Acceptability of Vaccination Against COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Hesitation of the Tunisian population to COVID-19 vaccination, and its associated factors

BACKGROUND

Many people are reluctant to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

AIM

To determine the intention to accept COVID19 vaccine and its associated factors among Tunisians.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study among Tunisians from December 2020 to January 2021 using an online questionnaire. Factors associated with intention to accept coronavirus vaccine were analysed using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 169 Tunisians participated in our study. The majority were female (85.2%). The mean age was 48.3 ± 11.8 years. Only 33.1% intended to accept to be vaccinated when COVID-19 vaccine will be available in Tunisia and 22.5% were still hesitant. In multinomial logistic regression, participants having high or very high perceived personal risk of COVID-19 infection (aOR: 3.257, 95% CI : 1.204 - 8.815) were more prone to hesitate to accept COVID-19 vaccine rather than those being willing to accept it. Respondents undergoing seasonal influenza vaccination (aOR: 0.091, 95% CI : 0.019 - 0.433) were less prone to refuse COVID-19 vaccine rather than those being willing to accept it. Young ones aged less than 40 years (aOR: 4.324, 95% CI: 1.180 - 15.843) were more prone to refuse COVID-19 vaccine rather than those being willing to accept it.

CONCLUSION

The acceptance rate of coronavirus vaccination was moderate. Therefore, a good communication and health education at a community level are needed.

Vaccine hesitancy and coronavirus disease-19: Where do we stand?

BACKGROUND

Vaccine hesitancy is seen, globally, as a major factor that will determine future coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) spread and its effective management. This study aimed to identify COVID-19 vaccine perception, acceptance, confidence, hesitancy, and barriers among the general population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an online survey which was developed and shared through social media platforms among the general population of Kashmir. The survey captured demographic data and used a validated hesitancy measurement tool. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression using Stata 15 (Stata Corp. 2017. Stata Statistical Software: Release 15. College Station, TX, USA: Stata Corp LLC).

RESULTS

A total of 835 responses were received. Most participants were males, with females compromising of 19.5% participants. 65.1% of participants were in the age group of 30-50, whereas 19.2% were below 30 years of age. 52.70% of respondents were willing to take the vaccine when available, while 32.5% of respondents were unsure about their decision of inoculation. The most cited reason for willingness to get vaccinated was an understanding of the disease and vaccination. 41.70% felt that the vaccines developed against COVID-19 have not been fully tested; therefore, concerns around the safety and its longer-term side effects were the reasons cited. Public health messaging should be tailored to address these concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccine hesitancy is a global threat undermining the control of preventable infections. The government should take proactive steps to address the factors that may potentially impact the benefits expected from the introduction of a COVID-19 vaccine in the union territory.

Resilience and intention of healthcare workers in China to receive a COVID-19 vaccination: The mediating role of life satisfaction and stigma

Aims

The present study investigated the association between resilience, stigma, life satisfaction and the intention to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination among Chinese HCWs. It also explored the mediating role of stigma and life satisfaction on the association between resilience and intention to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination.

Design

An anonymous cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

1733 HCWs from five hospitals in four provinces of mainland China completed a cross‐sectional online survey in October and November 2020.

Results

Among the HCWs, the rate of intention to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination was 73.1%. Results from structural equation modelling showed that resilience was associated both directly, and indirectly with greater intent to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination through two pathways: first by increasing life satisfaction, and second by reducing stigma and increasing life satisfaction.

Conclusion

Promoting the resilience of HCWs has the potential to increase the COVID‐19 vaccination uptake rate among HCWs in China.

Impact

This study tested the relationship between several psychological factors and the COVID‐19 vaccination intention of HCWs in China, finding that resilience played a significant role in improving COVID‐19 vaccination intention rates by reducing stigma and increasing life satisfaction.

Infection and vaccination status of COVID-19 among healthcare professionals in academic platform: Prevision vs. reality of Bangladesh context

COVID-19 posed the healthcare professionals at enormous risk during this pandemic era while vaccination was recommended as one of the effective preventive approaches. It was visualized that almost all health workforces would be under vaccination on a priority basis as they are the frontline fighters during this pandemic. This study was designed to explore the reality regarding infection and vaccination status of COVID-19 among healthcare professionals of Bangladesh. It was a web-based cross-sectional survey and conducted among 300 healthcare professionals available in the academic platform of Bangladesh. A multivariate logistic regression model was used for the analytical exploration. Adjusted and Unadjusted Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for the specified setting indicators. A Chi-square test was used to observe the association. Ethical issues were maintained according to the guidance of the declaration of Helsinki. Study revealed that 41% of all respondents identified as COVID-19 positive whereas a significant number (18.3%) found as non-vaccinated due to registration issues as 52.70%, misconception regarding vaccination as 29.10%, and health-related issues as 18.20%. Respondents of more than 50 years of age found more significant on having positive infection rather than the younger age groups. Predictors for the non-vaccination guided that male respondents (COR/p = 3.49/0.01), allied health professionals, and respondents from the public organizations (p = 0.01) who were ≤29 (AOR/p = 4.45/0.01) years of age significantly identified as non-vaccinated. As the older female groups were found more infected and a significant number of health care professionals found as non-vaccinated, implementation of specific strategies and policies are needed to ensure the safety precautions and vaccination among such COVID-19 frontiers.

Healthcare workers' perceptions and attitudes towards the UK's COVID-19 vaccination programme: a rapid qualitative appraisal

OBJECTIVES

While there is research relating to perceptions of vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs), the evidence base in relation to COVID-19 remains limited. The aim of this study was to explore HCWs' perceptions and attitudes towards vaccines and the COVID-19 vaccination programme in the UK, including their expectations and views on promoting vaccination to others.

DESIGN

This study was designed as a rapid qualitative appraisal, integrating data from a review of UK policies and guidance on COVID-19 vaccination with data from in-depth semistructured telephone interviews with frontline HCWs in the UK. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of HCWs from two large London-based hospital Trusts (n=24) and 24 government policies, and guidelines on the vaccination programme were reviewed.

RESULTS

The level of uncertainty about the long-term safety of vaccines and efficacy against mutant strains made it difficult for HCWs to balance the benefits against the risks of vaccination. HCWs felt that government decisions on vaccine rollout had not been supported by evidence-based science, and this impacted their level of trust and confidence in the programme. The spread of misinformation online also impacted HCWs' attitudes towards vaccination, particularly among junior level and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) HCWs. Most HCWs felt encouraged to promote vaccination to their patients, and the majority said they would advocate vaccination or engage in conversations about vaccination with others when relevant.

CONCLUSION

In order to improve HCWs' trust and confidence in the UK's COVID-19 vaccination programme, there needs to be clarity about what is known and not known about the vaccines and transparency around the evidence-base supporting government decisions on vaccine rollout. Effort is also needed to dispel the spread of vaccine-related misinformation online and to address specific concerns, particularly among BAME and junior-level HCWs.

Healthcare workers' perceptions and attitudes towards the UK's COVID-19 vaccination programme: a rapid qualitative appraisal

OBJECTIVES

While there is research relating to perceptions of vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs), the evidence base in relation to COVID-19 remains limited. The aim of this study was to explore HCWs' perceptions and attitudes towards vaccines and the COVID-19 vaccination programme in the UK, including their expectations and views on promoting vaccination to others.

DESIGN

This study was designed as a rapid qualitative appraisal, integrating data from a review of UK policies and guidance on COVID-19 vaccination with data from in-depth semistructured telephone interviews with frontline HCWs in the UK. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of HCWs from two large London-based hospital Trusts (n=24) and 24 government policies, and guidelines on the vaccination programme were reviewed.

RESULTS

The level of uncertainty about the long-term safety of vaccines and efficacy against mutant strains made it difficult for HCWs to balance the benefits against the risks of vaccination. HCWs felt that government decisions on vaccine rollout had not been supported by evidence-based science, and this impacted their level of trust and confidence in the programme. The spread of misinformation online also impacted HCWs' attitudes towards vaccination, particularly among junior level and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) HCWs. Most HCWs felt encouraged to promote vaccination to their patients, and the majority said they would advocate vaccination or engage in conversations about vaccination with others when relevant.

