Cecily Mutitu Kariuki2024-04-302024-04-302023-03Kariuki, C. M.,https://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4326Masters ThesisABSTRACT This study examined the determinants of the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among university academic staff in Kenya using the health belief model (HBM). It aimed to establish the relationship between HBM constructs, sociodemographic factors, and the intention to vaccinate and to identify the most influential determinant of this intention. The research design was exploratory sequential mixed-methods, with 14 participants in the qualitative phase and 391 participants in the quantitative phase. The results of the study showed that all constructs of HBM were significantly associated with the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. It also found that sociodemographic factors, such as age, personal status, gender, and experience, were not significant in determining the intention to vaccinate. The study's findings indicated that academic staff who perceived the benefits of vaccination to be greater than the potential barriers; and perceived themselves to be at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 were more likely to intend to vaccinate. It also found that the perception of the benefits of the vaccine played a crucial role in vaccination intention, and cues from friends and family were more effective than external cues. The study concluded that while mandates may be effective, coercive measures may not be. Lastly, access to credible information led to self-efficacy among those who were vaccinated, while vaccine concerns and misinformation influenced non-vaccination. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should provide clear, reassuring communication focusing on all HBM constructs and address vaccine concerns in future campaigns to increase vaccine uptake.enCovid-19VaccinationUniversityAcademic StaffKenyaThesis