ZANDRA P.
___________________________________ __________________
Researcher’s Signature over Printed Name Date
(Sgd) ARSAD, ZAHRA A.

___________________________________ __________________
(Sgd) SAPAL, WAFAH B.

___________________________________ __________________
(Sgd) VILLANUEVA, CAROLYN P.

___________________________________ __________________
APPENDIX E
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
Factors Influencing the Level of Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccines Among

Tertiary Students of Notre Dame University
GENERAL INSTRUCTION: This paper consists of sets of questions designed to

measure the factors that influence the level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines among
Notre Dame University tertiary students. Kindly answer it with utmost honesty. There is
no right or wrong answer.
Part I. Participant’s Profile
Dame University 75
Instructions: Kindly fill out the necessary information and tick the boxes with a check
mark (✓) on the choice that corresponds to your response.
Name (Optional): _____________________ Sex: [_] Male [_] Female

Religion: [_] Catholic [_] Non-Catholic [_] Islam [_] Others: __________
College Department: [_] College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
[_] College of Business and Accountancy (CBA)
[_] College of Education (CED)
[_] College of Engineering and Computer Studies (CENCS)
[_] College of Health Sciences (CHS)
Vaccination Status: [_] I am not yet vaccinated.

[_] I am partially vaccinated (Received the 1st dose).
[_] I am fully vaccinated (Received 2nd dose; Received 1st dose
for J&J vaccine).
[_] I am fully vaccinated with a booster dose.
If you are already vaccinated, please proceed to the second part of the questionnaire.
If you are not yet vaccinated, what is your reason?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Part II. Level of Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccines
Instructions: Below are statements that will help analyze your level of acceptance on
COVID-19 vaccines. Read the statement carefully and encircle the number that
corresponds to your answer by using the following scale:
4 – Strongly Agree (SA) 3 – Agree (A) 2 – Disagree (DA) 1 – Strongly Disagree (SD)
I accepted the COVID-19 vaccine because…. SA A DA SD

1. I was confirmed positive for COVID-19. 4 3 2 1
2. It was part of the COVID-19 program. 4 3 2 1
3. I previously received other vaccines. 4 3 2 1
4. I previously refused other vaccines. 4 3 2 1
5. I want to recommend COVID-19 vaccines to 4 3 2 1
my friends and colleagues to get protection
from COVID-19.
6. I enjoyed the benefits of getting vaccinated. 4 3 2 1
7. It is a requirement of the government. 4 3 4 1
Dame University 76
8. It was a mandate to resume face-to-face 4 3 2 1
classes.
9. I believe that it will stop the need for social 4 3 2 1
distancing and return to normality.
10. I fear that I will get infected or affect others. 4 3 2 1
Part III. Factors that Influence the Level of Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccines
Instructions: Below are statements regarding factors that might influence your level of
acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. Read each item carefully and encircle the number
that corresponds to your answer using the same scale.
4 – Strongly Agree (SA) 3 – Agree (A) 2 – Disagree (DA) 1 – Strongly Disagree (SD)
SA A DA SD
A. KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS COVID-19 VACCINES

1. I believe that the vaccines are safe and 4 3 2 1
effective.
2. I know that the vaccines will make me safe 4 3 2 1
from COVID-19.
3. I have a high level of vaccine knowledge. 4 3 2 1
4. I have high knowledge about COVID-19 4 3 2 1
pathogen, prevention and treatment options.
5. I got a vaccine recommendation from a
healthcare provider and/or professional. 4 3 2 1
6. I trust the government’s recommendation 4 3 2 1

and information on COVID-19.
7. I have a preferred vaccine in mind. 4 3 2 1
8. Vaccines are free, accessible, and are 4 3 2 1
available to people.
9. I know that the vaccines are developed and 4 3 2 1
approved for listing for future use.
10. I have trust in the vaccines and the 4 3 2 1
institutions that administer them.
B. SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS
Dame University 77
1. The decision to get vaccinated is supported
by my family and friends. 4 3 2 1
2. I receive encouragement and social

