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Huang L, Hu W, Jiang Y, Hong W. Association between friends' hesitancy and personal COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Chinese medical staff. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2344290. [PMID: 38682698 PMCID: PMC11078117 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2344290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy remains problematic among healthcare workers. Social network influences may shape vaccine decision-making, but few studies have examined this in this critical workforce. We assessed the relationship between friends' COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and personal hesitancy among Chinese healthcare personnel. In December 2022-January 2023, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted at a tertiary hospital in China using WeChat. Of the 1832 healthcare personnel who were invited to answer the structured questionnaire, 613 (33.5%) samples had valid data for data analysis. Logistic regression examined the association between friends' hesitancy and participants' own hesitancy, adjusting for confounders. Of 613 healthcare workers included, 266 (43.4%) were hesitant. Those with hesitant friends had 6.34 times higher adjusted odds of hesitating themselves versus those without hesitant friends (95% CI 2.97-13.52). Strong associations persisted across subgroups. Chinese healthcare workers' COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy was highly influenced by perceived friends' attitudes. Fostering pro-vaccine social norms through trusted peer networks could help promote vaccine acceptance in this critical workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Huang
- Department of Emergency, Huangyan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiwei Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou First People’s Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanhong Jiang
- Department of Outpatient, Taizhou First People’s Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiwen Hong
- Department of Anus & Intestine Surgery, Taizhou First People’s Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
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Zhang MD, He RQ, Luo JY, Huang WY, Wei JY, Dai J, Huang H, Yang Z, Kong JL, Chen G. Explosion of research on psychopathology and social media use after COVID-19: A scientometric study. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:742-759. [PMID: 38808081 PMCID: PMC11129144 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i5.742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in research on psychopathology and social media use, no comprehensive review has examined published papers on this type of research and considered how it was affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. AIM To explore the status of research on psychopathology and social media use before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS We used Bibliometrix (an R software package) to conduct a scientometric analysis of 4588 relevant studies drawn from the Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, and Scopus databases. RESULTS Such research output was scarce before COVID-19, but exploded after the pandemic with the publication of a number of high-impact articles. Key authors and institutions, located primarily in developed countries, maintained their core positions, largely uninfluenced by COVID-19; however, research production and collaboration in developing countries increased significantly after COVID-19. Through the analysis of keywords, we identified commonly used methods in this field, together with specific populations, psychopathological conditions, and clinical treatments. Researchers have devoted increasing attention to gender differences in psychopathological states and linked COVID-19 strongly to depression, with depression detection becoming a new trend. Developments in research on psychopathology and social media use are unbalanced and uncoordinated across countries/regions, and more in-depth clinical studies should be conducted in the future. CONCLUSION After COVID-19, there was an increased level of concern about mental health issues and a changing emphasis on social media use and the impact of public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Di Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rong-Quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jia-Yuan Luo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wan-Ying Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jing-Yu Wei
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian Dai
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Jiangbin Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jin-Liang Kong
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Folotiya M, Ngoma C. Social media influence on COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among University students: a Malawi case study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1312. [PMID: 38745173 PMCID: PMC11094968 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18764-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic relies significantly on vaccination. The collective international effort has been massive, but the pace of vaccination finds hindrance due to supply and vaccine hesitancy factors. Understanding public perceptions, especially through the lens of social media, is important. This study investigates the influence of social media on COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among university students in Malawi. METHODS The study utilized a quantitative methodology and employed a cross-sectional study design to explore the relationship between social media dynamics and COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among 382 randomly sampled students at MUBAS. Data, collected by use of a Likert-scale questionnaire, was analyzed using IBM SPSS 20 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS The findings reveal crucial correlations. Specifically, trust in online vaccine information shows a positive correlation (r = 0.296, p < 0.01) with active engagement in social media discussions. Conversely, a negative correlation surfaces concerning individuals' reactions to vaccine availability in Malawi (r = -0.026, p > 0.05). The demographic overview highlights the prevalence of the 16 to 30 age group, representing 92.9% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS The identified correlations emphasize the need for careful communication strategies tailored to combat misinformation and enhance vaccine acceptance among the younger demographic in Malawi. The positive correlation between trust in online vaccine information and social media engagement underscores digital platforms' potential for disseminating accurate information. Conversely, the negative correlation with vaccine availability reactions suggest the presence of complex factors shaping public perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervis Folotiya
- Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chimwemwe Ngoma
- Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.
- Department of Research and Innovation, ThinkSmart Consulting, Lilongwe, Malawi.
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Kim S, Lilani A, Redemptus C, Campana K, Tozan Y. A pre-post evaluation study of a social media-based COVID-19 communication campaign to improve attitudes and behaviors toward COVID-19 vaccination in Tanzania. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300206. [PMID: 38709712 PMCID: PMC11073716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In Tanzania, the One by One: Target COVID-19 campaign was launched nationally in July 2022 to address the prevalent vaccine hesitancy and lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. The campaign mobilized social media influencers and viral content with the ultimate goal of increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the country. The objective of this study was to empirically assess the impact of the campaign on three outcomes: vaccine confidence, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccination status. Using programmatic data collected through an online survey before and after the campaign, we conducted a difference-in-difference (DiD) analysis and performed a crude, adjusted, and propensity score-matched analysis for each study outcome. Lastly, to observe whether there was any differential impact of the campaign across age groups, we repeated the analyses on age-stratified subgroups. Data included 5,804 survey responses, with 3,442 and 2,362 responses collected before and after the campaign, respectively. Although there was only weak evidence of increased COVID-19 vaccine confidence in the campaign-exposed group compared to the control group across all age groups, we observed a differential impact among different age groups. While no significant change was observed among young adults aged 18-24 years, the campaign exposure led to a statistically significant increase in vaccine confidence (weighted/adjusted DiD coefficient = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.06, 1.5; p-value = 0.034) and vaccination uptake (weighted/adjusted DiD coefficient = 1.69.; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.81; p-value = 0.023) among young adults aged 25-34 years. Among adults aged 35 years and above, the campaign exposure led to a significant decrease in vaccine hesitancy (weighted/adjusted DiD coefficient = -15; 95% CI: -21, -8.3; p-value<0.001). The social media campaign successfully improved vaccine hesitancy, confidence, and uptake in the Tanzanian population, albeit to varying degrees across age groups. Our study provides valuable insights for the planning and evaluation of similar social media communication campaigns aiming to bolster vaccination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyoung Kim
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Asad Lilani
- The Access Challenge, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Kate Campana
- The Access Challenge, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yesim Tozan
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
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Nelson V, Bashyal B, Tan PN, Argyris YA. Vaccine rhetoric on social media and COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates: A triangulation using self-reported vaccine acceptance. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116775. [PMID: 38579627 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The primary goal of this study is to examine the association between vaccine rhetoric on Twitter and the public's uptake rates of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, compared to the extent of an association between self-reported vaccine acceptance and the CDC's uptake rates. We downloaded vaccine-related posts on Twitter in real-time daily for 13 months, from October 2021 to September 2022, collecting over half a billion tweets. A previously validated deep-learning algorithm was then applied to (1) filter out irrelevant tweets and (2) group the remaining relevant tweets into pro-, anti-, and neutral vaccine sentiments. Our results indicate that the tweet counts (combining all three sentiments) were significantly correlated with the uptake rates of all stages of COVID-19 shots (p < 0.01). The self-reported level of vaccine acceptance was not correlated with any of the stages of COVID-19 shots (p > 0.05) but with the daily new infection counts. These results suggest that although social media posts on vaccines may not represent the public's opinions, they are aligned with the public's behaviors of accepting vaccines, which is an essential step for developing interventions to increase the uptake rates. In contrast, self-reported vaccine acceptance represents the public's opinions, but these were not correlated with the behaviors of accepting vaccines. These outcomes provide empirical support for the validity of social media analytics for gauging the public's vaccination behaviors and understanding a nuanced perspective of the public's vaccine sentiment for health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Nelson
- Department of Advertising and Public Relations, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University, 404 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48864, USA.
| | - Bidhan Bashyal
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, 428 S Shaw Lane, East Lansingm, MI, 48864, USA.
| | - Pang-Ning Tan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, 428 S Shaw Lane, East Lansingm, MI, 48864, USA.
| | - Young Anna Argyris
- Department of Media and Information, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University, 404 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48864, USA.
