Open Collections

Abstract

Background: Although overall vaccination coverage in Canada has been high, vaccine hesitancy, defined as the delay or refusal of vaccines despite availability, persists across certain population groups. While some racialized communities expressed initial hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination, East Asian communities, particularly those of Chinese origin, reported high vaccine uptake, underscoring complex and context-specific decision-making. This thesis examines how members of the Chinese community in Greater Vancouver experienced early pandemic public-health measures and how these experiences influenced their vaccination decision-making. Methods: This qualitative study is part of a broader project investigating sociocultural and behavioral influences on community responses to COVID-19 countermeasures in Canada. Focusing on 24 East Asian participants of Chinese origin residing in Greater Vancouver, data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom or telephone between June and November 2021. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, guided by the World Health Organization’s Behavioral and Social Drivers (BeSD) framework. Ethical approval for the overarching study was obtained from the University of British Columbia Children’s and Women’s Research Ethics Board. Results: Analysis of the interviews generated three major themes: (1) impacts of COVID-19 public-health measures on physical health and daily life, (2) impacts of COVID-19 public-health measures on mental health, and (3) COVID-19 vaccination decision-making. Taken together, these themes reveal a community that adapted to rapidly shifting public-health measures and disruptions to everyday life, maintained social connection and a sense of safety amid prolonged physical restrictions, and made vaccination decisions informed by both personal and collective responsibility. Participants described how efforts to maintain normalcy during the pandemic led to mixed outcomes, as some found comfort in stronger family ties, the convenience of telehealth, and the flexibility of remote work, while others struggled with loneliness, stress, and the emotional toll of anti-Asian racism. Conclusion: The pandemic highlighted both the resilience and challenges faced by Chinese-origin residents in Greater Vancouver. Participants navigated COVID-19 restrictions with adaptability and maintained high vaccine uptake grounded in strong pro-social values. Their experiences call for public-health strategies that build on such community strengths while ensuring culturally safe, empowering, and inclusive practices.