pressure from people I trust and/or respect. 4 3 2 1
3. I lived in a rural or suburban area where 4 3 2 1
vaccine coverage and healthcare access are
limited.
4. I am influenced by religious beliefs. 4 3 2 1
5. I am influenced by cultural norms. 4 3 2 1
6. The vaccine has been taken by many in the 4 3 2 1
public.
7. I lived in a lower-middle income country 4 3 2 1
where vaccine access is challenging.
8. I lived in an urban area where people 4 3 2 1
receive information more easily.
9. My school recommended that I get 4 3 2 1
vaccinated.
10. The Commission on Higher Education 4 3 2 1
(CHED) mandated that schools only allow
vaccinated students to join onsite classes.
C. HEALTH-RELATED FACTORS
1. I am not diagnosed with a chronic disease. 4 3 2 1
2. I have a low self-rated overall health status. 4 3 2 1
3. I have received a series of childhood 4 3 2 1

vaccines.
4. I have received an influenza vaccine.
4 3 2 1
5. I had family members and/or friends who
tested with COVID-19. 4 3 2 1
6. I have a higher risk of being infected with

COVID-19. 4 3 2 1
7. I have health insurance coverage. 4 3 2 1
8. I currently/formerly smoke cigarettes. 4 3 2 1
9. I am underweight/overweight/obese. 4 3 2 1
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10. I disagree with developing natural 4 3 2 1
immunity from getting infected with
COVID-19.
D. INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINES
1. I have enough information about the good

effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. 4 3 2 1
2. I did not observe any untoward effects from 4 3 2 1
those who received the vaccine ahead of
me.
3. I have received adequate information from 4 3 2 1
traditional media (e.g., televisions and/or
newspapers).
4. I trust the information coming from 4 3 2 1
government sources.
5. Good information about COVID-19 4 3 2 1
vaccines is accessible through the media.
6. I have access to information coming from 4 3 2 1
scientists and medical professionals.
7. Vaccination is endorsed by public health 4 3 2 1
agencies.
8. I am aware of the spreading of
misinformation. 4 3 2 1
9. I have received hospital-based information.
4 3 2 1
10. I read scientific journals/articles about
COVID-19 vaccines. 4 3 2 1
CURRICULUM VITAE
I. PROFILE
Name: AMBOLODTO, BAI SHEEJAN ZANDRA P.
Birthdate: February 26, 2002
Birthplace: Cotabato Medical Specialist Hospital, Cotabato City
Civil Status: Single
Dame University 79
II. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Primary: Notre Dame University – Elementary Training Department (2013)
Secondary: Notre Dame University – Junior High School (2017)
Notre Dame University – Senior High School (2019)
Tertiary: Notre Dame University (2019–Present)
III. ORGANIZATION
Nursing Student Organization (NSO)
Jumi’atul Tilmizaat Organization (JTO)
IV. TRAINING AND SEMINAR ATTENDED
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider Course Training
Leadership Training Webinar
Peace Orientation Workshop
Seminar on Basic First Aid
Seminar on Nursing Research
Seminar on Community Extension
TB and COVID-19: Surviving the Pandemic
USLS College of Nursing Virtual Research Webinar
CURRICULUM VITAE
I. PROFILE
Name: ARSAD, ZAHRA A.
Birthdate: July 29, 1987
Birthplace: Matuber Upi, Maguindanao
Dame University 80
Civil Status: Married
Primary: Datu Usman Elementary School (1994-2000)
Secondary: Rojas High School (2000-2004)
Tertiary: Notre Dame Hospital and School of Midwifery (2005-2007)
Notre Dame University (2018–Present)
III. ORGANIZATION
Seminar on Traditional and Alternative Medicine
CURRICULUM VITAE
I. PROFILE
Name: SAPAL, WAFAH B.
Birthdate: March 5, 2000
Birthplace: Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao
Dame University 81
Primary: Simuay Junction Central Elementary School (2013)
Secondary: Ibn Taimiyah Foundation Academy (2017)
CSU-Laboratory High School (2019)
III. ORGANIZATION
CURRICULUM VITAE
I. PROFILE
Name: VILLANUEVA, CAROLYN MAE P.
Birthdate: March 18, 2000
Birthplace: Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Cotabato City
Dame University 82
Primary: Pigcawayan Central Elementary School (2013)
Secondary: Notre Dame of Pigcawayan, Inc. (2017-2019)
III. ORGANIZATION
Dame University 83

