Outcome of Motivational Interviewing on Decision to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Abstract

Getting COVID-19 vaccination is essential to prevent disease and complication from COVID-19. Some of target population still show hesitancy to get vaccination. In this study, researchers had implemented Motivational Interviewing (MI) process integrating into suggestion process of getting COVID-19 vaccination, with the objective to assess the effectiveness of MI to promote COVID-19 vaccination for those who were hesitant to get vaccine. This one group quasi experiment research design was conducted in 1,342 subjects who were reluctant to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Data were collected from reports by 13 mental health centers across Thailand between 22 and 30 November 2021; and were analyzed by using descriptive statistics (percentages and means) and Chi-Square test. The result showed that 68.4 percent of subject decided to get the vaccine after first step of MI [the VA step: vaccine advice]. For those who still hesitated to get vaccine [N=424] they proceeded to the second step of MI [the VI step: vaccine intervention], and 75.2 percent of them decided to get the vaccine. When the combination of the 2 steps together, 92.2% had decided to get vaccine. Thus, the brief application of Motivational Interviewing applying the 2 steps of VA and VI could promote decision to get COVID-19 vaccine in the reluctant people. In conclusion, this MI practice which takes 5 to 10 minutes can be applied for the promotion of health behaviors and acceptance of vaccination against other existing or emerging infectious diseases.