CONCLUSION

In order to improve HCWs' trust and confidence in the UK's COVID-19 vaccination programme, there needs to be clarity about what is known and not known about the vaccines and transparency around the evidence-base supporting government decisions on vaccine rollout. Effort is also needed to dispel the spread of vaccine-related misinformation online and to address specific concerns, particularly among BAME and junior-level HCWs.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Workers in Jordan towards the COVID-19 Vaccination

The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines raises concerns over vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general public, which made understanding the factors influencing hesitancy crucial in the maintenance of a solid healthcare system. This cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of Jordanian HCWs to the COVID-19 vaccine from February to March 2021, using a self-administered questionnaire validated by a panel of public health experts. A total of 364 Jordanian HCWs were included in the final analysis, in which women accounted for 48.8% of the total sample. HCWs subjected to the seasonal flu vaccine were significantly more likely to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. In comparison to nurses, physicians were significantly more likely to take or register for the vaccine. They demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of the vaccine’s effectiveness, side effect profile, recommended doses, and target population. Among our participants, the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy include a lack of confidence, inadequate knowledge, and disbelief in effectiveness. Vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian HCWs is low, with discrepancies between nurses and physicians. It is pertinent for independent committees and trusted authorities to provide interventions and raise awareness regarding the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.

COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal among Nurses Worldwide: Review of Trends and Predictors

COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy has become a major concern around the world. Recent reports have also highlighted COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in healthcare workers. Despite media reports and scientific publications, little is known about the extent and predictors of COVID-19 vaccination refusal among nurses. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess COVID-19 vaccine refusal rates among nurses globally and to explore the reasons for refusal and factors associated with the uptake of the vaccines. A scoping review of the published literature was conducted, and a final pool of 51 studies (n = 41,098 nurses) from 36 countries was included in this review. The overall pooled prevalence rate of COVID-19 vaccine refusal among 41,098 nurses worldwide was 20.7% (95% CI = 16.5-27%). The rates of vaccination refusal were higher from March 2020-December 2020 compared to the rates from January 2021-May 2021. The major reasons for COVID-19 vaccine refusal were concerns about vaccine safety, side effects, and efficacy; misinformation and lack of knowledge; and mistrust in experts, authorities, or pharmaceutical companies. The major factors associated with acceptance of the vaccines were: male sex, older age, and flu vaccination history. Evidence-based strategies should be implemented in healthcare systems worldwide to increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among nurses to ensure their safety and the safety of their patients and community members.

Turkish Healthcare Workers' Personal and Parental Attitudes to COVID-19 Vaccination From a Role Modeling Perspective

Introduction

As in many other countries, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been identified as the priority group for vaccination in Turkey for they are in close contact with not only patients with COVID-19 to whom they provide treatment but also asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 infection while inoculating COVID-19 vaccines. As a result of this prioritization, they will always be in the limelight and regarded as role models for personal and parental acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods

Turkish healthcare workers (n=1,808) were contacted and invited to fill out an online questionnaire between December 27, 2020, and January 14, 2021, in order to reveal their approaches to COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination.

Results

Most of the participants had moderate concerns of having severe COVID-19. Anxiety on the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines was more prevalent in females and among 36- to 50-year-old healthcare workers and less frequent in physicians, nurses, and midwives and in those with a higher level of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines. Strict anti-vaccination tendency was higher in professional categories other than physicians, nurses, and midwives. Females, physicians, nurses, midwives, healthcare workers aged 51 and over, healthcare workers having children, married healthcare workers, and healthcare workers who use scientific journals and World Health Organization (WHO) announcements as sources of information were more inclined to accept COVID-19 vaccines. The elimination of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in healthcare workers would be possible if people around them, physicians, and ministers or high officials get vaccinated but will persist in 19% of the healthcare workers. More than half of the healthcare workers thought vaccination against COVID-19 should not be mandatory. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the most preferred COVID-19 vaccine (37.3%). The reasons for this preference were the trustworthiness of the country of origin, the manufacturer company, the Turkish origin of its developers, the vaccine’s being the first to receive emergency validation, and its non-Indian, non-Russian, and non-Chinese origin. Parental vaccine refusal and hesitancy were present in 15.6% and 31.9% of the healthcare workers, respectively. The mistrust in COVID-19 vaccines among Turkish healthcare workers was directed toward not only pharmaceutical companies but also health authorities and academicians because of their unconvincing, conflicting, or vague statements and toward certain countries known for their production of low-quality merchandise in the past.

Conclusion

The parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy of 32% of the healthcare workers is unacceptably high for role modeling against anti-vaccine movement and should be diminished by implementing necessary measures as soon as possible.

Factors associated with Turkish pharmacists' intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine: an observational study

Background Pharmacists have been taking part in vaccination services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, research identifying pharmacists' intention to get COVID-19 vaccine is limited. Aim The objective of this study was to determine the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine and to identify the factors related to it based on the Health Belief Model framework among Turkish pharmacists. Method This is an observational study conducted between December 2020 and January 2021. The online survey was sent to all hospital and community pharmacists working in Turkey. Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change and Health Belief Model were used for the development of the questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Results Among all participants (n = 961), 74.7% had an intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In model 1, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers were associated with their intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (p < 0.05). In model 2, the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine was associated with being male, years of experience in the professional field, not having contracted COVID-19, having a pharmacy staff who had contracted COVID-19, and having had received seasonal flu shot within the previous year (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study highlights the factors related to the intention of the pharmacists to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Health Belief Model is the strongest predictor for vaccination intention and could be used to develop behavioural change techniques to promote vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and its Predictors among College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: A Cross-Sectional Survey

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease pandemic disrupted the normal social and economic activities of the people resulting in over 3 million deaths worldwide. Piece of literature depicted that predictors of vaccine acceptance are complex, multiple, and vary depending on the type of vaccine involved.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed at assessing the COVID-19 acceptance and its predictors among college students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.

METHODS

A multi-center-institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 participants from three institutions in Addis Ababa selected based on a simple random sampling method from May 01 to July 30, 2021. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data, after which informed consent was obtained from all the included study participants. Descriptive statistics was used for the summarization of the data. Binary (bivariate and multivariate) logistic regression was applied for the identification predictors of vaccine acceptance with their respective 95% confidence interval and less than 5% p-value for the ascertainment of presence of association.

RESULTS

The level of vaccine acceptance was 39.8% (95% CI: 35.0-44.7%). Being male (AOR: 0.463, 95% CI: 0.284-0.755, P < 0.001), living with children under the age of five (AOR: 2.295; 95% CI: 1.416-3.721, P < 0.05), living with an elderly (AOR: 1.609, 95% CI: 1.016-2.548, P < 0.05) and having had poor knowledge (AOR: 2.187, 95% CI: 1.391-3.438, P < 0.001) were predictors significantly associated with an increased level of vaccine acceptance.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The level of vaccine acceptance among college students in Ethiopia was lower than necessary to achieve herd immunity. Sex, living with under-five children, and elderly, and knowledge were predictors of COVID-19 acceptance. Concerned bodies were suggested to work over the identified predictors of vaccine acceptance in the study settings.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance

INTRODUCTION

Vaccination is an essential intervention to curb the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This review aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance worldwide.

METHODS

A systematic search of the MEDLINE (PubMed) database using "COVID-19," "vaccine" and "acceptance" to obtain original research articles published between 2020 and July 2021. Only studies with full text and that were published in English were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute meta-analysis was used to assess the data quality. The meta-analysis was performed using generic inverse variance with a random-effects model using the Review Manager software.

RESULTS

A total of 172 studies across 50 countries worldwide were included. Subgroup analyses were performed with regard to vaccine acceptance, regions, population, gender, vaccine effectiveness, and survey time. The pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 61% (95% CI: 59, 64). It was higher in Southeast Asia, among healthcare workers, in males, for vaccines with 95% effectiveness, and during the first survey.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance needs to be increased to achieve herd immunity to protect the population from the disease. It is crucial to enhance public awareness of COVID-19 vaccination and improve access to vaccines.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO 2021, identifier CRD42021268645.