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FACTORS INFLUENCING THE LEVEL OF ACCEPTANCE ON

COVID-19 VACCINES AMONG TERTIARY STUDENTS OF

BAI SHEEJAN ZANDRA P. AMBOLODTO

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of College of Health Sciences in Partial

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE LEVEL OF ACCEPTANCE ON

has been prepared and submitted BAI SHEEJAN ZANDRA P. AMBOLODTO,

IMELDA V. JAVIER, RN RM MAN

APPROVED in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)

By the Oral Examination Committee:

MARY JANE K. BALAWAG, PhD RN

DONNAVILLA D. YAP, RN MN HANNA TERESA C. SALGADO, RN MAN

ACCEPTED in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)

July 2022 NORMA C. SALGADO, RN MAN

as we experience your guidance day by day.

to the realization of our pursuit for professional nursing advancement:

Salgado, RN MAN, and the ever-hospitable level coordinators, Renalyn C. Notario, RN

insights and expertise that greatly assisted this research.

To our research adviser, Imelda V. Javier, RN RM MAN for having contributed

to a rewarding college experience by giving us intellectual freedom in our work,

errors and demanding a high quality of work in all our endeavors.

teacher, Nancy U. Guinta, RN MAN for the constant motivation, unrelenting

encouragement and helpful suggestions and reminders.

sharing vital statistical information that greatly improved the manuscript.

researchers during the course of this research.

capable of finishing this research study.

level of acceptance on COVID-19 vaccines. It involved 180 vaccinated participants from

countries. However, the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccination among general people is

COVID-19 vaccines, sociodemographic factors, and information about the vaccines

there is a statistically significant difference on the health-related factors and college

needed to identify underlying determinants and mechanisms, findings suggest a need to

Title Page ……………………………………………………………. i

1 Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Participants’

2 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Level of Acceptance on

3.1 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Knowledge and Attitude

3.2 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Sociodemographic

3.3 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Health-Related

3.4 Mean and Standard Deviation of the Information about COVID-19

3.5 Overall Mean and Standard Deviation of the Factors Influencing

4.1 Significant Differences of Participants’ Factors when Grouped

4.2 Significant Differences of Participants’ Factors when Grouped

4.3 Significant Differences of Participants’ Factors when Grouped

4.4 Significant Differences of Participants’ Factors when Grouped

1 Schematic Diagram Showing the Variables of the

The development of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is a critical step to

of vaccine acceptance globally (Joshi et al., 2021).

different level of acceptance and associated determinants.

facilitate vaccine acceptance via effective health communication, it is key to understand

political predictors (Lindholt et al., 2021).

Understanding and identifying these factors is essential so that effective measures

predictors, such as the vaccination being in demand or requirement for entry on

Dame University, Cotabato City.

Review of Related Literature

This chapter contains relevant literature and concepts providing significant

While evidence on promoting vaccination in general is useful in the context of the

current pandemic, the acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines present an

people who are not deliberately avoiding vaccination (WHO, 2020).

proportion of the community to be infected. However, such immunity will require a

sufficient portion of the population to get vaccinated. Public vaccine hesitancy is a

pressing problem for public health (Syed Alwi et al., 2021).