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Wang C, Bai YX, Li XW, Lin LT. Effects of extreme temperatures on public sentiment in 49 Chinese cities. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9954. [PMID: 38688992 PMCID: PMC11061318 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60804-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The rising sentiment challenges of the metropolitan residents may be attributed to the extreme temperatures. However, nationwide real-time empirical studies that examine this claim are rare. In this research, we construct a daily extreme temperature index and sentiment metric using geotagged posts on one of China's largest social media sites, Weibo, to verify this hypothesis. We find that extreme temperatures causally decrease individuals' sentiment, and extremely low temperature may decrease more than extremely high temperature. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that individuals living in high levels of PM2.5, existing new COVID-19 diagnoses and low-disposable income cities on workdays are more vulnerable to the impact of extreme temperatures on sentiment. More importantly, the results also demonstrate that the adverse effects of extremely low temperatures on sentiment are more minor for people living in northern cities with breezes. Finally, we estimate that with a one-standard increase of extremely high (low) temperature, the sentiment decreases by approximately 0.161 (0.272) units. Employing social media to monitor public sentiment can assist policymakers in developing data-driven and evidence-based policies to alleviate the adverse impacts of extreme temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Wang
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, 510320, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xiang Bai
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, 510320, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin-Wu Li
- School of Economics, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Tong Lin
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, 510320, People's Republic of China
- School of Economics, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
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Tsao SF, Chen H, Butt ZA. Validating part of the social media infodemic listening conceptual framework using structural equation modelling. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102544. [PMID: 38516101 PMCID: PMC10955635 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The literature has identified various factors that promote or hinder people's intentions towards COVID-19 vaccination, and structural equation modelling (SEM) is a common approach to validate these associations. We propose a conceptual framework called social media infodemic listening (SoMeIL) for public health behaviours. Hypothesizing parameters retrieved from social media platforms can be used to infer people's intentions towards vaccination behaviours. This study preliminarily validates several components of the SoMeIL conceptual framework using SEM and Twitter data and examines the feasibility of using Twitter data in SEM research. Methods A total of 2420 English tweets in Toronto or Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, were collected from March 8 to June 30, 2021. Confirmatory factor analysis and SEM were applied to validate the SoMeIL conceptual framework in this cross-sectional study. Findings The results showed that sentiment scores, the log-numbers of favourites and retweets of a tweet, and the log-numbers of a user's favourites, followers, and public lists had significant direct associations with COVID-19 vaccination intention. The sentiment score of a tweet had the strongest relationship, whereas a user's number of followers had the weakest relationship with the intention of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Interpretation The findings preliminarily validate several components of the SoMeIL conceptual framework by testing associations between self-reported COVID-19 vaccination intention and sentiment scores and the log-numbers of a tweet's favourites and retweets as well as users' favourites, followers, and public lists. This study also demonstrates the feasibility of using Twitter data in SEM research. Importantly, this study preliminarily validates the use of these six components as online reaction behaviours in the SoMeIL framework to infer the self-reported COVID-19 vaccination intentions of Canadian Twitter users in two cities. Funding This study was supported by the 2023-24 Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Feng Tsao
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen Chen
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zahid A. Butt
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Abdirakhman T, Balay-Odao EM, Aljofan M, Cruz JP. Highly Educated Mother's Perception of Childhood Vaccination Hesitancy in Kazakhstan: A Thematic Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY BASED NURSING AND MIDWIFERY 2024; 12:86-97. [PMID: 38650958 PMCID: PMC11032417 DOI: 10.30476/ijcbnm.2024.100940.2393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Background Vaccine hesitancy among parents directly affects the child's vaccination status since they are the legal decision-makers regarding vaccinating their children. The study aimed to describe the perceptions of highly educated Kazakhstani mothers about childhood vaccination hesitancy. Methods The study utilized a thematic analysis to explore the mothers' perceptions. A sample of 95 participants comprehensively answered the free-text questions in an online questionnaire from January to February 2023. The analysis of the free-text responses followed a semantic thematic analysis approach. The data were coded manually. Results From the in-depth analysis of the data, 285 initial codes were extracted. The combination of similar meanings and concept codes led to 14 sub-themes and finally yielded four significant themes: misconceptions about childhood vaccination, fear of the effect of vaccine on children, distrust of the healthcare system, and social learning factors. Conclusion The perceptions of Kazakh mothers about childhood vaccination hesitancy may lead to behaviors of delaying and refusing some or all childhood vaccines. Therefore, motivational and educational strategies can be used by healthcare providers to instill trust in parents about childhood vaccines and their safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Togzhan Abdirakhman
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Mohamad Aljofan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Jonas Preposi Cruz
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
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Tian EJ, Nguyen C, Chung L, Morris C, Kumar S. The Effectiveness of Public Awareness Initiatives Aimed at Encouraging the Use of Evidence-Based Recommendations by Health Professionals: A Systematic Review. J Patient Saf 2024; 20:147-163. [PMID: 38372511 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Public awareness initiatives have attracted growing attention globally, as a strategy to reduce low-value care and disinformation. However, knowledge gap remains in determining their effects. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize existing evidence to date on global effectiveness of public awareness initiatives. METHODS Primary quantitative studies focusing on passive delivery of public awareness initiatives that targeted health professionals were included. Eligible studies were identified through search of MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Business Source Complete, Emerald Insight, and Google (initially on December 19, 2018, followed by updated search between July 8-10, 2019, and then between March 8-9, 2022) and the reference list of relevant studies. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using modified McMaster critical appraisal tool. A narrative synthesis of the study outcomes was conducted. RESULTS Twenty studies from United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and multicountry were included. Nineteen studies focused on Choosing Wisely initiative and one focused on National Institute of Clinical Excellence reminders. Most studies investigated one recommendation of a specialty. The findings showed conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of public awareness initiatives, suggesting passive delivery has limited success in reducing low-value care among health professionals. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the complexity of change in an established practice pattern in health care. As passive delivery of public awareness initiatives has limited potential to initiate and sustain change, wide-ranging intervention components need to be integrated for a successful implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cathy Nguyen
- UniSA Business, University of South Australia, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lilian Chung
- From the UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance
| | - Chloe Morris
- From the UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance
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Ullah N, Martin S, Poduval S. A Snapshot of COVID-19 Vaccine Discourse Related to Ethnic Minority Communities in the United Kingdom Between January and April 2022: Mixed Methods Analysis. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51152. [PMID: 38530334 DOI: 10.2196/51152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing literature highlights the role of social media as a key source of information for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on vaccination attempts. Yet there is little research exploring its role in the public discourse specifically among ethnic minority communities, who have the highest rates of vaccine hesitancy (delay or refusal of vaccination despite availability of services). OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand the discourse related to minority communities on social media platforms Twitter and YouTube. METHODS Social media data from the United Kingdom was extracted from Twitter and YouTube using the software Netlytics and YouTube Data Tools to provide a "snapshot" of the discourse between January and April 2022. A mixed method approach was used where qualitative data were contextualized into codes. Network analysis was applied to provide insight into the most frequent and weighted keywords and topics of conversations. RESULTS A total of 260 tweets and 156 comments from 4 YouTube videos were included in our analysis. Our data suggests that the most popular topics of conversation during the period sampled were related to communication strategies adopted during the booster vaccine rollout. These were noted to be divisive in nature and linked to wider conversations around racism and historical mistrust toward institutions. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a shift in narrative from concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine itself, toward the strategies used in vaccination implementation, in particular the targeting of ethnic minority groups through vaccination campaigns. The implications for public health communication during crisis management in a pandemic context include acknowledging wider experiences of discrimination when addressing ethnic minority communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazifa Ullah
- Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Martin
- Vaccines and Society Unit, Oxford Vaccine Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shoba Poduval
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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González-Salinas AI, Andrade EL, Abroms LC, Gómez K, Favetto C, Gómez VM, Collins KK. Latino Parents' Reactions to and Engagement With a Facebook Group-Based COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion Intervention: Mixed Methods Pilot Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51331. [PMID: 38483457 PMCID: PMC10979334 DOI: 10.2196/51331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Misinformation in Spanish on social media platforms has contributed to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Latino parents. Brigada Digital de Salud was established to disseminate credible, science-based information about COVID-19 in Spanish on social media. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess participants' reactions to and engagement with Brigada Digital content that sought to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among US Latino parents and their children. METHODS We conducted a 5-week intervention in a private, moderator-led Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc) group with Spanish-speaking Latino parents of children aged ≤18 years (N=55). The intervention participants received 3 to 4 daily Brigada Digital posts and were encouraged to discuss the covered topics through comments and polls. To assess participants' exposure, reactions, and engagement, we used participants' responses to a web-based survey administered at 2 time points (baseline and after 5 weeks) and Facebook analytics to calculate the average number of participant views, reactions, and comments. Descriptive statistics were assessed for quantitative survey items, qualitative responses were thematically analyzed, and quotes were selected to illustrate the themes. RESULTS Overall, 101 posts were published. Most participants reported visiting the group 1 to 3 times (22/55, 40%) or 4 to 6 (18/55, 33%) times per week and viewing 1 to 2 (23/55, 42%) or 3 to 4 (16/55, 29%) posts per day. Facebook analytics validated this exposure, with 36 views per participant on average. The participants reacted positively to the intervention. Most participants found the content informative and trustworthy (49/55, 89%), easy to understand, and presented in an interesting manner. The participants thought that the moderators were well informed (51/55, 93%) and helpful (50/55, 91%) and praised them for being empathic and responsive. The participants viewed the group environment as welcoming and group members as friendly (45/55, 82%) and supportive (19/55, 35%). The 3 most useful topics for participants were the safety and efficacy of adult COVID-19 vaccines (29/55, 53%), understanding child risk levels (29/55, 53%), and the science behind COVID-19 (24/55, 44%). The preferred formats were educational posts that could be read (38/55, 69%) and videos, including expert (28/55, 51%) and instructional (26/55, 47%) interviews. Regarding engagement, most participants self-reported reacting to posts 1 to 2 (16/55, 29%) or 3 to 4 (15/55, 27%) times per week and commenting on posts 1 to 2 (16/55, 29%) or <1 (20/55, 36%) time per week. This engagement level was validated by analytics, with 10.6 reactions and 3 comments per participant, on average, during the 5 weeks. Participants recommended more opportunities for engagement, such as interacting with the moderators in real time. CONCLUSIONS With adequate intervention exposure and engagement and overall positive participant reactions, the findings highlight the promise of this digital approach for COVID-19 vaccine-related health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kaitlyn Gómez
- California State University, Fullerton, CA, United States
| | - Carla Favetto
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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O'Regan E, Svalgaard IB, Sørensen AIV, Spiliopoulos L, Bager P, Nielsen NM, Hansen JV, Koch A, Meder IK, Videbech P, Ethelberg S, Hviid A. A register and questionnaire study of long-term general health symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Denmark. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:52. [PMID: 38438399 PMCID: PMC10912726 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00844-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Many individuals who refuse COVID-19 vaccination have concerns about long-term side effects. Here, we report findings on self-reported symptoms from a Danish survey- and register study. The study included 34,868 vaccinated primary course recipients, 95.8% of whom received mRNA vaccines, and 1,568 unvaccinated individuals. Participants had no known history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using g-computation on logistic regression, risk differences (RDs) for symptoms between vaccinated and unvaccinated persons were estimated with adjustments for possible confounders. Within six weeks after vaccination, higher risks were observed for physical exhaustion (RD 4.9%, 95% CI 1.1% to 8.4%), fever or chills (RD 4.4%, 95% CI 2.1% to 6.7%), and muscle/joint pain (RD 7.0%, 95% CI 3.1% to 10.7%), compared to unvaccinated individuals. Beyond twenty-six weeks, risks were higher among the vaccinated for sleeping problems (RD 3.0, 95% 0.2 to 5.8), fever or chills (RD 2.0, 95% CI 0.4 to 3.6), reduced/altered taste (RD 1.2, 95% CI 0.2 to 2.3) and shortness of breath (RD 2.6, 95% CI 0.9 to 4.0). However, when examining pre-omicron responses only, the difference for reduced/altered taste was significant. As expected, the risk of experiencing physical exhaustion, fever or chills, and muscle/joint pain was higher among persons who responded within six weeks of completing the primary course. No significant differences were observed for the 7-25-week period after vaccination. Associations for the period beyond 26 weeks must be interpreted with caution and in the context of undetected SARS-CoV-2 infection, wide confidence intervals, and multiple testing. Overall, we observe no concerning signs of long-term self-reported physical, cognitive, or fatigue symptoms after vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth O'Regan
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ingrid Bech Svalgaard
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lampros Spiliopoulos
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Bager
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nete Munk Nielsen
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Focused Research Unit in Neurology, Department of Neurology, Hospital of Southern Jutland, University of Southern Denmark, 6200, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Vinsløv Hansen
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Koch
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet University Hospital, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inger Kristine Meder
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Poul Videbech
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Depression Research, Mental Health Center Glostrup, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Ethelberg
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Hviid
