Factors Associated with Low Participation of Covid-19 Vaccination Program in the Elderly, in Karanganyar Health Center, South Lampung: A Qualitative Study

Dian Isti Angraini, Fitria Saftarina, Bagus Pratama

Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Lampung, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Background: Older adults are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Getting very sicks means that older adults with COVID-19 might need hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they might even die. According to World Health Organization, older people should be prioritized for vaccination. However, previous studies have reported COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and low participation in older adults. This study aimed to determine factors associated with low participation in COVID-19 vaccination among the elderly at Karang Anyar Health Center, South Lampung.

Subjects and Method: This was a qualitative study with phenomenological approach conducted at Karang Anyar Health Center, South Lampung, from June to July 2021. A sample of 15 elderly was selected by purposive sampling. The data were collected by in-depth interview and analyzed descriptively.

Results: The majority of subjects were 66-70 years of age (53.33%) and female (60%). The factors associated with low participation in COVID-19 vaccination included: (1) Lack of knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the elderly; (2) Lack of support from their families for COVID-19 vaccination; and (3) Weak implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination for the elderly.

Conclusion: The factors associated with low participation in COVID-19 vaccination include lack of knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the elderly and family, as well as weak implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program for the elderly.

Keywords: low participation, vaccination, COVID-19, elderly

Correspondence: Dian Isti Angraini. Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Lampung. Jl. Prof. Soemantri Brojonegoro 1 Bandar Lampung, Indonesia. Email: riditie@gmail.com. Mobile: +6281279061921

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/ICPHpromotion.FP.08.2021.04

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