General vaccination knowledge influences nurses’ and midwives’ COVID-19 vaccination intention in Cyprus: a nationwide cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional study was conducted during the period between 08 and 28 December 2020 to investigate the association of nurses’ and midwives’ level of vaccination knowledge and the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance for themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic era in Cyprus. Participants included registered nurses and midwives working in public or private service provision. Data collection was achieved using a self-administered questionnaire with questions on socio-demographic characteristics, questions assessing participants’ general vaccination knowledge, and questions related to COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 437 responders answered the survey, with 93% being nurses and 7% midwives. The results indicate that as the vaccination knowledge score increases (higher knowledge) the probability of accepting the COVID-19 vaccination increases too (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13–1.48). The association between vaccination knowledge and the intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 remained statistically significant, even after adjusting for age and gender (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12–1.47), socioeconomic (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12–1.48), and demographic characteristics (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11–1.49). Also, as age increases, the probability of accepting the COVID-19 vaccination increases, while female respondents had a lower probability of accepting the COVID-19 vaccination than male respondents. This study demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccination acceptance is related to the vaccination knowledge of the nurses and midwives in Cyprus. Targeted vaccination campaigns are needed to improve nurses’ and midwives’ level of vaccination knowledge in order to achieve a better coverage among them, as well as to influence their patients’ ultimate positive vaccine decision.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine and refusal to receive COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in northeastern Ethiopia

Background

Major efforts are being made to control the spread and impacts of the coronavirus pandemic using vaccines. Ethiopia began on March 13, 2021, to vaccinate healthcare workers (HCWs) for COVID-19 with the AstraZeneca vaccine. However, willingness to be vaccinated depends to a large extent on factors beyond the availability of vaccines. This study aimed to determine the rate of intention to refuse COVID-19 vaccination   and associated factors among HCWs in northeastern Ethiopia. northeastern, Ethiopia.

Method

An institution-based cross-sectional study  was employed among 404 HCWs in Dessie City, northeastern Ethiopia in May, 2021. Data were collected, checked, coded, entered into EpiData Version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0 for cleaning and analysis. The dependent variable was refuse to receive COVID-19 vaccination and the independent variables included socio-demographic factors, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions. A Binary logistic regression model was used to determine the association between vaccine refusal and the independent variables. From bivariate analysis, variables with p-values < 0.25 were retained for multivariable analysis. From multivariable analysis, variables with adjusted odds ratio (AOR), p-values <0.05 at 95% confidence interval (CI) were declared as factors significantly associated with refusal to be vaccinated among HCWs in Dessie City, northeastern Ethiopia.

Results

The proportion of HCWs with overall good knowledge, good perception, and positive attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination were 62.5%, 60.5%, and 52.3%, respectively; 64.0% of the HCWs wanted to be vaccinated while 36.0% said that they would refuse to do so. Multivariable analysis identified negative attitudes (AOR: 3.057; 95%CI [1.860 - 5.026]) and poor perceptions (AOR: 4.73; 95%CI [2.911 - 7.684]) about COVID-19 vaccines were significantly associated with refusal to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Nearly half (46.9%) of the HCWs stated that vaccines could worsen any pre-existing medical conditions and 39.5% of them thought that vaccines could cause COVID-19 infections.

Conclusion

The willingness of HCWs to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was relatively high among HCWs. Negative attitudes and poor perceptions towards the anticipated COVID-19 vaccination were significant factors to refuse to be vaccinated. Our findings may provide information for the management authorities and stakeholders to promote and improve attitudes, knowledge and perceptions towards COVID-19 vaccination uptake among HCWs.

Global COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: A Systematic Review of Associated Social and Behavioral Factors

COVID-19 vaccines have met varying levels of acceptance and hesitancy in different parts of the world, which has implications for eliminating the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this systematic review is to examine how and why the rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy differ across countries and continents. PubMed, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore and Science Direct were searched between 1 January 2020 and 31 July 2021 using keywords such as “COVID-19 vaccine acceptance”. 81 peer-reviewed publications were found to be eligible for review. The analysis shows that there are global variations in vaccine acceptance among different populations. The vaccine-acceptance rates were the highest amongst adults in Ecuador (97%), Malaysia (94.3%) and Indonesia (93.3%) and the lowest amongst adults in Lebanon (21.0%). The general healthcare workers (HCWs) in China (86.20%) and nurses in Italy (91.50%) had the highest acceptance rates, whereas HCWs in the Democratic Republic of Congo had the lowest acceptance (27.70%). A nonparametric one-way ANOVA showed that the differences in vaccine-acceptance rates were statistically significant (H (49) = 75.302, p = 0.009*) between the analyzed countries. However, the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy and acceptance were similar across the board. Low vaccine acceptance was associated with low levels of education and awareness, and inefficient government efforts and initiatives. Furthermore, poor influenza-vaccination history, as well as conspiracy theories relating to infertility and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media also resulted in vaccine hesitancy. Strategies to address these concerns may increase global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and accelerate our efforts to eliminate this pandemic.

Gender differences in the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyse gender differences in COVID-19 vaccination intentions.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science and PsycInfo were searched (November 2020 to January 2021) for studies reporting absolute frequencies of COVID-19 vaccination intentions by gender. Averaged odds ratios comparing vaccination intentions among men and women were computed. Descriptive analyses of the studies were reported.

RESULTS

Sixty studies were included in the review and data from 46 studies (n = 141,550) were available for meta-analysis. A majority (58%) of papers reported men to have higher intentions to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Meta-analytic calculations showed that significantly fewer women stated that they would get vaccinated than men, OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.28 to 1.55). This effect was evident in several countries, and the difference was bigger in samples of health care workers than in unspecified general population samples.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis found lower vaccination intentions among women than men. This difference is discussed in the light of recent data on actual vaccination rates in different countries.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-021-01677-w.

The COVID-19 vaccination acceptance/hesitancy rate and its determinants among healthcare workers of 91 Countries: A multicenter cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to investigate the COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rate and its determinants among healthcare workers in a multicenter study. This was a cross-sectional multi-center survey conducted from February 5 to April 29, 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 26 items in 6 subscales. The English version of the questionnaire was translated into seven languages and distributed through Google Forms using snowball sampling; a colleague in each country was responsible for the forward and backward translation, and also the distribution of the questionnaire. A forward stepwise logistic regression was utilized to explore the variables and questionnaire factors tied to the intention to COVID-19 vaccination. 4630 participants from 91 countries completed the questionnaire. According to the United Nations Development Program 2020, 43.6 % of participants were from low Human Development Index (HDI) regions, 48.3 % high and very high, and 8.1 % from medium. The overall vaccination hesitancy rate was 37 %. Three out of six factors of the questionnaire were significantly related to intention to the vaccination. While 'Perceived benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination' (OR: 3.82, p-value<0.001) and 'Prosocial norms' (OR: 5.18, p-value<0.001) were associated with vaccination acceptance, 'The vaccine safety/cost concerns' with OR: 3.52, p-value<0.001 was tied to vaccination hesitancy. Medical doctors and pharmacists were more willing to take the vaccine in comparison to others. Importantly, HDI with OR: 12.28, 95 % CI: 6.10-24.72 was a strong positive determinant of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. This study highlighted the vaccination hesitancy rate of 37 % in our sample among HCWs. Increasing awareness regarding vaccination benefits, confronting the misinformation, and strengthening the prosocial norms would be the primary domains for maximizing the vaccination coverage. The study also showed that the HDI is strongly associated with the vaccination acceptance/hesitancy, in a way that those living in low HDI contexts are more hesitant to receive the vaccine.

Nursing students and COVID-19 vaccination. ESitA Study An Observational Study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Vaccine hesitancy is an important problem in terms of health policy. This historical moment leads us to wonder if vaccine hesitancy is also present among nursing students who should be particularly sensitive to the subject Methods: Between February 10 to February 17 2021, 1080 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Perugia, were invited to reply to an online questionnaire sent to their university email accounts.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

A certain amount of vaccination hesitancy was detected among the students in our study. It can be assumed that the issues surrounding the AstraZeneca vaccine, which occurred at the start of the vaccination campaign, may have led to an increase in people's hesitancy. Boosting vaccination campaigns, including appropriate use of social media, may lead to greater acceptance. Also, it would be useful to assess the cultural basis of the recent anti-Vax controversy, particularly for students of nursing or other health professions, who should be able to evaluate, source and recognize the most validated data.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

COVID-19 vaccination is considered as an effective intervention for controlling the burden of the pandemic. However, vaccine hesitation is increasing and hindering efforts targeting to reduce the burden of the COVID-19 disease. Hence, determining COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and identifying determinants that would hinder people to vaccinate against COVID-19 is crucial to effectively improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake. In Ethiopia, the pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its determinants is not well known. Thus, the aim of this study is to estimate the pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

A systematic search of articles was conducted from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Science Direct and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted using a data extraction tool which was adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The quality of each included primary studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale tool. Data analysis was performed using STATA 14. Heterogeneity in studies was assessed using Cochrane Q and I² test. Publication bias was assessed using visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger's test. A random effects model was applied to determine the pooled estimates if heterogeneity was exhibited; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was used.

Results

A total of 14 studies involving 6373 participants were included for the final analysis. The pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ethiopia was 56.02% (95% CI: 47.84, 64.20). The likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was higher among participants who had history of chronic disease (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.97), good knowledge (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.59, 4.97), positive attitude (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.66), good COVID-19 preventive practice (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.82, 2.12), and high perceived seriousness of COVID-19 (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.32, 5.98).