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Pharmacovigilance Research Centre, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Tudehope L, Harris N, Vorage L, Sofija E. What methods are used to examine representation of mental ill-health on social media? A systematic review. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:105. [PMID: 38424653 PMCID: PMC10905888 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01603-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been an increasing number of papers which explore the representation of mental health on social media using various social media platforms and methodologies. It is timely to review methodologies employed in this growing body of research in order to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive overview and evaluation of the methods used to investigate the representation of mental ill-health on social media, shedding light on the current state of this field. Seven databases were searched with keywords related to social media, mental health, and aspects of representation (e.g., trivialisation or stigma). Of the 36 studies which met inclusion criteria, the most frequently selected social media platforms for data collection were Twitter (n = 22, 61.1%), Sina Weibo (n = 5, 13.9%) and YouTube (n = 4, 11.1%). The vast majority of studies analysed social media data using manual content analysis (n = 24, 66.7%), with limited studies employing more contemporary data analysis techniques, such as machine learning (n = 5, 13.9%). Few studies analysed visual data (n = 7, 19.4%). To enable a more complete understanding of mental ill-health representation on social media, further research is needed focussing on popular and influential image and video-based platforms, moving beyond text-based data like Twitter. Future research in this field should also employ a combination of both manual and computer-assisted approaches for analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Tudehope
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, 1 Parklands Drive, 4222, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | - Neil Harris
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, 1 Parklands Drive, 4222, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Lieke Vorage
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, 1 Parklands Drive, 4222, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Ernesta Sofija
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, 1 Parklands Drive, 4222, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Kopilaš V, Nasadiuk K, Martinelli L, Lhotska L, Todorovic Z, Vidmar M, Machado H, Svalastog AL, Gajović S. Perspectives on the COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout in 17 Countries: Reflexive Thematic and Frequency Analysis Based on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Framework. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e44258. [PMID: 38373020 PMCID: PMC10896317 DOI: 10.2196/44258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the SARS-CoV-2 virus created a global pandemic and rapidly became an imminent threat to the health and lives of people worldwide, the need for a vaccine and its quick distribution among the population was evident. Due to the urgency, and on the back of international collaboration, vaccines were developed rapidly. However, vaccination rollouts showed different success rates in different countries and some also led to increased vaccine hesitancy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the role of information sharing and context sensitivity in various vaccination programs throughout the initial COVID-19 vaccination rollout in different countries. Moreover, we aimed to identify factors in national vaccination programs related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, safety, and effectiveness. Toward this end, multidisciplinary and multinational opinions from members of the Navigating Knowledge Landscape (NKL) network were analyzed. METHODS From May to July 2021, 25 completed questionnaires from 27 NKL network members were collected. These contributors were from 17 different countries. The responses reflected the contributors' subjective viewpoints on the status and details of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in their countries. Contributors were asked to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (ie, SWOT) of the respective vaccination programs. The responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, followed by frequency analysis of identified themes according to the represented countries. RESULTS The perspectives of NKL network members showed a link between organizational elements of the vaccination rollout and the accompanying societal response, both of which were related to strengths and weaknesses of the process. External sociocultural variables, improved public communication around vaccination-related issues, ethical controversies, and the spread of disinformation were the dominant themes related to opportunities and challenges. In the SWOT 2×2 matrix, Availability and Barriers emerged as internal categories, whereas Transparent communication and promotion and Societal divide emerged as key external categories. CONCLUSIONS Inventory of themes and categories inspired by elements of the SWOT framework provides an informative multidisciplinary perspective for effective implementation of public health strategies in the battle against COVID-19 or any future pandemics of a similar nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Kopilaš
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Khrystyna Nasadiuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | | | - Lenka Lhotska
- Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zoran Todorovic
- University Hospital Medical Center "Bežanijska kosa", Belgrade,
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade,
| | - Matjaz Vidmar
- Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Machado
- Institute for Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Anna Lydia Svalastog
- Østfold University College, Halden, Norway
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Srećko Gajović
- BIMIS-Biomedical Research Center Šalata, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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15
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Haji Said A, Winskell K, Bednarczyk RA, Reardon EE, Vasudevan L. Interactive Narrative-Based Digital Health Interventions for Vaccine Communication: Protocol for a Scoping Review. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e51137. [PMID: 38335024 PMCID: PMC10891492 DOI: 10.2196/51137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interactive narrative-based digital health interventions hold promise for effectively addressing the complex determinants of vaccine hesitancy and promoting effective communication across a wide range of settings and vaccine types. Synthesizing evidence related to the implementation and evaluation of these interventions could offer valuable perspectives for shaping future strategies in vaccine communication. Prior systematic and scoping reviews have examined narrative-based vaccine communication interventions but not the inclusion of interactivity in such interventions. OBJECTIVE The overall objective of the scoping review is to summarize the evidence on the use of interactive narrative-based digital health interventions for vaccine communication. Specific research questions focus on describing the use of interactive narrative-based digital health interventions (RQ1), describing evaluations of the impact of interactive narrative-based digital health interventions on promoting vaccine uptake (RQ2), and factors associated with their implementation (RQ3). METHODS A detailed search string will be used to search the following databases for records that are relevant to the review questions: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts of identified records against the predefined eligibility criteria. Subsequently, eligible records will undergo comprehensive full-text screening by 2 independent reviewers to assess their relevance to review questions. A data charting tool will be developed and used to extract relevant information from the included articles. The extracted information will be analyzed following the review questions and presented as a narrative summary. Tabular or graphical representations will be used to display review findings, as relevant. RESULTS Public health informationists were consulted to develop the detailed search strategy. The final search string comprised terms related to narrative communication, digital health, and vaccines. The search string was customized to each proposed publication database and implemented on April 18, 2023. A total of 4474 unique records were identified using the search strategy and imported into the Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation Ltd) review management software for title and abstract screening. Title and abstract screening of identified records are ongoing as of December 29, 2023. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this will be the first scoping review to investigate the features of interactive narrative-based digital health interventions and their role in vaccine communication. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape and identify prevailing gaps in knowledge. The findings will provide insights for future research and development of novel applications of interactive narrative-based digital health vaccine communication interventions. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51137.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Haji Said
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kate Winskell
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Robert A Bednarczyk
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Erin E Reardon
- Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lavanya Vasudevan
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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16
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Krasner H, Harmon N, Martin J, Olaco CA, Netski DM, Batra K. Community Level Correlates of COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Hesitancy in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:167. [PMID: 38400150 PMCID: PMC10892894 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Evidence exists that individual-level sociodemographic factors contribute to vaccine hesitancy, but it is unknown how community-level factors affect COVID-19 booster dose hesitancy. The current study aims to fill this knowledge gap by comparing data from a nationwide survey on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy with a community-level indicator, i.e., the Distressed Communities Index (DCI). Methods: Attitudes toward vaccinations, vaccine literacy, COVID-19 vaccine confidence index, and trust were measured using a 48-item, psychometrically valid and reliable survey tool. In this study, 2138 survey participants residing in the United States were divided into quintiles of varying community distress levels based on their zip codes using the DCI. Data were analyzed through Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc analysis with Tukey's test. Results: A significantly higher proportion of participants from the distressed communities had lower trust than their prosperous counterparts (26.6% vs. 37.6%, p < 0.001). On the contrary, participants from the prosperous communities had significantly higher vaccine confidence index scores than those in distressed communities (2.22 ± 1.13 vs. 1.70 ± 1.01, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings affirm the importance of developing community-level interventions to promote trust in COVID-19 vaccinations and increase booster dose uptake. From these results, future studies can examine the efficacy of various community-level interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Krasner
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA; (J.M.); (C.-A.O.)
| | - Nicolette Harmon
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA;
| | - Jeffrey Martin
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA; (J.M.); (C.-A.O.)
| | - Crysty-Ann Olaco
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA; (J.M.); (C.-A.O.)
| | - Dale M. Netski
- Office of Faculty Affairs, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA;
- Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA
| | - Kavita Batra
- Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA
- Office of Research, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA
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17
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Han Y, Bazzi M, Turrini P. Modelling and predicting online vaccination views using bow-tie decomposition. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231792. [PMID: 38384773 PMCID: PMC10878806 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Social media has become increasingly important in shaping public vaccination views, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak. This paper uses bow-tie structure to analyse a temporal dataset of directed online social networks that represent the information exchange among anti-vaccination, pro-vaccination and neutral Facebook pages. Bow-tie structure decomposes a network into seven components, with two components, strongly connected component (SCC) and out-periphery component (OUT), emphasized in this paper: SCC is the largest strongly connected component, acting as an 'information magnifier', and OUT contains all nodes with a directed path from a node in SCC, acting as an 'information creator'. We consistently observe statistically significant bow-tie structures with different dominant components for each vaccination group over time. In particular, the anti-vaccination group has a large OUT, and the pro-vaccination group has a large SCC. We further investigate changes in opinions over time, as measured by fan count variations, using agent-based simulations and machine learning models. Across both methods, accounting for bow-tie decomposition better reflects information flow differences among vaccination groups and improves our opinion dynamics prediction results. The modelling frameworks we consider can be applied to any multi-stance temporal network and could form a basis for exploring opinion dynamics using bow-tie structure in a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueting Han
- MathSys CDT, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Marya Bazzi
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | - Paolo Turrini
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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18
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Robertson DA, Timmons S, Lunn PD. Behavioural evidence on COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Public Health 2024; 227:49-53. [PMID: 38104419 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The World Health Organization has declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern. Nevertheless, it remains a public health issue, and seasonal vaccinations, at the same time of year as influenza vaccinations, will be necessary. When the first vaccines were administered in 2020, decision-makers had to make assumptions about the best methods to communicate and administer vaccines to increase uptake. Now, a body of evidence can inform these decisions. STUDY DESIGN A narrative review written by three behavioural scientists who design research for policy. METHODS We searched the PubMed database for: (i) reviews of interventions to increase uptake of COVID-19 or influenza vaccines and (ii) empirical studies on uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. In addition, registered trials gathered by a Cochrane scoping review of interventions to increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccines were searched for updated results. RESULTS Results centre around two aspects of a vaccination campaign of interest to policymakers: communication and administration. Results suggest that communications highlighting the personal benefits of vaccination are likely to be more effective than those highlighting collective benefits. The efficacy of vaccination may be underestimated and stressing efficacy as a strong personal benefit may increase uptake. Keeping vaccines free, sending personalised messages, reminders and prebooked appointment times may also increase uptake. CONCLUSIONS There is now a body of evidence from behavioural science that suggests how vaccination campaigns for COVID-19 can be structured to increase uptake. These recommendations may be useful to policymakers considering seasonal vaccination campaigns and to researchers generating hypotheses for country-specific trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Robertson
- Behavioural Research Unit, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - S Timmons
- Behavioural Research Unit, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P D Lunn
- Behavioural Research Unit, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Leung CLK, Li KK, In Wei W, Tam W, McNeil EB, Tang A, Wong SYS, Kwok KO. Temporal variations of vaccine hesitancy amid the COVID-19 outbreaks in Hong Kong. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:216-234. [PMID: 37549926 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
To inform the dynamic adjustments of vaccination campaigns, this study examined the transitions among vaccine hesitancy profiles over the COVID-19 pandemic progression and their predictors and outcomes. The transition patterns among hesitancy profiles over three periods were identified using a latent transition analysis with individuals from a longitudinal cohort study since the emergence of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Four profiles (i.e., skeptics, apathetics, fence-sitters, and believers) emerged consistently over time. From Period 1 (third and fourth pandemic waves) to Period 2 (dormant period, vaccine rollout), 14.17% of believers became fence-sitters (ambivalization), and 12.11% of fence-sitters became apathetics (apathetization). From Period 2 to Period 3 (omicron surge and vaccine mandates), 20.21% of believers became fence-sitters. Lower trust in government predicted a transition to skepticism, whereas higher trust predicted the opposite. Staying as believers was associated with decreased hygienic and social distancing behavior. The stable hesitancy profiles amid the rapid vaccine uptake suggest that structural factors rather than personal agency may drive the surge. Ambivalization and apathetization may signal disengagement in preventive behaviors. Trust in the government is crucial in the pandemic response. Public health interventions may improve compliance with guidelines and prevent skepticism and apathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Lap Kwan Leung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kin Kit Li
