HEALTH INFORMATION SOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH ADHERENCE TO THE COVID-19 VACCINATION SCHEDULE IN AMAZONAS

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, the COVID-19 situation was exacerbated by misinformation, government negligence, and the promotion of ineffective treatments. Objective: To identify the use of various health information sources associated with adherence to the COVID-19 vaccination schedule in Amazonas, Brazil. Method: A descriptive exploratory study conducted with a population served by Primary Health Care (PHC) services across 12 municipalities distributed among nine health regions in the state of Amazonas (convenience sample). Data collection involved a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire covering participant profiles and communication/information regarding COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The study included 385 PHC users, predominantly women (67%), individuals of mixed race/ethnicity (78.4%), those with a high school education (48.8%), and Catholics (47.5%). High adherence to the complete vaccination schedule was observed (95.5%), although there were differences among the municipalities studied. Itacoatiara showed the highest proportion of participants with a complete vaccination schedule (94%), whereas Manaus recorded 52%. Among individuals with an incomplete vaccination schedule, the 18-29 age group was the most prominent (42.9%). Participants with a complete vaccination schedule reported greater access to COVID-19 information via mass media (89%), preventive activities conducted by Basic Health Units (64.3%), and health professionals (60.4%). In the group with an incomplete vaccination schedule, consultation of various information sources was numerically lower than in the group with a complete schedule, with the exception of preventive activities conducted by Health Units (66.7%). Conclusion: In the sample of PHC users studied in Amazonas, mass media, activities conducted at health units, and health professionals proved to be the most frequently consulted sources of health information during the pandemic. It is necessary to confront misinformation in order to strengthen health communication and value life and the Unified Health System (SUS).