The Relationship Between Health Education and Public Knowledge of the Benefits of the COVID-19 Vaccine

Abstract

Health education and socialization programs aim to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Low participation in health education is associated with insufficient knowledge about the importance of vaccination and negative attitudes toward its implementation. Many residents remained unvaccinated due to limited knowledge and unsupportive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccination program. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between health education and community knowledge regarding the importance of COVID-19 vaccination. This was a correlational study with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of all social assistance recipients, in March 2021. A purposive sampling technique was used, resulting in a sample size of 36 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the Wilcoxon test with SPSS. Before health education, most respondents (77.7%) had poor knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination. After health education, knowledge levels improved significantly, with 86.6% demonstrating good knowledge. Respondents’ characteristics showed that the majority (44.4%) had a junior high school education level. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between participant engagement and knowledge (p = 0.000) as well as attitudes (p = 0.000). Health education significantly improved knowledge and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Nurses, as health workers, should continue to provide health education and encourage community support for vaccination programs.