Response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic of dental hygienists in South Korea—Part III: COVID‐19 vaccination intentions.

Objectives: This cross‐sectional study was to determine the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination intention of clinical dental hygienists in South Korea and the factors that influence vaccination intention. Methods: COVID‐19 vaccination intention of the 500 participants was confirmed through a survey including the following options: 'I will vaccinate (VAC)', 'I will not vaccinate (NoVAC)' and 'I do not know if I should get vaccinated (UNK)'. A Chi‐square test was performed to determine whether there were differences in COVID‐19 vaccination intention according to the general characteristics of the participants, degree of infection control knowledge (Score‐K) and practice (Score‐P) in response to COVID‐19, fears over COVID‐19 (Fear‐C) and the level of anxiety before (GADBefore) and after (GADAfter) the COVID‐19 pandemic. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors affecting VAC and NoVAC by setting the base category as UNK. The p‐values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: According to the analysis, 44.8%, 18.8% and 36.4% of participants selected VAC, NoVAC and UNK respectively. There were significant differences in vaccination intention according to age, monthly income, residential area, symptoms related to COVID‐19, Score‐K, Fear‐C and GADBefore. Compared to UNK, < $2000 monthly income, Score‐K and Fear‐C variables significantly influenced the opinion of VAC. Compared to the answer UNK, monthly incomes of $2000 to $2360 and $2360 to $2730 in residential areas significantly influenced the opinion of NoVAC. Conclusions: The variables influencing vaccination intention were monthly income, residential area, Score‐K and Fear‐C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]