Conclusion

More than half participants were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, awareness creation battles about the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine should be provided to the community. Besides, policy-makers, health planners and other stakeholders should encourage COVID-19 vaccine uptake behaviors by providing trusted information.Systematic review and meta-analysis registration: PROSPERO CRD42021264708.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Associated Factors among Unvaccinated Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Thailand

Background

Hospital workers are at high risk of COVID-19 infection which is now vaccine-preventable. However, vaccine refusals also occur among hospital workers, but the associated factors have not been described.

Objectives

To describe: (1) the level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, and; (2) the extent that history of pre-pandemic vaccine hesitancy and health beliefs regarding COVID-19 were associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among workers at a tertiary hospital in southern Thailand.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a paper-based self-administered questionnaire at a tertiary hospital in south Thailand in April 2021 and used multivariable logistic regression to identify psychological-behavioral factors associated with vaccine acceptance.

Results

Of 359 workers invited to participate, 226 participants returned the questionnaires, 67% of whom reported willingness to accept the vaccine. Vaccine acceptance was associated with perceived severity of disease (Adjusted OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.04, 4.10), perceived harm from non-vaccination (Adjusted OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.27, 4.96), and lower expectation of vaccine efficacy (Adjusted OR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.87, 7.71).

Conclusion

Most workers in this study were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, and such acceptance was associated with components of the health belief model. However, the cross-sectional study design did not allow causal inference, and study data were all self-reported with no probing of the responses. These limitations should be considered as caveats in the interpretation of the study findings.

Prevalence, Knowledge and Potential Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability Among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: Findings and Implications

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence, knowledge, attitude and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines and related factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods

Analytical cross-sectional study undertaken among a convenient sample of medical and non-medical colleges of Ajman University using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic data as well as assessing knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Results

A total of 467 students participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. A total of 181 (38.8%) participants reported that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, principally with the Sinopharm vaccine (84%). Vaccination against the COVID-19 virus was less prevalent among Arabic nationalities compared to other nationalities, but more prevalent among students from health science colleges compared to those from non-health science colleges. The acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine among study participants was 56.3%, exacerbated by worries regarding unforeseen problems (65.5%, 306), general mistrust (47.3%, 221) and unforeseen impacts (35.1%, 164). The average knowledge score was 60.1%, with 142 (30.4%) having poor knowledge, 127 (27.2%) acceptable knowledge and 198 (42.4%) good knowledge. There were common misconceptions about symptoms including nausea and diarrhoea, as well as the route of transmission, with half believing antibiotics are effective treatment.

Conclusion

There was variable knowledge of COVID-19 among students. Misconceptions need addressing going forward. To enhance COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the country and worldwide, health education targeting diverse sociodemographic categories should be prioritized.

Attitude and Willingness to Get COVID-19 Vaccines by a Community Pharmacist in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Community pharmacists play a key role as vaccinators for COVID-19. They can reduce the burden of the disease worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

This study used a cross-sectional questionnaire to determine whether the Saudi Arabian public was willing to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine via community pharmacists.

RESULTS

The questionnaire focused on the satisfaction, concerns, and opinions towards providing vaccination by community pharmacists. The study featured 415 individuals aged 18 and older (eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine). Of the participants in this study, 58.1% were aged 18-25, with 55.4% female. Most participants (72.8%) have not been exposed to COVID-19 and are not aware of the approval of COVID-19 vaccination by community pharmacists. Of the 415 complete questionnaires, 45% believed that community pharmacists are not experienced in administering vaccines. However, 63% of participants are satisfied with getting the COVID-19 vaccination by a community pharmacist if no other option is available. More than 68% of the respondents agree that community pharmacies should expand their health care services to include vaccinations, prescriptions, checkups, and other forms of preventative medicine.

DISCUSSION

The availability of community pharmacist-administered vaccination in Saudi Arabia could be a significant factor in the success of the country's vaccination program. This study may serve as a model to expand the role of pharmacists in other countries' vaccination programs.

A mental health survey among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China

BACKGROUND

The sporadic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic has placed enormous psychological stress on people, especially clinicians. The objective of this study was to examine depression, anxiety, quality of life (QOL), and related social psychological factors among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China and to provide a reference for formulating reasonable countermeasures.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, demographic information, COVID-19-related questions, anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10, PSS-10), and QOL (World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version, WHOQOL-BREF) were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to test the relationships between anxiety and/or depression and other related problems. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the relationships among factors influencing QOL.

RESULTS

A total of 146 young front-line clinicians were included. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and anxiety-depression comorbidity were 37.7% (95% CI = 29.7-45.6%), 26.0% (95% CI = 18.8-33.2%), and 24.0% (95% CI = 17.0-31.0%), respectively. Severe stress (OR = 1.258, 95% CI = 1.098-1.442, P < 0.01) and insomnia (OR = 1.282, 95% CI = 1.135-1.447, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with depression. Severe stress (OR = 1.487, 95% CI = 1.213-1.823, P < 0.01) and insomnia (OR = 1.131, 95% CI = 1.003-1.274, P < 0.05) were positively correlated with anxiety. Severe stress (OR = 1.532, 95% CI = 1.228-1.912, P < 0.01) was positively correlated with anxiety-depression comorbidity. However, insomnia (OR = 1.081, 95% CI = 0.963-1.214, P > 0.05) was not correlated with anxiety-depression comorbidity. The belief that the vaccine will stop the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 0.099, 95% CI = 0.014-0.715, P < 0.05) was negatively correlated with anxiety and anxiety-depression comorbidity (OR = 0.101, 95% CI = 0.014-0.744, P < 0.05). Severe stress (B = -0.068, 95% CI = -0.129 to -0.007, P < 0.05) and insomnia (B = -0.127, 95% CI = -0.188 to -0.067, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with QOL. The belief that the vaccine could provide protection (B = 1.442, 95% CI = 0.253-2.631, P < 0.05) was positively correlated with QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and even anxiety-depression comorbidity was high among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China. Various biological and psychological factors as well as COVID-19-related factors were associated with mental health issues and QOL. Psychological intervention should evaluate these related factors and formulate measures for these high-risk groups.

Perceived COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, acceptance, and drivers of vaccination decision-making among the general adult population: A global survey of 20 countries

Background

Mass vaccination campaigns have significantly reduced the COVID-19 burden. However, vaccine hesitancy has posed significant global concerns. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics that influence perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, acceptability, hesitancy and decision making to take vaccine among general adult populations in a variety of socioeconomic and cultural contexts.

Methods

Using a snowball sampling approach, we conducted an online cross-sectional study in 20 countries across four continents from February to May 2021.

Results

A total of 10,477 participants were included in the analyses with a mean age of 36±14.3 years. The findings revealed the prevalence of perceptions towards COVID-19 vaccine’s effectiveness (78.8%), acceptance (81.8%), hesitancy (47.2%), and drivers of vaccination decision-making (convenience [73.3%], health providers’ advice [81.8%], and costs [57.0%]). The county-wise distribution included effectiveness (67.8–95.9%; 67.8% in Egypt to 95.9% in Malaysia), acceptance (64.7–96.0%; 64.7% in Australia to 96.0% in Malaysia), hesitancy (31.5–86.0%; 31.5% in Egypt to 86.0% in Vietnam), convenience (49.7–95.7%; 49.7% in Austria to 95.7% in Malaysia), advice (66.1–97.3%; 66.1% in Austria to 97.3% in Malaysia), and costs (16.0–91.3%; 16.0% in Vietnam to 91.3% in Malaysia). In multivariable regression analysis, several socio-demographic characteristics were identified as associated factors of outcome variables including, i) vaccine effectiveness: younger age, male, urban residence, higher education, and higher income; ii) acceptance: younger age, male, urban residence, higher education, married, and higher income; and iii) hesitancy: male, higher education, employed, unmarried, and lower income. Likewise, the factors associated with vaccination decision-making including i) convenience: younger age, urban residence, higher education, married, and lower income; ii) advice: younger age, urban residence, higher education, unemployed/student, married, and medium income; and iii) costs: younger age, higher education, unemployed/student, and lower income.

Conclusions

Most participants believed that vaccination would effectively control and prevent COVID-19, and they would take vaccinations upon availability. Determinant factors found in this study are critical and should be considered as essential elements in developing COVID-19 vaccination campaigns to boost vaccination uptake in the populations.