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wan In Wei
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wilson Tam
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
| | - Edward B McNeil
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Arthur Tang
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, RMIT University Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Samuel Yeung Shan Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kin On Kwok
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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20
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Alhraiwil NJ, Alghaith L, Alharbi W, AlAjaji S, Alhumaid A, Aldossary MS. Mobilizing a Kingdom During a Pandemic: The Health Marketing Campaigns Applied by the Saudi Ministry of Health to Promote (COVID-19) Vaccine Confidence and Uptake. Cureus 2024; 16:e53734. [PMID: 38455787 PMCID: PMC10919942 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy is threatening the global intended herd immunity. Social marketing integration rocketed in promoting public health through awareness campaigns. Saudi Arabia was one of the countries that used social marketing to promote COVID-19 vaccinations for all age groups through successive campaigns. This study aims to describe the content of the campaigns held by the Saudi Ministry of Health to promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake. METHODS A track's working strategy was created to contain COVID-19 spread in Saudi Arabia followed by a vaccination track. Six tracks were maintained over six months extended from June 2020 to December 2020. As a result, different campaigns were launched, and key performance indicators were identified and collected. Data from campaigns and key indicators were collected to determine outreach and impact. RESULTS Five campaigns were initiated receiving high interactions from governmental entities and the public. The individuals' percentage who received full vaccination doses and booster vaccinations increased. Moreover, the last campaign promoting vaccinations in children achieved a 60% willingness rate among adults to vaccinate their children. CONCLUSION COVID-19 awareness campaigns achieved successful outcomes in Saudi Arabia and currently the Kingdom sustained higher vaccination proportions than the average vaccination attainment worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lamay Alghaith
- Communication, Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Walid Alharbi
- Communication, Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Sarah AlAjaji
- Communication, Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Anas Alhumaid
- Communication, Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
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21
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Harris MJ, Murtfeldt R, Wang S, Mordecai EA, West JD. Perceived experts are prevalent and influential within an antivaccine community on Twitter. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae007. [PMID: 38328781 PMCID: PMC10847722 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Perceived experts (i.e. medical professionals and biomedical scientists) are trusted sources of medical information who are especially effective at encouraging vaccine uptake. The role of perceived experts acting as potential antivaccine influencers has not been characterized systematically. We describe the prevalence and importance of antivaccine perceived experts by constructing a coengagement network of 7,720 accounts based on a Twitter data set containing over 4.2 million posts from April 2021. The coengagement network primarily broke into two large communities that differed in their stance toward COVID-19 vaccines, and misinformation was predominantly shared by the antivaccine community. Perceived experts had a sizable presence across the coengagement network, including within the antivaccine community where they were 9.8% of individual, English-language users. Perceived experts within the antivaccine community shared low-quality (misinformation) sources at similar rates and academic sources at higher rates compared to perceived nonexperts in that community. Perceived experts occupied important network positions as central antivaccine users and bridges between the antivaccine and provaccine communities. Using propensity score matching, we found that perceived expertise brought an influence boost, as perceived experts were significantly more likely to receive likes and retweets in both the antivaccine and provaccine communities. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of the influence boost for perceived experts between the two communities. Social media platforms, scientific communications, and biomedical organizations may focus on more systemic interventions to reduce the impact of perceived experts in spreading antivaccine misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory J Harris
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Center for an Informed Public, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ryan Murtfeldt
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Shufan Wang
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Erin A Mordecai
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jevin D West
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Center for an Informed Public, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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22
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Romani PW, Hammad I, Luehring MC. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Caregivers of Developmentally Disabled Youth. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024; 63:14-17. [PMID: 37715700 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231201717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Inshirah Hammad
- School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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23
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Khan A, Abonyi S, Neudorf C. Barriers and facilitators in uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine across English Canada: A review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2176640. [PMID: 36803510 PMCID: PMC10026928 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2176640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that leads to preventable cancers of the mouth, throat, cervix, and genitalia. Despite the wide availability of HPV Vaccine (HPVV) in Canada, its uptake remains suboptimal. This review aims to identify factors (barriers and facilitators) in HPV vaccine uptake across English Canada at three levels (provider, system, and patient). We explored academic and gray literature to examine factors involved in HPVV uptake and synthesized results based on interpretive content analysis. The review identified the following factors of prime significance in the uptake of the HPV vaccine (a) at the provider level, 'acceptability' of the HPV vaccine, and 'appropriateness' of an intervention (b) at the patient level, the 'ability to perceive' and 'knowledge sufficiency' (c) at the system level, 'attitudes' of different players in vaccine programming, planning and delivery. Further research is needed to conduct population health intervention research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Khan
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Sylvia Abonyi
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Cory Neudorf
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Aboagye RG, Amu H, Dowou RK, Bansah P, Oaikhena IO, Bain LE. Prevalence and correlates of tetanus toxoid uptake among women in sub-Saharan Africa: Multilevel analysis of demographic and health survey data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296174. [PMID: 38150473 PMCID: PMC10752541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetanus toxoid vaccination is one of the most effective and protective measures against tetanus deaths among mothers and their newborns. We examined the prevalence and correlates of tetanus toxoid uptake among women in sub-Saharan African (SSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS We analysed pooled data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 32 countries in SSA conducted from 2010 to 2020. We included 223,594 women with a history of childbirth before the survey. Percentages were used to present the prevalence of tetanus toxoid vaccine uptake among the women. We examined the correlates of tetanus toxoid uptake using a multilevel binary logistic regression. RESULTS The overall prevalence of tetanus toxoid uptake was 51.5%, which ranged from 27.5% in Zambia to 79.2% in Liberia. Women age, education level, current working status, parity, antenatal care visits, mass media exposure, wealth index, and place of residence were the factors associated with the uptake of tetanus toxoid among the women. CONCLUSION Uptake of tetanus toxoid vaccination among the women in SSA was low. Maternal age, education, current working status, parity, antenatal care visits, exposure to mass media, and wealth status influence tetanus toxoid uptake among women. Our findings suggest that health sector stakeholders in SSA must implement interventions that encourage pregnant women to have at least four antenatal care visits. Also, health policymakers in SSA could ensure that the tetanus toxoid vaccine is free or covered under national health insurance to make it easier for women from poorer households to have access to it when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gyan Aboagye
- Department of Family and Community Health, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Hubert Amu
- Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Science, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Robert Kokou Dowou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Science, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Promise Bansah
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Science, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Ijeoma Omosede Oaikhena
- Sault College Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program in Collaboration with Laurentian University, Sault Ste. Marie, Canada
| | - Luchuo Engelbert Bain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
- International Research Development Centre, IDRC, Ottawa, Canada
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25
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Moawad MHE, Taha AM, Nguyen D, Ali M, Mohammed YA, Moawad WAET, Hamouda E, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Attitudes towards Receiving Monkeypox Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1840. [PMID: 38140243 PMCID: PMC10747893 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public's attitude towards Mpox vaccination is a critical factor in the success of immunisation programmes. Understanding the factors contributing to vaccine acceptance or hesitancy is critical for developing effective health communication strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to bring together evidence from observational studies on attitudes towards Mpox vaccination, including willingness and rejection. METHODS From this review's inception until June 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted across four major electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO. The inclusion criteria included studies investigating public attitudes towards Mpox vaccination, as defined by acceptance and willingness to be vaccinated versus rejection and unwillingness. RESULTS Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria among the screened literature. An analysis of 27 studies involving 81,792 participants revealed that 45,926 (56.14%) were willing to receive the Mpox vaccination. In contrast, ten studies involving 7448 participants revealed that 2156 people (28.94%) were unwilling to receive the Mpox vaccination. Females were less willing to receive the vaccine than males, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43-0.86). Furthermore, homosexuals were found to be more willing than heterosexuals, with an OR of 1.44 (95% CI, 1.14-1.80). CONCLUSION Vaccination is emerging as a critical strategy for preventing Mpox infection and fostering herd immunity against potential outbreaks. Improving public awareness and acceptance of vaccination is critical to avoiding a situation similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted educational and outreach programmes could explain the benefits of vaccination, bridging the information gap and encouraging a proactive public health approach to emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Hossam-Eldin Moawad
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt;
- Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | | | - Dang Nguyen
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Mohammed Ali
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
| | | | - Wesam Abd El-Tawab Moawad
- Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
- MARS Global, London WC2H 9JQ, UK
| | - Esraa Hamouda
- Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt;
| | | | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Master Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 15097, Peru;
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
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Loh YSL, Siah AKL, Koh SGM, Cheong WL, Su TT. "What's up with price controls?" Stakeholders' views on the regulation of pharmaceutical pricing in Malaysia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291031. [PMID: 38060579 PMCID: PMC10703332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Escalating costs have made the accessibility of drugs one of the biggest challenges faced by the Malaysian government. The government agreed to regulate drug prices by means of external reference pricing, but its proposed policy had a setback owing to much opposition from the pharmaceutical industry. The policy did gain support from the public and from non-governmental organisations because it ensured easy access to affordable medicines. Comments from public consultations with key stakeholders were used to explore stakeholders' perceptions of the external reference pricing policy. A total of 140 comments were analysed for this study. Stakeholders' views were classified as being from the Socioeconomic, industrial, and government sectors. To summarise, the government must carefully manage and consider stakeholders' views to ensure a sound policy. Using Mendelow's stakeholder mapping, this study mapped out stakeholders' views in a systematic approach. The classification of different stakeholders' views and recommendations led to suggestions for reviewing current practices in pharmaceutical pricing regulations in the Malaysian healthcare system. The analyses can be extended to other countries that face similar concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Shing Lourdes Loh
- Department of Economics, School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Audrey K. L. Siah
- Department of Economics, School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Sharon G. M. Koh
- Department of Economics, School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Wing Loong Cheong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Tin Tin Su
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences (JCSMHS), Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Xu Q, McMann TJ, Li J, Wenzel C, Mackey TK. Characterization of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial discussions on the social question-and-answer site Quora. Trials 2023; 24:790. [PMID: 38053216 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07837-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, underserved populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, were disproportionately impacted by illness, hospitalization, and death. Equity in clinical trials means that the participants in clinical trials represent the people who are most likely to have the health condition and need the treatment that the trial is testing. Infodemiology approaches examining user conversations on social media platforms have the potential to elucidate specific barriers and challenges related to clinical trial participation, including among racial and ethnic minority populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study retrospectively collected and analyzed user question and answer posts from Quora in October 2021 using an inductive content coding approach. We also examined user's publicly available profile metadata to identify racial and ethnic minority users to capture their experiences, attitudes, topics, and discussions of barriers to COVID-19 vaccine trials. RESULTS A total of 1073 questions and 7479 answers were collected. A total of 763 questions and 2548 answers were identified as related to COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. The majority of these online interactions focused on asking questions and sharing knowledge and opinions about COVID-19 vaccine trials, including major topics related to: (a) interpreting whether clinical trial results could be trusted; (b) questions about vaccine efficacy and safety; (c) understanding trial design, regulatory considerations, and vaccine platforms; and (d) questions about trial enrollment, length, and adequate representation. Additionally, four major barriers discussed included: (i) disagreement from users regarding whether clinical trials require representation from different racial and ethnic minorities; (ii) concerns regarding the safety of trials when participating; (iii) lack of knowledge on how to participate in a trial; and (iv) questions of whether participants could withdraw from a trial to access an approved COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS Our study found active user discussions related to COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials on Quora, including those specific to minority health topics and those posted by a smaller group of self-identified racial and ethnic minority online users. Results from this study can help identify barriers to participation among the general public and underrepresented groups while also supporting the design of future outreach strategies to help with recruitment and inclusive trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xu
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- S-3 Research, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tiana J McMann
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- S-3 Research, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiawei Li
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- S-3 Research, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Tim K Mackey
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA.
