During the COVID-19 pandemic, people consider vaccination as an effective solution in dealing with the pandemic. Various issues related to vaccine hesitancy may arise from multiple factors, such as social and cultural environments of the community. This research aims to analyze the determining factors to accept the COVID-19 vaccine in four cultural regions in East Java, including Arek, Madura, Mataraman, and Pandalungan. Besides, it also aims to analyze the factors behind satisfaction level of the vaccination.

This research was conducted using quantitative method by analyzing 825 participants (40 percent male and 60 percent female). The research used primary data, which processed and developed using probit regression method. The research team used dummy variables for willingness to accept and satisfaction level as dependent variables. The independent variables included economic, health, socio-demographic, and internal-external factors related to the vaccine program.

The research revealed different results in each cultural region. Individual’s willingness to accept vaccine is influenced by the income, assets, occupation, health status, education, gender, age, and the geographical location in Arek, Madura, Pandalungan, and Mataram regions. Meanwhile, satisfaction with the vaccine is related to side effects, vaccine type, and service time (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 0.31 to 0.56, significance level: 1%-10%). It is concluded that the community in Arek and Mataraman tend to be willing to participate in the vaccination program and expresses satisfaction. On the other hand, Madura and Pandalungan show contrasting results due to accessibility, welfare, and cultural patterns.

Although President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, has announced that the pandemic is over, the findings of this research can still have implications for considering the approach of future health programs, taking into account cultural characteristics. It means that the approach should be more tactical and consider how different cultural communities uphold their specific cultural values.

Author: Angga Erlando, S.E., M.Ec.Dev.

Journal: https://e-journal.unair.ac.id/JAKI/article/view/38277/25451