A Correlational Study on Health Literacy and Polio Vaccine Hesitancy among Filipino Parents

Abstract

Health literacy is important because it facilitates health-based decision-making. As many Filipinos are reluctant to get vaccinated, it became a topic of discussion. This study aimed to determine if there was a significant association between health literacy and Polio vaccine hesitancy among Filipino parents of children aged 2 months to 6 years. Purposive sampling was used to select 152 parents from selected places in Luzon. Data on health literacy and polio vaccine hesitancy was collected through Google Forms. Partial least squares-path modeling was used to determine the association between health literacy and Polio vaccine hesitancy. External based health care presented a significant association with all factors of Polio Vaccine Hesitancy. Moreover, it was also negatively associated with two factors, and positively associated with the remaining two factors. Disease prevention presented a significant association with contextual influences and positive vaccine issues while Health promotion presented a significant association with positive vaccine issues only. Generally, health literacy presented a significant relationship with polio vaccine hesitancy. The association of health literacy and polio vaccine hesitancy may help the health sector understand the need to address polio vaccine hesitancy and create programs to improve the health literacy of parents.