- S-3 Research, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Pandher R, Bilszta JLC. Novel COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, and associated factors, amongst medical students: a scoping review. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2023; 28:2175620. [PMID: 36788502 PMCID: PMC9930839 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2023.2175620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Medical students are likely to be exposed to COVID-19 patients so achieving high vaccination coverage rates for this group of healthcare workers is important, as is their potential as vaccination role models. The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the current literature to determine the rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, and associated factors, amongst medical students. Systematic searches of the Medline Ovid, Embase, PubMed, and Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC) online databases was conducted for relevant articles with keywords: 'COVID-19', 'vaccine hesitancy & acceptance' and 'medical students'. Articles were included for review if they reported the rates of vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, and associated factors, amongst medical students. Of the 258 articles identified, 52 met the inclusion criteria and underwent full-text review. Rates of vaccine hesitancy ranged from 5.4-86.7%, with generally positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. The main factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccines due to their accelerated development, being a pre-clinical medical student, and low perceived personal risk of COVID-19 infection. Inconsistencies were found for the influence of gender on attitudes towards vaccinations. Previous vaccination behaviours were predictive of willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Knowledge about COVID-19 vaccinations and their importance was found to be deficient amongst vaccine hesitant medical students. Generally, medical students express low levels of vaccine hesitancy. However, due to the variability in the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy across different populations and the dynamic and contextual nature of hesitancy, it is recommended that vaccination intent and associated attitudes are monitored on a longitudinal basis. It is important to map vaccine hesitancy at a local level to allow medical schools to develop strategies to encourage vaccination specific to their school's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Pandher
- Department of Medical Education, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Justin L C Bilszta
- Department of Medical Education, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Sanftenberg L, Keppeler S, Heithorst N, Dreischulte T, Roos M, Sckopke P, Bühner M, Gensichen J. Psychological Determinants of Vaccination Readiness against COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza of the Chronically Ill in Primary Care in Germany-A Cross-Sectional Survey. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1795. [PMID: 38140199 PMCID: PMC10747451 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines against COVID-19 and influenza are highly recommended for the chronically ill. They often suffer from co-morbid mental health issues. This cross-sectional observational study analyzes the associations between depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (OASIS) with vaccination readiness (5C) against COVID-19 and influenza in chronically ill adults in primary care in Germany. Sociodemographic data, social activity (LSNS), patient activation measure (PAM), and the doctor/patient relationship (PRA) are examined as well. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed-effects regression models are calculated. We compare data from n = 795 study participants. The symptoms of depression are negatively associated with confidence in COVID-19 vaccines (p = 0.010) and positively associated with constraints to get vaccinated against COVID-19 (p = 0.041). There are no significant associations between symptoms of depression and vaccination readiness against influenza. Self-reported symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder seem not to be associated with vaccination readiness. To address confidence in COVID-19 vaccines among the chronically ill, targeted educational interventions should be elaborated to consider mental health issues like depression. As general practitioners play a key role in the development of a good doctor/patient relationship, they should be trained in patient-centered communication. Furthermore, a standardized implementation of digital vaccination management systems might improve immunization rates in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sanftenberg
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (S.K.); (N.H.); (T.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Simon Keppeler
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (S.K.); (N.H.); (T.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Nadine Heithorst
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (S.K.); (N.H.); (T.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Tobias Dreischulte
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (S.K.); (N.H.); (T.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Marco Roos
- General Practice, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, 86356 Neusäß, Germany;
| | - Philipp Sckopke
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany; (P.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Markus Bühner
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany; (P.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Jochen Gensichen
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (S.K.); (N.H.); (T.D.); (J.G.)
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30
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AlOsaimi HM, Alqahtani AM, Alanazi NM, Alotibi NN, Alrazog MS, Aljameel HA, Alshehri RM, Alhusayni SJ, Alshammari MK. Barriers and Motivators toward Childhood COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted among Saudi Population. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2050. [PMID: 38138153 PMCID: PMC10744374 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In 2020, one of the most important steps that were made was to give priority to the development of a COVID-19 vaccine to prevent the rising incidence of COVID-19 from continuing to rise. However, globally, there is a variable acceptance of the level of the COVID-19 vaccine. This study aims to explore Saudi parents' willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; the online questionnaire was used to investigate the views of Saudi parents with children aged under 18 toward the immunization of their children against COVID-19. The data were gathered from 10 May 2022 to 31 October 2022. The data analysis uses SPSS version 20. A p-value of 0.05 or lower was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 978 Saudi parents participated in this study. Most of the respondents were from the age group of 36-45 years with the educational qualification of high school and bachelor's degree. Overall, it was observed that the majority, 98.2% of the respondents, disclosed that they needed more information (p = 0.004) about COVID-19 vaccine safety among children so that they could decide whether to vaccinate their child. About 91.4% of parents mention that vaccination against COVID-19 is not necessary for children (p = 0.001). About 68.3% of respondents agreed that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 could help Saudi Arabia control COVID-19 (p = 0.007, RI = 0.76). In terms of negative attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination, 71.3% think that there will be severe side effects (p = 0.019, RI = 0.75); 67.7% think that the vaccine's protection will only last for a short time (p = 0.055, RI = 0.72); 80.1% said they were afraid of getting vaccinated because of needle fear (p = 0.045, RI = 0.76), and 41.2% said lack of time was the main barrier to not vaccinating their child. Conclusions: Parents expressed concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, which might be some of the main factors influencing their decision to vaccinate their children. It is the need of the hour to take action to communicate, educate, and intervene with Saudi parents to enhance COVID-19 vaccination compliance rates across the board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind M. AlOsaimi
- Pharmacy Services Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, Riyadh 12211, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ali M. Alqahtani
- Pharmacy Services Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, Riyadh 12211, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nadia M. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacy Rumah General Hospital, Riyadh 12211, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nouf N. Alotibi
- Department of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim Region, Buraidah 56218, Saudi Arabia; (N.N.A.); (H.A.A.)
| | - Mohammed S. Alrazog
- Department of Pharmacy, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 12211, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hanoof A. Aljameel
- Department of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim Region, Buraidah 56218, Saudi Arabia; (N.N.A.); (H.A.A.)
| | - Raghad M. Alshehri
- Department of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62217, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Mohammed K. Alshammari
- Pharmacy Services Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, Riyadh 12211, Saudi Arabia;
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Giles ML, Krishnaswamy S, Coote W, Davey MA. Factors Associated with Early Versus Late Uptake of the COVID-19 Vaccine during Pregnancy over Time in Australia: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1713. [PMID: 38006045 PMCID: PMC10674957 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women are at an increased risk of hospitalisation, admission to the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, and death from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study is to determine the predictive factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake during pregnancy over time in a population with a high background uptake of maternal influenza and pertussis vaccination. METHODS This is a population-based, cohort study of all pregnant women who gave birth in Victoria, Australia between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022. Data from the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS This study reports on 77,719 women who gave birth over a 12 month period, of whom 49,281 (63.4%) received a COVID-19 vaccine, 54,887 (70.6%) received an influenza vaccination and 63,594 (81.8%) received a pertussis vaccine by the time of delivery. Pregnant women aged >30 years (aOR 1.31 CI 1.27, 1.36), who had >=8 antenatal visits (aOR 1.08 CI 1.04, 1.12), and those who received influenza vaccine (aOR 1.23 CI 1.19, 1.28) were more likely to have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who smoked (aOR 0.7 CI 0.66, 0.74), were First Nations (aOR 0.83 CI 0.74, 0.93) and those who gave birth in public hospitals (aOR 0.65 CI 0.63, 0.68) were less likely to receive COVID-19 vaccine in the first 12 months of the rollout. CONCLUSION Maternal age, smoking, parity and Indigenous status were factors associated with delayed and sustained lower coverage, even in a population with background maternal influenza and pertussis coverage of 70.6% and 81.8%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Giles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (S.K.); (W.C.); (M.-A.D.)
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Gianfredi V, Berti A, Stefanizzi P, D’Amico M, De Lorenzo V, Moscara L, Di Lorenzo A, Venerito V, Castaldi S. COVID-19 Vaccine Knowledge, Attitude, Acceptance and Hesitancy among Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Systematic Review of Hospital-Based Studies. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1697. [PMID: 38006029 PMCID: PMC10675759 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of unfavourable outcomes for SARS-CoV-2 infection is significant during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vaccination is a safe and effective measure to lower this risk. This study aims at reviewing the literature concerning the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine's acceptance/hesitancy among pregnant and breastfeeding women attending hospital facilities. A systematic review of literature was carried out. Hospital-based observational studies related to vaccination acceptance, hesitancy, knowledge and attitude among pregnant and breastfeeding women were included. Determinants of acceptance and hesitancy were investigated in detail. Quality assessment was done via the Johann Briggs Institute quality assessment tools. After literature search, 43 studies were included, 30 of which only focused on pregnant women (total sample 25,862 subjects). Sample size ranged from 109 to 7017 people. Acceptance of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ranged from 16% to 78.52%; vaccine hesitancy ranged between 91.4% and 24.5%. Fear of adverse events for either the woman, the child, or both, was the main driver for hesitancy. Other determinants of hesitancy included religious concerns, socioeconomic factors, inadequate information regarding the vaccine and lack of trust towards institutions. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy in hospitalized pregnant women appears to be significant, and efforts for a more effective communication to these subjects are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Gianfredi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Alessandro Berti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Marilena D’Amico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Viola De Lorenzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Lorenza Moscara
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Vincenzo Venerito
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, Jonic Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Silvana Castaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Ramirez LG, Wickner PG, Cline NB, Rehman N, Wu AC, Pien LC, Stukus D. How Likes and Retweets Impacted Our Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:3356-3364. [PMID: 37536500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The growing dependence on social media for health-related information boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, posing unprecedented challenges in navigating the vast amounts of information available right at our fingertips. Social media had a major impact on clinical decision-making affecting individuals, communities, and societies at large. In this review, we discuss the role of social media in amplifying information and misinformation as well as factors contributing to its reliance and prevalence. We review how medical providers have been impacted by this changing landscape, useful communication strategies to employ with in-office patient encounters, and how we can be active players in using social media as a tool for health promotion, correcting misinformation, and preparing for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes G Ramirez
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | - Paige G Wickner
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Nicholas B Cline
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Narmeen Rehman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Ann Chen Wu
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Lily C Pien
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Office of Educator and Scholar Development, Education Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David Stukus
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Urueña A, Machado R, Cunha J, López Colmano C, Rancaño C, Kfouri R, Pírez C, Bonvehí P, Calvo M, Cuadros R, Muñoz G, Rodríguez M, Torres J, Cahn F, Ballalai I. Opinions, Attitudes and Factors Related to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake in Eight South American Countries. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1660. [PMID: 38005992 PMCID: PMC10675814 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 vaccination in the South American population. The study collected data from a self-administered survey distributed through social media platforms between February and April 2022 (N = 6555). The survey included questions related to participants' sociodemographic background, flu vaccination practices, sources of information about COVID-19, and opinions regarding pandemic management and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The respondents agreed with the statement that COVID-19 vaccines were necessary (86.4%), effective (79.8%), safe (79.1%), and should be mandatory (64%). Overall, 83.4% accepted vaccination and 12.3% refused it completely. Main rejection reasons were safety (65.8%) and efficacy (54.9%) issues, and rushed development and approvals (49.1%). Vaccine uptake was associated with being ≥60 years, being a healthcare worker, previous influenza vaccine uptake, adherence to preventive measures, the death of ≥1 close people from COVID-19, and being informed through mass media or health authorities' channels. Vaccine uptake inversely correlated with male gender, low educational level, and use of closed social networks for COVID-19 information purposes. This study provides valuable insights into COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and practices in South America that may be used to promote vaccine uptake in the region. Higher COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among people with previously acquired prevention habits reinforces the importance of routine health promotion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analía Urueña
- Centro de Estudios para la Prevención y Control de Enfermedades Transmisibles, Universidad Isalud, Venezuela 931, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1095AAS, Argentina
- Sociedad Argentina de Vacunología y Epidemiología (SAVE), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Machado
- Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações (Sbim), R. Luís Coelho, 308-Consolação, São Paulo 01309-000, SP, Brazil (I.B.)
