Digital Media Exposure and Health Beliefs Influencing Influenza Vaccination Intentions: An Empirical Research in China

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether/how digital media exposure influences people's intention to influenza vaccination. Through an anonymous online survey, we collected data on Chinese people's exposure to influenza and influenza vaccine information on digital media platforms and their attitudes toward influenza vaccines (N = 600). The structural equation model analysis results strongly support to the research hypotheses and the proposed model. The findings reveal three major themes: (1) digital media exposure significantly influence the susceptibility and severity of influenza. (2) After exposure to digital media, it is helpful to understand the vaccine's benefits, reduce the barriers to vaccination, and finally improve the intention to vaccination. (3) Users receive cues to action from digital media, and their vaccination intention tends to be positive. These findings explore how digital media exposure influences influenza vaccination intention and may provide insights into vaccine promotion efforts in countries. Research has shown that digital media exposure contributes to getting vaccinated against influenza.

Keywords: China; digital media exposure; influenza vaccine; vaccination intentions.

Figure 1

Results from the structural equation modeling procedure for the final model: Values indicate standardized regression weights and the path load factor. Notes: ** p < 0.01, t > 2.58; *** p < 0.001, t > 3.29.