This large-scale multi-country study explores perceived COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, acceptability, and hesitancy rates and their related factors among the general adult populations from 20 countries. We found that a considerable proportion of the participants has an intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, more than half still expressed their hesitancy to receive the vaccines. Countries where the majority of respondents responded that they would accept COVID-19 vaccination included Malaysia (96.0%), Bangladesh (93.6%), and Iraq (91.8%). The majority of the participants from Vietnam (86.0%) and Turkey (74.7%) expressed hesitance to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Perceived vaccine effectiveness ranged from 67.8% in Egypt to 95.9% in Malaysia. The participants believed that convenience, health providers’ advice, and costs of vaccines are important for people to decide whether to accept COVID-19 vaccines. Country of residence, age, sex, level of education, area of residence, marital status, and family economic status were significantly associated with tendency to undergo COVID-19 vaccination and the perception that COVID-19 vaccine decision-making is influenced by convenience. The findings of this study provide useful guidance for tailored interventions to enhance the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Promotional program addressed on detected socioeconomic factors is warranted.

COVID-19 vaccination intention in the first year of the pandemic: A systematic review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To synthesise evidence regarding vaccination intention, identify factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals and the general populations globally.

BACKGROUND

As COVID-19 vaccine becomes available worldwide, attention is being directed to community vaccine uptake, to achieve population-wide immunity. A number of factors have been reported to influence vaccine intention.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search of COVID-19 vaccination intention related literature published on or before 31 December 2020 from seven databases was undertaken.

RESULTS

Thirty articles were included in this systematic review. Overall COVID-19 vaccination intention during the first year of the pandemic ranged from 27.7% to 93.3%. Findings highlighted that socio-demographic differences, perceptions of risk and susceptibility to COVID-19 and vaccine attributes influenced vaccination intention. Healthcare professionals particularly, nurses have higher vaccine hesitancy reportedly due to concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy and mistrust of health authorities. Negative information about COVID-19 vaccines in the social media and low confidence in the health system were associated with lower acceptability among the community. Interestingly, cumulative increase in COVID-19 caseloads of countries over time was not associated with vaccination intention.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant variability in vaccine intention rates worldwide would hamper efforts to achieve immunity against COVID-19. Nurses' concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy need to be addressed to increase vaccine acceptance and maximise their influence on vaccination decision in the community. As misinformation through social media negatively impacts vaccination uptake, authoritative and reliable information on vaccine attributes, disease risks and vaccination benefits are needed.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy including misinformation are important contributors to vaccine hesitancy. Addressing these factors, particularly among nurses who are considered trusted influencers of vaccination decisions in the community is an important strategy for pandemic preparedness.

Health Professionals' COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Associated Factors in Tertiary Hospitals of South-West Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Cross- Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine by health professionals highly influences the communities' decision to receive the vaccine, because health professionals are perceived to be a reliable source of health information. Hence, this study aimed at assessing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among health professionals in two tertiary hospitals in southwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 319 health professionals working in Jimma University Medical Center and Mizan-Tepi university teaching hospital, southwest Ethiopia, from June 30, 2021 to July 30, 2021. Data were collected by a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 23. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent factors associated with health professionals' covid-19 vaccine acceptance. Variables with P-value < .25 on univariate analysis were candidates for multivariate logistic regression. Then, variables with P-value < .05 at 95% CI in multivariate logistics regression were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the total participants, 232 (72.73%) received COVID-19 vaccines. Among non-vaccinated health care professionals, 82 (94.3%) of them stated, worries about the safety and side effects of the vaccines, as the reason for non-acceptance. Factors such as, friends or families diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR = .086; CI: 95%, .041-.18; P = .001), and attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19 and its vaccine (AOR = .129; CI: 95%, .037-.449; P = .001), were significantly associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine.

CONCLUSION

More than one-fourth of health professionals who did not accept COVID-19 vaccines require immediate intervention through awareness creation on the safety and adverse effects of the vaccine by the government and other stakeholders. Otherwise, the community may in large reject the vaccine as they trust health professionals.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers in India: Results from a cross-sectional survey

Remarkable scientific progress has enabled expeditious development of effective vaccines against COVID-19. While healthcare workers (HCWs) have been at the frontline of the pandemic response, vaccine acceptance amongst them needs further study. We conducted a web-based survey to assess vaccine acceptance among HCWs in India between January and February 2021, shortly after the launch of India's vaccination campaign. Descriptive statistics were used to examine respondent demographics and Likert scale responses. Binomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with vaccine acceptance. The survey yielded 624 respondents from 25 states and five union territories in India; 53.5% were male, and median age was 37 years (IQR 32-46). Amongst all respondents, 84.1% (525/624) supported COVID-19 vaccines, and 63.2% (141/223) of those unvaccinated at the time of survey administration were willing to accept a vaccine. Trust in government sources, healthcare providers or scientific journal articles for COVID-19 related information was reported by 66.8%, while confidence in social media for this information was reported by only 4.5%. Amongst those who had not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, factors independently associated with vaccine acceptance included age (aOR 3.50 [95% CI, 1.04-11.76] for those above 45 years compared to younger HCWs aged 18-29 years), belief in vaccine effectiveness and safety (aOR 3.78 [95% CI 1.15-12.38]), and provision of free/no-cost vaccine (aOR 2.63 [95% CI, 1.06-6.50]). Most respondents (80%) were confident about their hospital being equipped to efficiently rollout COVID-19 vaccines to the general population. While overall attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination were positive among HCWs in India, acceptance was lower among healthier and younger HCWs. Data availability on vaccine safety and effectiveness, and cost considerations were important for acceptance. Targeted interventions are needed to improve vaccine acceptance amongst HCWs, since they are critical in promoting vaccine acceptance amongst the general population.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: Vaccination intention and attitudes of community health volunteers in Kenya

In Kenya, community health volunteers link the formal healthcare system to urban and rural communities and advocate for and deliver healthcare interventions to community members. Therefore, understanding their views towards COVID-19 vaccination is critical to the country's successful rollout of mass vaccination. The study aimed to determine vaccination intention and attitudes of community health volunteers and their potential effects on national COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Kenya. This cross-sectional study involved community health volunteers in four counties: Mombasa, Nairobi, Kajiado, and Trans-Nzoia, representing two urban and two rural counties, respectively. COVID-19 vaccination intention among community health volunteers was 81% (95% CI: 0.76-0.85). On individual binary logistic regression level, contextual influence: trust in vaccine manufacturers (adjOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.06-4.59; p = 0.030); individual and group influences: trust in the MoH (adjOR = 2.12, 90% CI: 0.92-4.78; p = 0.073); belief in COVID-19 vaccine safety (adjOR = 3.20, 99% CI: 1.56-6.49; p = 0.002), and vaccine safety and issues: risk management by the government (adjOR = 2.46, 99% CI: 1.32-4.56; p = 0.005) and vaccine concerns (adjOR = 0.81, 90% CI: 0.64-1.01; p = 0.064), were significantly associated with vaccination intention. Overall, belief in COVID-19 vaccine safety (adjOR = 2.04, 90% CI: 0.92-4.47 p = 0.076) and risk management by the government (adjOR = 1.86, 90% CI: 0.94-3.65; p = 0.072) were significantly associated with vaccination intention. Overall vaccine hesitancy among community health volunteers in four counties in Kenya was 19% (95% CI: 0.15-0.24), ranging from 10.2-44.6% across the counties. These pockets of higher hesitancy are likely to negatively impact national vaccine rollout and future COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. The determinants of hesitancy arise from contextual, individual and group, and vaccine or vaccination specific concerns, and vary from county to county.

Determinants of Obtaining COVID-19 Vaccination among Health Care Workers with Access to Free COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Despite global efforts to contain the illness, COVID-19 continues to have severe health, life, and economic repercussions; thus, maintaining vaccine development is mandatory. Different directions concerning COVID-19 vaccines have emerged as a result of the vaccine's unpredictability.

AIMS

To study the determinants of the attitudes of healthcare workers (HCWs) to receiving or refusing to receive the vaccine.

METHODS

The current study adopted an interviewed questionnaire between June and August 2021. A total of 341 HCWs currently working at Assiut University hospitals offered to receive the vaccine were included.

RESULTS

Only half of the HCWs (42%) accepted the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common reason that motivated the HCWs was being more susceptible than others to infection (71.8%). On other hand, the common reasons for refusing included: previously contracted the virus (64.8%); did not have time (58.8%); warned by a doctor not to take it (53.8%). Nearly one-third of nonaccepting HCWs depended on television, the Internet, and friends who refused the vaccine for information (p < 0.05). In the final multivariate regression model, there were six significant predictors: sex, job category, chronic disease, being vaccinated for influenza, and using Assiut University hospital staff and the Ministry of Health as sources of information (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Misinformation and negative conceptions are still barriers against achieving the desired rate of vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups such as HCWs.

