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The role of altruism versus self-interest in Covid-19 vaccination uptake in the UK
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2022-10-17
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Abstract
Objectives The aim of the current study was to explore self-interest, kin-altruism and non-kin altruism reasons that influence people to vaccinate against Covid-19. Study design Cross-sectional, employing a fully repeated measures design. Methods Participants (N= 178) answered questions on perceived threat and likelihood of infection, vaccination status and opinion on mandatory vaccination. Participants also rated a set of statements that asked how likely these would influence them and others to vaccinate against Covid-19. Statements reflected either self-interest, kin altruism or non-kin altruism. Results Just over half of the sample (50.8%) reported likelihood of infection as somewhat or extremely likely and almost three quarters (74.2%) reported that Covid-19 posed a minor or moderate threat to their physical health. Almost three quarters (74.3%) of the sample were vaccinated with just over half (56.2%) in favour of mandatory vaccination. A 2 (self/other) x 3 (self-interest/kin altruism/non-kin altruism) fully repeated measures ANOVA showed that kin-altruistic reasons were rated most highly, regardless of whether this was regarding oneself or others. Participants rated others as having greater self-interest reasons for vaccination compared to oneself, whereas non-kin altruism reasons for vaccination were rated higher for oneself, compared to others. Conclusion Highlighting the benefits of vaccination for close relatives and vulnerable others in the population would be a useful strategy for government to employ when urging the public to vaccinate against Covid-19.
Citation
Jones, C., Bhogal, M.S. and Byrne, A. (2022) The role of altruism versus self-interest in Covid-19 vaccination uptake in the UK. Public Health, 213, pp. 91-93. DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.10.006
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Journal article
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en
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© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2022.10.006
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0033-3506