Faith-Based Influences on Vaccine Trust and Hesitancy: A Basis for Integrating Parish Engagement in Immunization Programs

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy remains a persistent public health challenge in the Philippines, particularly in the CALABARZON region, where sociocultural and faith-based influences significantly shape health behaviors. This study examined the role of faith-based factors in influencing vaccine trust and hesitancy among caregivers, with the aim of informing strategies for integrating parish engagement into the National Immunization Program. Utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from caregivers in selected parishes in one of the provinces in the CALABARZON region through a structured questionnaire assessing vaccine knowledge, trust, religious beliefs, and sources of health information. Findings revealed that while general awareness of routine childhood vaccines was moderate to high, vaccine hesitancy persisted due to concerns about safety, misinformation, and perceived moral or spiritual implications. Faith-based influences emerged as both facilitators and barriers: trust in religious leaders and church-endorsed messages significantly increased vaccine confidence, whereas certain religious misconceptions contributed to hesitancy. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between level of parish engagement, trust in church leadership, and willingness to vaccinate. The study concludes that faith-based institutions play a critical role in shaping vaccine attitudes and can be leveraged as strategic partners in immunization campaigns.