Attitudes towards Mandatory Occupational Vaccination and Intention to Get COVID-19 Vaccine during the First Pandemic Wave among Mongolian Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Mandatory occupational vaccination for health care workers (HCWs) is a debatable issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine Mongolian HCWs' attitudes towards mandatory occupational vaccination, the intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and the associated factors. A cross-sectional study based on an online survey with a convenience sampling strategy was conducted from February to April 2021 among 238 Mongolia HCWs. Chi-square and logistic regression were performed for analysis. While only 39.9% of HCWs were aware of recommended occupational vaccinations, they highly agreed with the mandatory occupational vaccination on HCWs (93.7%). The agreement rate is significantly higher than their attitude toward general vaccination (93.7% vs. 77.8%). HCW's willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine was high (67.2%). HCWs aged 26-35 years old who worked in tertiary level hospitals had less willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine (50%). Participants with lower confidence in the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine (ORs = 15.659) and less positive attitudes toward general vaccination (ORs = 5.288) were less likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Mongolian HCWs' agreement rate of mandatory occupational vaccination is higher than other countries. Their intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine is high and associated with confidence in the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward COVID-19 Among the General Public in the Border Region of Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The Saudi government had implemented unprecedented preventive measures to deal with COVID-19. These measures included intermittent curfews, bans on public gatherings, limitations on many services, temporary suspension of Hajj, Umrah, and visit and launching awareness campaigns. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the KAP toward COVID-19 among residents of the border region of Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was distributed from May 4 to May 21, 2020, using a Google Form. The survey questionnaire covered demographic characteristics and KAP toward COVID-19. The KAP questions consisted of 17 items on knowledge, four items on attitude, and six items on practice.

Results: A total of 597 participants responded to the survey questionnaire. Overall, participants demonstrated a good knowledge of COVID-19, correctly answering 77% of the knowledge questions. Most of the participants exhibited good attitudes and acceptable practices toward COVID-19. Multiple regression analysis revealed that participants with a university education (B = 1.75) or post-graduate education (B = 2.24), those with an income >SR 10,000–20,000 (B = 1.38) or >SR 20,000 (B = 2.07), and those who had received a personal health education (B = 1.19) had higher COVID-19 knowledge scores (p < 0.05). The ordinal logistic regression analysis found that compared to being female, being male was significantly associated with worrying about COVID-19 (p = 0.024, OR = 1.78), willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (p = 0.003, OR = 1.81), and willingness to report potential symptoms of COVID-19 (p = 0.046, OR = 2.28). Worrying about COVID-19 was significantly associated with pre-university education vs. post-graduate education (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 7.94) and university education vs. post-graduate education (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 4.17). The binary logistic regression analysis found that compared to being female, being male was significantly associated with less face mask wearing in public (p = 0.009, OR = 0.31): Females were 3.23 times more likely to wear a face mask than were males.

Conclusions: Most of the study participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes, and effective practices toward COVID-19. The findings of this study may help guide future awareness resources to the groups most in need in the Jazan region, particularly as the COVID-19 situation develops and changes. Further assessment should consider the groups omitted from this study, including immigrants and the elderly who have not adopted social media and technology.

Perceptions and Experiences of COVID-19 Vaccine Side-Effects Among Healthcare Workers in Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

We examined the perceptions of healthcare workers about the side-effects of COVID-19 vaccine and the types of side-effects they experienced in the post-vaccination period.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional survey research design was used in which a semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to collect quantitative data from healthcare workers in Southern Ethiopia that were selected on the basis of a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. After inserting the completed cases into SPSS software, descriptive statistical techniques, such as frequencies, percentages, charts and inferential statistical tool, particularly binary logistic regression analysis, were used to analyze and present the data.

Results

Majority (43.6%) of respondents perceive that COVID-19 vaccine will have muscle pain around the injection site, followed by fever (39.9%), problems of blood clots (37.8%), headache (35.6%), fatigue (33.5%), and aching limbs (16%). And 63.6%) of them reported that they have experienced muscle pain around the injection site after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, followed by fatigue (42%), headache (37.2%), fever (34.2%), redness around the injection site (21.6%), and swelling around the injection site (17.8%). Moreover, 25% reported that the fear of potential side-effects of COVID-19 vaccine inhibited them from taking the vaccine. Above all, it is found that respondents’ expectation of COVID-19 vaccine to have such serious side-effects is significantly associated to their educational status (OR = 0.229; P < 0.01; 95%C.I.: 0.080–0.651).

Conclusion

While the expectations of most of the healthcare workers regarding the side-effects of the vaccine are parallel to the normal reactions of the vaccine, a significant proportion of the study participants have reported that they perceive COVID-19 vaccine will have life-threatening side-effects. Such fears have also played a role in affecting vaccine uptake. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, and other concerned government bodies should create further awareness on COVID-19 vaccine and related safety issues.

Acceptance, attitude, and factors affecting the intention to accept COVID-19 vaccine among Thai people and expatriates living in Thailand

Background

COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide problem. Vaccination as primary prevention is necessary. Thailand is in the initial phase of the vaccination program. However, the demand for this vaccine among Thais and expatriates living in Thailand is still unknown. This study aims to assess acceptance, attitude, and determinants for COVID-19 vaccination among Thai people and expatriates living in Thailand.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Thailand during May 2021. An online survey (REDcap) was distributed through online social media platforms. Adult (>18 years old) Thai and expatriates living in Thailand were invited. Any person who already received any COVID-19 vaccine was excluded from this study.

Result

One thousand sixty-six responses were collected in this survey. A total of 959 were available for analysis. Six hundred thirty-seven 637 responses were from Thais and 322 responses from expatriates living in Thailand. The acceptance rate was significantly higher among expatriates than local people (57.8% vs 41.8%, p-value < 0.001). The acceptance rate increased up to 89.0–91.3% if they could select the vaccine brand, and 80.7–83.2% when they were recommended by the health care professionals. Both groups had a similar mean attitude score toward COVID-19 vaccination. Being Thai, health care worker, good compliance to social distancing, accepting serious side effects at level 1 per 100,000, and having a good attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination were associated with vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion

Thailand's COVID-19 vaccination program could improve the acceptance rate by informing the public about vaccine efficacy, vaccine benefit, and vaccine safety. Moreover, supplying free of charge high efficacy alternative vaccines and letting all people living in Thailand make their own vaccine choices could increase the acceptance rate.

Examining the validity of the drivers of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance scale using Rasch analysis

BACKGROUND

To well control the pandemic of COVID-19, herd immunity should be achieved. However, people, especially those with better physical conditions (e.g., young adults), may not accept COVID-19 vaccines. Understanding university students' willingness or reluctance to uptake COVID-19 vaccination is important.

AIM

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the DrVac-COVID19S, an instrument that helps assess motivations/drivers of COVID-19 vaccination uptake among university students.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using convenience sampling and cross-sectional design, university students (930 from Taiwan [38.0% males] and 1,244 from Ghana [63.3% males]) completed the DrVac-COVID19S using an online survey (Taiwanese students) or paper-and-pen method (Ghanaian students). Rasch analysis was used to examine the psychometric properties of the DrVac-COVID19S.

RESULTS

All 12 items in the DrVac-COVID19S had a satisfactory fit in the Rasch models (infit MnSq = 0.74 to 1.49; outfit MnSq = 0.72 to 1.42). Moreover, the seven-point Likert scale used in the DrVac-COVID19S demonstrated monotonically increasing in their difficulties, which indicated the ordered category. Additionally, no differential item functioning was displayed in the DrVacCOVID-19S across Taiwanese and Ghanaian students.

CONCLUSIONS

The DrVacCOVID-19S has good psychometric features to help healthcare providers assess individuals' (especially university students) motivations or drivers to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Associated Factors Among Health Professionals in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Ethiopia has received 2.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility and planned to vaccinate 20% of its population by the end of 2021. However, evidence on the current uptake of the vaccine in our country is scanty. Therefore, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among health professionals in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A national online cross-sectional E-survey was conducted on COVID-19 vaccine Uptake and associated factors among health professionals in Ethiopia from June 1 to 30, 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was created on Google forms and disseminated online. The snowball sampling technique through the authors' network with Ethiopian residents on the popular social media like Facebook, telegram, and email was used. Descriptive statistics were performed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25, and all variables with P-value <0.05 and adjusted odds ratio at 95% CI were used to declare the predictors of the outcome variable.