| | - Juarez Cunha
- Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações (Sbim), R. Luís Coelho, 308-Consolação, São Paulo 01309-000, SP, Brazil (I.B.)
| | - Clara López Colmano
- Sociedad Argentina de Vacunología y Epidemiología (SAVE), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Rancaño
- Sociedad Argentina de Vacunología y Epidemiología (SAVE), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renato Kfouri
- Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações (Sbim), R. Luís Coelho, 308-Consolação, São Paulo 01309-000, SP, Brazil (I.B.)
| | - Catalina Pírez
- Sociedad Uruguaya de Pediatría, Comité de Infectología y Vacunas, Lord Ponsonby 2410, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Bonvehí
- Sociedad Argentina de Vacunología y Epidemiología (SAVE), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Universitario CEMIC, Dr. Ricardo Balbín 4459, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1430ABC, Argentina
| | - Mario Calvo
- Instituto de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Coronel Santiago Bueras 1003, Valdivia 5110566, Chile;
| | - Robinson Cuadros
- Asociación Internacional de Gerontología y Geriatría, Comité Latinoamericano y del Caribe, Carrera 7C Bis 139-17, Bogotá 110121, Colombia;
| | - Greta Muñoz
- Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Pediatría (SEP), Av. Naciones Unidas E2-17 e, Quito 170135, Ecuador
| | - Mónica Rodríguez
- Hospital Central, Instituto de Previsión Social, PCH9+4RX, Santísimo Sacramento, Asunción 1519, Paraguay
| | - Jaime Torres
- Sección de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela
| | - Florencia Cahn
- Sociedad Argentina de Vacunología y Epidemiología (SAVE), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabella Ballalai
- Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações (Sbim), R. Luís Coelho, 308-Consolação, São Paulo 01309-000, SP, Brazil (I.B.)
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Kharaba Z, Alfoteih Y, Alzoubi KH, Al-Azzam S, Al-Azayzih A, Al-Obaidi HJ, Awad AB, Dallal Bashi YH, Ahmed R, Khalil AM, Al Ahmad R, Aldeyab MA, Jirjees F. Lessons Learned from the Pandemic in the UAE: Children COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Impact on the Choice of Distance versus Face-to-Face Learning Modalities: An In-Depth Analysis of a National Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1598. [PMID: 37897000 PMCID: PMC10611097 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study addresses the crucial aspect of childhood COVID-19 vaccination and its impact on parental decisions concerning learning modalities during the pandemic. This study aimed to gauge parental hesitancy towards vaccinating their children and its influence on choosing between distance and face-to-face learning options. Following STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies, this study surveyed 1973 parents in the United Arab Emirates using Google Forms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed that while more than half of the parents (51.6%) were willing to vaccinate their children if the COVID-19 vaccine was accessible and affordable, a significant majority (91.2%) expressed concerns about the rapid vaccine development process, which was the primary reason for vaccine rejection. Interestingly, a sizable portion (55.3%) had experienced online learning in the previous academic term, and, of those, 59.6% believed it negatively influenced their children's academic performance. Consequently, 66.4% expressed intent to shift their children back to face-to-face learning once feasible. Significantly, parents with medical backgrounds were more inclined (91.6%) to opt for face-to-face schooling compared to those without such backgrounds. Logistic regression analysis indicated associations between sociodemographic characteristics, educational level and background, and the decision to return children to face-to-face learning. Interestingly, when it comes to vaccine hesitancy, a noteworthy connection exists between the parents' reluctance to vaccinate their children and their preference for distance learning. In fact, parents who responded negatively to vaccinating their children against COVID-19, if the vaccine was available, showed a clear preference for the distance learning modality (p-value < 0.0001). This study underscores the complex interplay of factors and community perspectives shaping parental acceptance of childhood COVID-19 vaccination. The development pace of vaccines significantly influences parents' attitudes and beliefs about vaccination programs. Parents' medical backgrounds exhibit a clear correlation with their perceptions of sending children back to school safely. This highlights the potential impact of parental medical knowledge on decision making, emphasizing the need to consider parents' professional backgrounds when devising education- and vaccination-related policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University Ajman, Ajman 18484, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of General Education, City University Ajman, Ajman 18484, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (K.H.A.); (F.J.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.A.-A.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Sayer Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.A.-A.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.A.-A.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Hala J. Al-Obaidi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (H.J.A.-O.); (Y.H.D.B.)
| | - Ahmed Bahaaeldin Awad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Burjeel Medical City Hospital, Abu-Dhabi 7400, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Yahya H. Dallal Bashi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (H.J.A.-O.); (Y.H.D.B.)
| | - Rahaf Ahmed
- Abbott LaboratoriesAlphamed Company Limited, Abu Dhabi 4236, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Alaa M. Khalil
- Al Thiqa Pharmacy Group, Abu Dhabi 47612, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Raneem Al Ahmad
- Pharmacy Intern, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 112412, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mamoon A. Aldeyab
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK;
| | - Feras Jirjees
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (K.H.A.); (F.J.)
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Kalita N, Corr PG, Ward MC, Xavier J, McDonald PL. Identifying facilitators and barriers to culturally responsive communication for racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized patients when screened for COVID-19 vaccinations: A scoping review protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290514. [PMID: 37796975 PMCID: PMC10553356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized groups are considered historically excluded groups and have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The influence of social determinants of health (SDOH), including access to screening and treatment, and other systemic and structural factors are largely responsible for these disparities. Primary care practitioner (PCP) competence in culturally responsive screening practices will be critical to reducing the impact of systemic and structural factors serving as barriers to screening and treatment. Correspondingly, improving the capacity of PCPs to communicate with patients in a culturally responsive manner may influence improved screening and treatment outcomes for minoritized groups related to COVID-19. This scoping literature review aims to determine the current breadth of literature on culturally responsive communication (CRC) in regard to COVID-19 vaccination screening for historically excluded, or minoritized groups. Results from this review will inform the development of a training series and social marketing campaign to improve PCPs capacity in CRC. This manuscript provides details on our study protocol. OBJECTIVES This scoping literature review aims to analyze existing literature on culturally responsive COVID-19 vaccinations between PCPs and patients in the U.S., specifically for racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized groups. Results of this scoping review will inform the development of a training series and social marketing campaign to improve capacity of PCPs in this area. Additionally, the review will inform recommendations for future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS This scoping review will be performed following the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Relevant studies between the years 2019-2022 were identified using a rigorous search strategy across four databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane (CENTRAL; via Wiley), and CINAHL (via EBSCO), using Boolean and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search terms. Studies will be uploaded to the data extraction tool, Covidence, to remove duplicates and perform a title/abstract screening, followed by a full-text screening. RESULTS The data extraction and analysis phases of the scoping review are in progress. Data will be analyzed for themes related to culturally responsive COVID-19 screening practices in clinical encounters with the identified study populations. Results will be reported by theme and align to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the first study to use scoping methods to investigate the barriers and facilitators to CRC of COVID-19 vaccine screening for historically excluded communities in the U.S. The work and results from this research will be directly utilized for the development of nationally-accessible, continuing medical education materials to teach PCPs about CRC, as well as other materials to influence relevant policy changes within the healthcare landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Kalita
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Patrick G. Corr
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Maranda C. Ward
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Julia Xavier
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Paige L. McDonald
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., United States of America
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Franceschi J, Pareschi L, Bellodi E, Gavanelli M, Bresadola M. Modeling opinion polarization on social media: Application to Covid-19 vaccination hesitancy in Italy. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291993. [PMID: 37782677 PMCID: PMC10545118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic reminded us how vaccination can be a divisive topic on which the public conversation is permeated by misleading claims, and thoughts tend to polarize, especially on online social networks. In this work, motivated by recent natural language processing techniques to systematically extract and quantify opinions from text messages, we present a differential framework for bivariate opinion formation dynamics that is coupled with a compartmental model for fake news dissemination. Thanks to a mean-field analysis we demonstrate that the resulting Fokker-Planck system permits to reproduce bimodal distributions of opinions as observed in polarization dynamics. The model is then applied to sentiment analysis data from social media platforms in Italy, in order to analyze the evolution of opinions about Covid-19 vaccination. We show through numerical simulations that the model is capable to describe correctly the formation of the bimodal opinion structure observed in the vaccine-hesitant dataset, which is witness of the known polarization effects that happen within closed online communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorenzo Pareschi
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Bellodi
- Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Gavanelli
- Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Bresadola
- Department of Humanities, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Winters M, Christie S, Lepage C, Malik AA, Bokemper S, Abeyesekera S, Boye B, Moini M, Jamil Z, Tariq T, Beresh T, Kazymyrova G, Palamar L, Paintsil E, Faller A, Seusan A, Bonnevie E, Smyser J, Khan K, Gulaid M, Francis S, Warren JL, Thomson A, Omer SB. Persuasive COVID-19 vaccination campaigns on Facebook and nationwide vaccination coverage in Ukraine, India, and Pakistan. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002357. [PMID: 37756298 PMCID: PMC10529538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Social media platforms have a wide and influential reach, and as such provide an opportunity to increase vaccine uptake. To date, there is no large-scale, robust evidence on the offline effects of online messaging campaigns. We aimed to test whether pre-tested, persuasive messaging campaigns from UNICEF, disseminated on Facebook, influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Ukraine, India, and Pakistan. In Ukraine, we deployed a stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial (RCT). Half of the 24 oblasts (provinces) received five weeks of the intervention, the other half ten weeks of the intervention. In India, an RCT with an augmented synthetic control was conducted in five states (Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan), whereby 40 out of 174 districts were randomized to receive six weeks of intervention. In Pakistan we deployed a pre-post design, whereby 25 city districts received six weeks of the intervention. Weekly COVID-19 vaccination data was sourced through government databases. Using Poisson regression models, the association between the intervention and vaccine uptake was estimated. In Ukraine we conducted a survey among Facebook users at three time points during the RCT, to ascertain vaccination intentions and trust in vaccines. The campaigns reached more than 110 million Facebook users and garnered 2.9 million clicks. In Ukraine, we found that the intervention did not affect oblast-level vaccination coverage (Relative Risk (RR): 0.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.86-1.01). Similarly, in India and Pakistan we found no effect of our intervention (India: RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70-1.04; Pakistan: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.01-29.9). The survey among Facebook users in Ukraine showed that trust in vaccines and information sources was an important predictor of vaccination status and intention to get vaccinated. Our campaigns on Facebook had a wide reach, which did not translate in shifting behaviours. Timing and external events may have limited the effectiveness of our interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Winters
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sarah Christie
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Amyn A. Malik
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Scott Bokemper
- Institution for Social and Policy Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Center for the Study of American Politics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Brian Boye
- UNICEF Country Office India, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Zara Jamil
- UNICEF Country Office, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Taha Tariq
- UNICEF Country Office, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Elliott Paintsil
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Faller
- The Public Good Projects, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Andreea Seusan
- The Public Good Projects, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Erika Bonnevie
- The Public Good Projects, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Joe Smyser
- The Public Good Projects, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kadeem Khan
- Meta Platforms Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Gulaid
- Meta Platforms Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah Francis
- Team Upswell, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Saad B. Omer
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
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Osti T, Valz Gris A, Corona VF, Villani L, D'Ambrosio F, Lomazzi M, Favaretti C, Cascini F, Gualano MR, Ricciardi W. Public health leadership in the COVID-19 era: how does it fit? A scoping review. BMJ LEADER 2023:leader-2022-000653. [PMID: 37709494 DOI: 10.1136/leader-2022-000653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of pressure on all the world's health systems and public health leaders who have often found themselves unprepared to handle an emergency of this magnitude. This study aims to bring together published evidence on the qualities required to leaders to deal with a public health issue like the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A search of relevant articles was performed in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A total of 2499 records were screened, and 45 articles were included, from which 93 characteristics of effective leadership were extrapolated and grouped into 6 clusters. The qualities most frequently reported in the articles were human traits and emotional intelligence (46.7%) and communication skills such as transparency and reliability (48.9%). Responsiveness and preparedness (40%), management skills (33.3%) and team working (35.6%) are considered by a significant percentage of the articles as necessary for the construction of rapid and effective measures in response to the emergency. A considerable proportion of articles also highlighted the need for leaders capable of making evidence-based decisions and driving innovation (31.1%). Although identifying leaders who possess all the skills described in this study appears complex, determining the key characteristics of effective public health leadership in a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is useful not only in selecting future leaders but also in implementing training and education programmes for the public health workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Osti