RESULTS

A total of 522 health professionals participated in the survey, of which about 324 (62.1%) of them were vaccinated with any of the COVID-19 vaccines at least once. The study indicated that COVID-19 vaccine uptake was associated with age range from 35 to 44 years [AOR = 12.97, 95% CI: 2.36-71.21], age beyond 45 years [AOR = 18.95, 95% CI = 2.04-36.29], being male [AOR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.05,8.09], being only an academician [AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10-0.49], academicians working in University hospitals [AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83], perceiving their family as healthy [AOR = 4.40, 95% CI: 2.21-8.75], no history of receiving other vaccine before as an adult [AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: 2.07-8.01] and no history of contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients or clients [AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20-0.86].

CONCLUSION

The study found that COVID-19 vaccine uptake among health professionals was low. This was not sufficient to achieve herd immunity as at least nine out of ten health professionals are required for herd immunity. Ages, sex, place of work, perceived family health status, previous experience of receiving a vaccine as an adult and history of contact with COVID-19 clients or patients were the factors that influence the vaccine uptake among health professionals in Ethiopia. Hence, decision makers and health managers should consider instituting mandatory vaccination for health professionals and design strategies for the provision of the vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Ethiopian healthcare workers

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 poses significant health and economic threat prompting international firms to rapidly develop vaccines and secure quick regulatory approval. Although COVID-19 vaccination priority is given for high-risk individuals including healthcare workers (HCWs), the success of the immunization efforts hinges on peoples' willingness to embrace these vaccines.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess HCWs intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the reasons underlying vaccine hesitancy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March to July 2021. Data were collected from eligible participants from 18 health facilities using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 614 HCWs participated in the study, with a mean age of 30.57±6.87 years. Nearly two-thirds (60.3%) of HCWs were hesitant to use the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants under the age of 30 years were approximately five times more likely to be hesitant to be vaccinated compared to those over the age of 40 years. HCWs other than medical doctors and/or nurses (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI; 1.1, 3.8) were more likely to be hesitant for COVID-19 vaccine. Lack of believe in COVID-19 vaccine benefits (AOR = 2.5; 95%CI; 1.3, 4.6), lack of trust in the government (AOR = 1.9; 95%CI; 1.3, 3.1), lack of trust science to produce safe and effective vaccines (AOR = 2.6; 95%CI; 1.6, 4.2); and concern about vaccine safety (AOR = 3.2; 95%CI; 1.9, 5.4) were also found to be predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy showed to be high among HCWs. All concerned bodies including the ministry, regional health authorities, health institutions, and HCWs themselves should work together to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake and overcome the pandemic.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Health-Science Students of Lithuania-A National Cross-Sectional Online Survey

(1) Background: the relationship between the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is understudied. Moreover, health science students are the future leaders and advocates of vaccination efforts. Therefore, it is essential to understand the origins of vaccine hesitancy and evaluate if the adverse psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic influence it. (2) Methods: we shared an anonymous questionnaire among health-science students via institutional emails of two Lithuanian universities. Results were summarized with odds ratios and mean differences. (3) Results: a total of 1545 health sciences students answered the questionnaire. Almost a fifth of the respondents claimed that they were unsure about getting vaccinated, and nearly one out of ten claimed that they would not get vaccinated. Medicine students, non-infected students, and students who volunteered in a COVID-19 ward were significantly more willing to get vaccinated compared to other health science students. Vaccine hesitant respondents reported a more significant negative effect of COVID-19 on their income and belief in the future. (4) Conclusions: the results of this study showed that negative psychosocial impact on income and 'belief in future' were positively associated with vaccine hesitancy. Having been diagnosed with COVID-19 was significantly associated with being doubtful towards vaccination.

Perceptions towards COVID-19 Vaccines and Willingness to Vaccinate in Nepal

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure of COVID-19 available at present, but its success depends on the global accessibility of vaccines and the willingness of people to be vaccinated. As the vaccination rollouts are increasing worldwide, it is important to assess public perception and willingness towards vaccination, so that the aim of mass vaccination will be successful. This study aimed to understand public perception towards COVID-19 vaccines and their willingness to get vaccinated in Nepal. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1196 residents of Nepal in August 2021; most of the participants of this online survey were young adults (18–47 years) with university-level education. A total of 64.5% (771/1196) of the participants perceived COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and risk-free, while 68.6% (820/1196) agreed that vaccination would be efficient in the fight against this pandemic. Most of the participants (841/1196, 70.3%) disagreed that people are getting COVID-19 vaccines easily in Nepal, while they agree with the prioritization of older adults and healthcare workers for vaccination. A total of 61.1% (731/1196) of the participants had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Among the unvaccinated, 93.3% (434/465) were willing to get vaccinated when their turn came. The higher confidence of younger adults in vaccines and the vaccination process is encouraging, as that can help educate others who are hesitant or are not positive towards the idea of receiving vaccines. Dissemination of correct and current information, acquisition of enough doses of vaccines, and equitable distribution of vaccines will be required to achieve successful completion of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Nepal.

Behavioral intention and its predictors toward COVID-19 vaccination among people most at risk of exposure in Ethiopia: applying the theory of planned behavior model

Acceptance of a vaccine or hesitancy has great public health implications as these partly determine the extent to which people are exposed to infections that could have otherwise been prevented. There is a high need for a more updated understanding of the behavioral intention of the public toward COVID-19 vaccines and associated factors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to give appropriate public health messages or actions. Thus, the study aimed to assess behavioral intention and its predictors toward COVID-19 vaccine among people most at risk of exposure in Ethiopia. A population-based anonymous online survey was conducted on individuals aged greater than 18 years from May 01, 2021 to June 30, 2021. The data were collected using a convenient sampling method through an online self-administered, structured questionnaire that was created onto Google survey tool (Google Forms) and disseminated to the public on different social media channels through online sharable platforms. Descriptive statistics were done. Bivariateand multivariable logistic regression was done to show the association of behavioral intention toward the COVID-19 vaccine. The associations of variables were declared with the use of 95% CI and P-value. A total of 1080 participants were included in this survey. Seven hundred one (64.9%) of the respondents had a behavioral intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Males (AOR = 1.41 (95% CI = 1.004-2.53)), degree in level of education (AOR = 0.815 (95% CI = 0.254-0.916)), good knowledge (AOR = 4.21 (95% CI = 2.871-6.992)), attitude (AOR = 2.78 (95% CI = 1.654-4.102)), subjective norm (AOR = 1.214 (95% CI = 1.008-4.309)) and perceived behavioral control (AOR = 3.531 (95%CI = 1.689-5.201)) were found to be significantly associated with behavioral intention toward COVID-19 vaccine. Generally, the prevalence of behavioral intention in Ethiopia is low. Males, degree level of education, knowledge about vaccine, attitude toward vaccine subjective norm and perceived behavioral control were found to be significantly associated with intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Health education and communication from government sources are very crucial methods to alleviate the negative attitude, poor knowledge, and action need to improve or change the attitude and behavior of influential people within the community or organization to improve intention to take the vaccine.

Investigation of perceived fear of COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy in nursing students

This study aims to investigate the perceived fear of COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy in nursing students. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study with the participation of 1167 nursing students. Personal Information Form, Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and Fear of COVID-19 Scale were used for data collection. The reasons for the vaccine hesitancy of the students were listed as follows: 57.6% of them stated that it had side effects, 17.7% stated there was no conclusive evidence that the vaccine was effective, and 12.6% stated it was not reliable. A positive correlation was found between fear of COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy.

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among health professionals working in Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Health-care professions are among the highly exposed group of population affected by COVID-19 pandemic and identified as the target population to get vaccination against the spread of the infection. However, vaccine reluctance is still high, which may negatively affect the efforts to prevent the spread of the infection. Hence, this study was aimed to assess acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among health professionals working in Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institutional-based cross-sectional study was performed among 422 health professionals working in Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, from March 1 to 30, 2021. Study participants were selected through simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identified factors associated with acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine with a p-value < 0.05 at 95% CI considered as statistically significant.

RESULT

Overall, 45.3% of health professionals accepted COVID-19 vaccine. Age (AOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.32-4.92), being male (AOR: 1.729; 95% CI: 1.32-2.34), had higher risk of COVID-19 (AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.00-3.02), and positive attitude (AOR: 3.26, 95% CI: 2.14-4.96) were found to be statistically significant with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine.

CONCLUSION

The acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among health professionals was significantly low. Participant's age, sex, high risk of COVID-19, and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Therefore, the government with respective stakeholders should emphasize addressing the concern of the health professionals and increase attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccine to scale up vaccine acceptance.