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelica Valz Gris
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Flavio Corona
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Villani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana D'Ambrosio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Lomazzi
- World Federation of Public Health Association, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Favaretti
- Leadership Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Fidelia Cascini
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Gualano
- Leadership Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus - Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Leadership Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Campus di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Harris MJ, Murtfeldt R, Wang S, Mordecai EA, West JD. The role and influence of perceived experts in an anti-vaccine misinformation community. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.12.23292568. [PMID: 37546922 PMCID: PMC10398812 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.12.23292568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of perceived experts (i.e., medical professionals and biomedical scientists) as potential anti-vaccine influencers has not been characterized systematically. We describe the prevalence and importance of anti-vaccine perceived experts by constructing a coengagement network based on a Twitter data set containing over 4.2 million posts from April 2021. The coengagement network primarily broke into two large communities that differed in their stance toward COVID-19 vaccines, and misinformation was predominantly shared by the anti-vaccine community. Perceived experts had a sizable presence within the anti-vaccine community and shared academic sources at higher rates compared to others in that community. Perceived experts occupied important network positions as central anti-vaccine nodes and bridges between the anti- and pro-vaccine communities. Perceived experts received significantly more engagements than other individuals within the anti- and pro-vaccine communities and there was no significant difference in the influence boost for perceived experts between the two communities. Interventions designed to reduce the impact of perceived experts who spread anti-vaccine misinformation may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory J. Harris
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Center for an Informed Public, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Ryan Murtfeldt
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Shufan Wang
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Jevin D. West
- Center for an Informed Public, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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41
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Zohoori N, Barsotti T, Porter A, Brown C, Amick BC, Cima M, Gandy J, Markham M. COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Students in Public Institutions of Higher Education in Arkansas in 2021. Public Health Rep 2023:333549231192464. [PMID: 37610163 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231192464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disparities in COVID-19 vaccine coverage among college students are not well studied. We analyzed the extent of COVID-19 vaccination among all students at public institutions of higher education in Arkansas in spring and fall 2021 and examined factors associated with vaccination rates. METHODS We matched student enrollment data for the spring and fall 2021 semesters separately with immunization registry data to determine the COVID-19 vaccination status of students in each semester. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine variables associated with being fully vaccinated. RESULTS Overall, by the end of the fall 2021 semester, 49.1% of students were fully vaccinated, compared with 52.3% of students at the end of the spring 2021 semester. However, we observed important differences between student groups. Students who were in rural areas (vs urban areas), freshman (vs all other class years), at a 2-year college (vs 4-year college), non-Hispanic Black (vs Hispanic or non-Hispanic White), or in a nonhealth major (vs health major) were less likely to be fully vaccinated. CONCLUSION Given the disparities in COVID-19 vaccine coverage among college students, continued efforts are needed in this young, but important, population segment to address students' confidence in vaccines and to make vaccines more available and accessible on and near campuses. Novel approaches for tailored messaging and interventions to facilitate vaccine uptake may be needed for groups such as non-Hispanic Black students and students in rural areas who are less likely, compared with their counterparts, to accept COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namvar Zohoori
- Faye W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | - Austin Porter
- Faye W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Clare Brown
- Faye W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Benjamin C Amick
- Faye W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Winthrop J. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mike Cima
- Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jay Gandy
- Faye W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Northwest Regional Campus, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Maria Markham
- Division of Higher Education, Arkansas Department of Education, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Tan SY, Oka P, Tan NC. Intention to Vaccinate against COVID-19 in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1393. [PMID: 37631961 PMCID: PMC10458082 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in adolescents; these vaccines play a critical role in limiting the transmission and impact of COVID-19. This systematic review aims to summarize the willingness of adolescents aged 10 to 19 years to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and the factors influencing their decision. METHODS A search of literature published between January 2018 and August 2022 was performed in Medline©, EMBASE©. and CINAHL© electronic databases. Studies published in English that assessed adolescents' intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine were included. Qualitative studies and those unrelated to the COVID-19 vaccine were excluded. The study was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Of the 1074 articles retrieved, 13 were included in the final review. Most studies were conducted in the US (n = 3) and China (n = 3). The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adolescents was 63% (95% CI: 52-73%). Factors influencing intent to vaccinate were divided into five categories: "Socio-demographic determinants"; "Communication about COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination"; "COVID-19 vaccine and related issues"; "COVID-19 infection and related issues" and "Other determinants". The enablers were sociodemographic factors including older age, higher education level, good health perception, and parental norms in terms of parental vaccination acceptance; perceived vaccine effectiveness and safety; a desire to protect themselves and others; recent vaccination; and anxiety. The barriers were concerns over vaccine effectiveness, safety, and long-term side effects; low perceived necessity and risk of infection; and needle phobia. CONCLUSIONS This review highlighted that adolescents' intent to vaccinate is driven by a desire to protect themselves and others. However, concerns over vaccine effectiveness, safety, and long-term side effects hinder COVID-19 vaccine uptake. To improve vaccination acceptance, policymakers should address adolescents' concerns via more targeted public health messaging, while schools should leverage peer norms to positively influence vaccination intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyn Yi Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore 308232, Singapore;
| | - Prawira Oka
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One, Singapore 150167, Singapore;
- SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Ngiap Chuan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One, Singapore 150167, Singapore;
- SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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Schuh HB, Rimal RN, Breiman RF, Orton PZ, Dudley MZ, Kao LS, Sargent RH, Laurie S, Weakland LF, Lavery JV, Orenstein WA, Brewer J, Jamison AM, Shaw J, Josiah Willock R, Gust DA, Salmon DA. Evaluation of online videos to engage viewers and support decision-making for COVID-19 vaccination: how narratives and race/ethnicity enhance viewer experiences. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1192676. [PMID: 37670826 PMCID: PMC10475941 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1192676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine hesitancy has hampered the control of COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Methods We conducted a national internet-based, quasi-experimental study to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine informational videos. Participants received an informational animated video paired with the randomized assignment of (1) a credible source (differing race/ethnicity) and (2) sequencing of a personal narrative before or after the video addressing their primary vaccine concern. We examined viewing time and asked video evaluation questions to those who viewed the full video. Results Among 14,235 participants, 2,422 (17.0%) viewed the full video. Those who viewed a personal story first (concern video second) were 10 times more likely to view the full video (p < 0.01). Respondent-provider race/ethnicity congruence was associated with increased odds of viewing the full video (aOR: 1.89, p < 0.01). Most viewers rated the informational video(s) to be helpful, easy to understand, trustworthy, and likely to impact others' vaccine decisions, with differences by demographics and also vaccine intentions and concerns. Conclusion Using peer-delivered, personal narrative, and/or racially congruent credible sources to introduce and deliver vaccine safety information may improve the openness of vaccine message recipients to messages and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly B. Schuh
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rajiv N. Rimal
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert F. Breiman
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Matthew Z. Dudley
- Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | | | - Leo F. Weakland
- Center for Global Health Innovation, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - James V. Lavery
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Walter A. Orenstein
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Janesse Brewer
- Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amelia M. Jamison
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jana Shaw
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Robina Josiah Willock
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Deborah A. Gust
- Department of Psychology, Education Division, Gwinnett Technical College, Lawrenceville, GA, United States
| | - Daniel A. Salmon
- Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Cheng T, Han B, Liu Y. Exploring public sentiment and vaccination uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in England: a spatiotemporal and sociodemographic analysis of Twitter data. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1193750. [PMID: 37663835 PMCID: PMC10470640 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1193750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Vaccination is widely regarded as the paramount approach for safeguarding individuals against the repercussions of COVID-19. Nonetheless, concerns surrounding the efficacy and potential adverse effects of these vaccines have become prevalent among the public. To date, there has been a paucity of research investigating public perceptions and the adoption of COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, the present study endeavours to address this lacuna by undertaking a spatiotemporal analysis of sentiments towards vaccination and its uptake in England at the local authority level, while concurrently examining the sociodemographic attributes at the national level. Methods A sentiment analysis of Twitter data was undertaken to delineate the distribution of positive sentiments and their demographic correlates. Positive sentiments were categorized into clusters to streamline comparison across different age and gender demographics. The relationship between positive sentiment and vaccination uptake was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Additionally, a bivariate analysis was carried out to further probe public sentiment towards COVID-19 vaccines and their local adoption rates. Result The results indicated that the majority of positive tweets were posted by males, although females expressed higher levels of positive sentiment. The age group over 40 dominated the positive tweets and exhibited the highest sentiment polarity. Additionally, vaccination uptake was positively correlated with the number of positive tweets and the age group at the local authority level. Conclusion Overall, public opinions on COVID-19 vaccines are predominantly positive. The number of individuals receiving vaccinations at the local authority level is positively correlated with the prevalence of positive attitudes towards vaccines, particularly among the population aged over 40. These findings suggest that targeted efforts to increase vaccination uptake among younger populations, particularly males, are necessary to achieve widespread vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Cheng
- SpaceTimeLab, University College London, Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, London, United Kingdom
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45
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Andrade EL, Abroms LC, González AI, Favetto C, Gomez V, Díaz-Ramírez M, Palacios C, Edberg MC. Assessing Brigada Digital de Salud Audience Reach and Engagement: A Digital Community Health Worker Model to Address COVID-19 Misinformation in Spanish on Social Media. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1346. [PMID: 37631914 PMCID: PMC10457949 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
U.S. Spanish-speaking populations experienced gaps in timely COVID-19 information during the pandemic and disproportionate misinformation exposure. Brigada Digital de Salud was established to address these gaps with culturally tailored, Spanish-language COVID-19 information on social media. From 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2023, 495 Twitter, 275 Facebook, and 254 Instagram posts were published and amplified by 10 trained community health workers. A qualitative content analysis was performed to characterize the topics and formats of 251 posts. To assess reach and engagement, page analytics and advertising metrics for 287 posts were examined. Posts predominantly addressed vaccination (49.45%), infection risks (19.12%), and COVID-related scientific concepts (12.84%). Posts were educational (48.14%) and aimed to engage audiences (23.67%), promote resources (12.76%), and debunk misinformation (9.04%). Formats included images/text (55.40%), carousels (27.50%), and videos (17.10%). By 9 June 2023, 394 Facebook, 419 Instagram, and 228 Twitter followers included mainly women ages 24-54. Brigada Digital reached 386,910 people with 552,037 impressions and 96,868 engagements, including 11,292 likes, 15,240 comments/replies, 9718 shares/retweets, and 45,381 video play-throughs. The most engaging posts included videos with audio narration, healthcare providers, influencers, or music artists. This community-based model to engage Spanish-speaking audiences on social media with culturally aligned content to counter misinformation shows promise for addressing public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L. Andrade
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (L.C.A.); (A.I.G.); (C.F.); (V.G.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Lorien C. Abroms
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (L.C.A.); (A.I.G.); (C.F.); (V.G.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Anna I. González
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (L.C.A.); (A.I.G.); (C.F.); (V.G.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Carla Favetto
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (L.C.A.); (A.I.G.); (C.F.); (V.G.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Valeria Gomez
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (L.C.A.); (A.I.G.); (C.F.); (V.G.); (M.C.E.)