Will Africans take COVID-19 vaccination?

The economic and humanistic impact of COVID-19 pandemic is enormous globally. No definitive treatment exists, hence accelerated development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines, offers a unique opportunity for COVID-19 prevention and control. Vaccine hesitancy may limit the success of vaccine distribution in Africa, therefore we assessed the potentials for coronavirus vaccine hesitancy and its determinants among Africans. An online cross-sectional African-wide survey was administered in Arabic, English, and French languages. Questions on demographics, self-reported health status, vaccine literacy, knowledge and perception on vaccines, past experience, behavior, infection risk, willingness to receive and affordability of the SARS-COV-2 vaccine were asked. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 5,416 individuals completed the survey. Approximately, 94% were residents of 34 African countries while the other Africans live in the Diaspora. Only 63% of all participants surveyed were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and 79% were worried about its side effects. Thirty-nine percent expressed concerns of vaccine-associated infection. The odds of vaccine hesitancy was 0.28 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.30) among those who believed their risk of infection was very high, compared to those who believed otherwise. The odds of vaccine hesitancy was one-fifth (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.28) among those who believed their risk of falling sick was very high, compared to those who believed their risk of falling very sick was very low. The OR of vaccine hesitancy was 2.72 (95% CI: 2.24, 3.31) among those who have previously refused a vaccine for themselves or their child compared to counterparts with no self-reported history of vaccine hesitancy. Participants want the vaccines to be mandatory (40%), provided free of charge (78%) and distributed in homes and offices (44%). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is substantial among Africans based on perceived risk of coronavirus infection and past experiences.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates

Background

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a threat to any healthcare system. Vaccine hesitancy can increase infection risk among HCWs and patients, while also impacting the patients' decision to accept the vaccine. Our study assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among HCWs in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

Using purposive sampling, UAE HCWs registered in the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH) email database were invited to complete an online questionnaire, between November 2020 and February 2021, to understand COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy, and trust in sources of information. Simple logistic regression was used to assess the associations between demographic factors with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Results

Of the 2832 HCWs who participated in the study, 1963 (69.9%) were aged between 25 and 44 years and 1748 (61.7%) were females. Overall, 2525 (89.2%) of the HCW population said they would accept a COVID-19 vaccine. HCWs who were 55+ years of age, male, and physicians/surgeons were more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.2, p = 0.002; OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4, p < 0.001; and OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9; p = 0.01, respectively). The most reliable sources for COVID-19 vaccine information were the UAE government (91.6%), healthcare providers (86.8%), health officials (86.3%), and the World Health Organization (WHO; 81.1%).

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was high among the UAE HCW population. Several factors were identified as significant determinants of vaccine acceptance. UAE healthcare authorities can utilize these findings to develop public health messaging campaigns for HCWs to best address COVID-19 vaccine concerns - particularly when the government is vaccinating its general population.

The Nature and Extent of COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy in Healthcare Workers

COVID-19 vaccines were approved in late 2020 and early 2021 for public use in countries across the world. Several studies have now highlighted COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in the general public. However, little is known about the nature and extent of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in healthcare workers worldwide. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive worldwide assessment of published evidence on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers. A scoping review method was adopted to include a final pool of 35 studies in this review with study sample size ranges from n = 123 to 16,158 (average = 2185 participants per study). The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy worldwide in healthcare workers ranged from 4.3 to 72% (average = 22.51% across all studies with 76,471 participants). The majority of the studies found concerns about vaccine safety, efficacy, and potential side effects as top reasons for COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in healthcare workers. The majority of the studies also found that individuals who were males, of older age, and doctoral degree holders (i.e., physicians) were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines. Factors such as the higher perceived risk of getting infected with COVID-19, direct care for patients, and history of influenza vaccination were also found to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake probability. Given the high prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in healthcare workers, communication and education strategies along with mandates for clinical workers should be considered to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake in these individuals. Healthcare workers have a key role in reducing the burden of the pandemic, role modeling for preventive behaviors, and also, helping vaccinate others.

Trust about corona vaccine among health professionals working at Dilla University referral hospital, 2021

BACKGROUND

Corona virus is continuing over a year ago throughout the world. To handle the spread and vitality of the virus, several investigations have been done and recently the vaccine has launched in order to effect soon. A vaccine has several controversial issues regarding the effectiveness and potential unwanted serious adverse effects. In low-and middle-income countries including Ethiopia, there is a huge knowledge gap and insufficiency of information about the corona vaccine. Trust is exceptionally crucial to utilize any vaccines apply on human being. This study aimed to assess trust about corona vaccine and its associated factors among health professionals working at Dilla University referral hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2021.

METHOD

A hospital-based study employing cross-sectional design and simple random sampling technique was used to select health professionals who are working at Dilla University referral hospital from March 1-15, 2021. Trust about corona vaccine was assessed by a Likert scale type single standard questionnaire. A Binary Logistic regression at 95% CI, p < 0.05 was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable.

RESULT

This study included 250 health professionals. From the total of respondents, 155(62%) indicated they would not trust COVID-19 vaccines. The most common reasons indicated through a closed series of 10 options for not trusting the vaccine included doubts in efficacy, novelty of the products, fast-tracking of the development and general indecisiveness. Men, people aged less than 32 years, who were single, who worked in a coronavirus treatment unit, who had a positive coronavirus test and no current history of physical illness were more likely to trust or demand the vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of health professionals that trust COVID-19 vaccination is among the lowest in the world. Therefore, there is a need of awareness creation training and education about the corona vaccine for health professionals, particularly for those identified groups.

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among medical teams in Egypt

Background

Since the start of COVID-19 outbreak investigators are competing to develop and exam vaccines against COVID-19. It would be valuable to protect the population especially health care employees from COVID-19 infection. The success of COVID-19 vaccination programs will rely heavily on public willingness to accept the vaccine.

Aims

This study aimed to describe the existing COVID-19 vaccine approval landscape among the health care providers and to identify the most probable cause of agreement or disagreement of COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was done.

Results

The present study included 496 health care employees, 55% were at age group from 18-45 years old. History of chronic diseases was recorded in 40.4%, and definite history of drug/food allergy in 10.1%. Only 13.5% totally agree to receive the vaccine, 32.4% somewhat agree and 40.9% disagreed to take the vaccine. Causes of disagreement were none safety, fear of genetic mutation and recent techniques and believe that the vaccine is not effective (57%, 20.2%, 17.7% and 16.6% respectively). The most trusted vaccine was the mRNA based vaccine. The age of health care employees and the presence of comorbidities or chronic diseases were the main factors related to COVID-19 acceptance (P<0.001 and 0.02 respectively).

Conclusion

Vaccine hesitancy is not uncommon in healthcare employees in Egypt and this may be an alarming barrier of vaccine acceptance in the rest of population. There is an urgent need to start campaigns to increase the awareness of the vaccine importance.

COVID-19 vaccine confidence and hesitancy among health care workers: A cross-sectional survey from a MERS-CoV experienced nation

Objectives

This study aimed to identify coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine perception, acceptance, confidence, hesitancy, and barriers among health care workers (HCWs).

Methods

An online national cross-sectional pilot-validated questionnaire was self-administered by HCWs in Saudi Arabia, which is a nation with MERS-CoV experience. The main outcome variable was HCWs’ acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The factors associated with vaccination acceptance were identified through a logistic regression analysis, and the level of anxiety was measured using a validated instrument to measure general anxiety levels.

Results

Out of the 1512 HCWs who completed the study questionnaire—of which 62.4% were women—70% were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines. A logistic regression analysis revealed that male HCWs (ORa = 1.551, 95% CI: 1.122–2.144), HCWs who believe in vaccine safety (ORa = 2.151; 95% CI: 1.708–2.708), HCWs who believe that COVID vaccines are the most likely way to stop the pandemic (ORa = 1.539; 95% CI: 1.259–1.881), and HCWs who rely on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for COVID 19 updates (ORa = 1.505, 95% CI: 1.125–2.013) were significantly associated with reporting a willingness to be vaccinated. However, HCWs who believed that the vaccines were rushed without evidence-informed testing were found to be 60% less inclined to accept COVID-19 vaccines (ORa = 0.394, 95% CI: 0.298–0.522).

Conclusion

Most HCWs are willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines once they are available; the satisfactoriness of COVID-19 vaccination among HCWs is crucial because health professionals’ knowledge and confidence toward vaccines are important determining factors for not only their own vaccine acceptance but also recommendation for such vaccines to their patients.