| | | | - César Palacios
- Proyecto Salud, 11002 Veirs Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902, USA;
| | - Mark C. Edberg
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (L.C.A.); (A.I.G.); (C.F.); (V.G.); (M.C.E.)
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Post S, Lynch CD, Costantine MM, Fox B, Wu J, Kiefer MK, Rood KM, Landon MB, Grobman WA, Venkatesh KK. Association between community-level political affiliation and peripartum vaccination. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101007. [PMID: 37156464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Political affiliation has been associated with vaccine uptake, but whether this association holds in pregnancy, when individuals are recommended to receive multiple vaccinations, remains to be studied. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between community-level political affiliation and vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; influenza; and COVID-19 in pregnant and postpartum individuals. STUDY DESIGN A survey was conducted about tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and influenza vaccinations in early 2021, with a follow-up survey of COVID-19 vaccination among the same individuals at a tertiary care academic medical center in the Midwest. Geocoded residential addresses were linked at the census tract to the Environmental Systems Research Institute 2021 Market Potential Index, which ranks a community in comparison to the US national average. The exposure for this analysis was community-level political affiliation, defined by the Market Potential Index as very conservative, somewhat conservative, centrist, somewhat liberal, and very liberal (reference). The outcomes were self-reported vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; influenza; and COVID-19 in the peripartum period. Modified Poisson regression was used and adjusted for age, employment, trimester at assessment, and medical comorbidities. RESULTS Of 438 assessed individuals, 37% lived in a community characterized by very liberal political affiliation, 11% as somewhat liberal, 18% as centrist, 12% as somewhat conservative, and 21% as very conservative. Overall, 72% and 58% of individuals reported receiving tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and influenza vaccinations, respectively. Of the 279 individuals who responded to the follow-up survey, 53% reported receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals living in a community characterized by very conservative political affiliation were less likely to report vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (64% vs 72%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.99); influenza (49% vs 58%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-1.00); and COVID-19 (35% vs 53%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.96) than those in a community characterized by very liberal political affiliation. Individuals living in a community characterized by centrist political affiliation were less likely to report vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (63% vs 72%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.99) and influenza (44% vs 58%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.92) than those in a community characterized by very liberal political affiliation. CONCLUSION Compared with pregnant and postpartum individuals living in communities characterized by very liberal political beliefs, those living in communities characterized by very conservative political beliefs were less likely to report vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; influenza; and COVID-19, and those in communities characterized by centrist political beliefs were less likely to report vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and influenza. Increasing vaccine uptake in the peripartum period may need to consider engaging an individual's broader sociopolitical milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Post
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Courtney D Lynch
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Maged M Costantine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Brandon Fox
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Jiqiang Wu
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Miranda K Kiefer
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Kara M Rood
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Mark B Landon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - William A Grobman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Kartik K Venkatesh
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH.
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Pelletier C, Labbé F, Bettinger JA, Curran J, Graham JE, Greyson D, MacDonald NE, Meyer SB, Steenbeek A, Xu W, Dubé È. From high hopes to disenchantment: A qualitative analysis of editorial cartoons on COVID-19 vaccines in Canadian newspapers. Vaccine 2023; 41:4384-4391. [PMID: 37302965 PMCID: PMC10242155 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In Canada, the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved for use in December 2020, marking the beginning of a large vaccination campaign. The campaign was not only unprecedented in terms of reach, but also with regards to the amount of information about vaccines that circulated in traditional and social media. This study's aim was to describe COVID-19 vaccine related discourses in Canada through an analysis of editorial cartoons. We collected 2172 cartoons about COVID-19 published between January 2020 and August 2022 in Canadian newspapers. These cartoons were downloaded and a first thematic analysis was conducted using the WHO-EPIWIN taxonomy (cause, illness, treatment, interventions, and information). From this, 389 cartoons related to COVID-19 vaccines were identified under the treatment category. These were subjected to a second thematic analysis to assess main themes (e.g., vaccine development, campaign progress, etc.), characters featured (e.g., politicians, public figures, public) and position with respect to vaccine (favorable, unfavorable, neutral). Six main themes emerged: Research and development of vaccines; Management of the vaccination campaign; Perceptions of and experiences with vaccination services; Measures and incentives to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake; Criticism of the unvaccinated; and Effectiveness of vaccination. Our analysis revealed a shift in attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination from high hopes to disenchantment, which may reflect some vaccine fatigue. In the future, public health authorities could face some challenges in maintaining confidence and high COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Pelletier
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2400 avenue d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1E 6W2, Canada
| | - Fabienne Labbé
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 2400 avenue d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1E 7G9, Canada
| | - Julie A Bettinger
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28(th) Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Janet Curran
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, 5869 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Janice E Graham
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, 5849 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4H7, Canada
| | - Devon Greyson
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28(th) Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Noni E MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Samantha B Meyer
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Audrey Steenbeek
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, 5869 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Weiai Xu
- Department of Communication, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N308 Integrative Learning Center, 650 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ève Dubé
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2400 avenue d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1E 6W2, Canada; Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 2400 avenue d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1E 7G9, Canada; Département d'anthropologie, Université Laval, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck, bureau 3433, 1030 avenue des Sciences Humaines, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Berkowitz HE, Vann JCJ. Strategies to Address COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy Myths. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2023; 48:215-223. [PMID: 36943837 PMCID: PMC10296984 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses risks to pregnant women and their infants. The spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccination is a barrier to optimizing vaccination rates among women of childbearing age. We conducted an environmental scan to identify misinformation about COVID-19 vaccination, pregnancy, and fertility, and a review to identify evidence to refute misinformation and strategies to correct and prevent the spread of misinformation. Seven identified themes of misinformation are: the vaccine causes female infertility; can cause miscarriage; and can decrease male fertility; mRNA vaccines attack the placenta; pregnant and breastfeeding persons should not get the vaccine; the vaccine can change menstrual cycles; and vaccinated people can spread infertility symptoms to unvaccinated people. Strategies that can be implemented by social media platforms to help prevent misinformation spread and correct existing health misinformation include improving information regulation by modifying community standards, implementing surveillance algorithms, and applying warning labels to potentially misleading posts. Health services organizations and clinicians can implement health misinformation policies, directly recommend vaccinations, provide credible explanations and resources to debunk misinformation, educate patients and populations on spotting misinformation, and apply effective communication strategies. More research is needed to assess longer-term effects of vaccination among women of childbearing age to strengthen the defense against misinformation and to evaluate strategies that aim to prevent and correct misinformation spread about COVID-19 vaccinations.
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Grosso FM, Baldassarre ME, Grosso R, Di Mauro F, Greco C, Greco S, Laforgia N, Di Mauro A. Do social media interventions increase vaccine uptake? Front Public Health 2023; 11:1077953. [PMID: 37457259 PMCID: PMC10340521 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1077953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Italian mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign has included children aged 5-11 years as part of the target population since December 2021. One of the biggest challenges to vaccine uptake was vaccine hesitancy among parents and children's caregivers. Primary care pediatricians (PCPs), as the first point of contact between the National Health Service (NHS) and parents/caretakers, initiated various communication strategies to tackle this hesitancy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a PCP-led social media intervention and a digital reminder service (DRS) on parental hesitancy regarding vaccinating their 5-11-year-old children against COVID-19. Methods A prospective cohort study was designed, and the chosen target populations were parents and caretakers of children aged 5-11 years. Two PCP cohorts were recruited. The first group received a social media intervention and a DRS; while the second group did not. Both cohorts had access to traditional face-to-face and telephone-based counseling. The vaccination coverage rate in the two groups was evaluated. Results A total of 600 children were enrolled. The exposed cohort (277 patients) received social media intervention, DRS, and counseling options (face-to-face and telephone-based), whereas the non-exposed cohort (323 patients) received only counseling options. In total, 89 patients from the exposed cohort did not receive any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (32.5%), 165 were fully immunized (59.5%), and 23 received only one dose (8.5%). A total of 150 non-exposed patients did not receive any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (47%), 147 were fully immunized (45.5%), and 24 only received one dose (7.4%). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (chi square = 11.5016; p = 0.0006). Conclusion Social media and DRS interventions had a positive impact on vaccine uptake and may be helpful in tackling vaccine hesitancy. Better-designed studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Maria Grosso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Postgraduate School of Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Grosso
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Di Mauro
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Greco
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine (Public Health), Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Greco
- Department of Pediatrics, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Mauro
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Margherita di Savoia, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Italy
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McGuinness SL, Eades O, Seale H, Cheng AC, Leder K. Pre-travel vaccine information needs, attitudes, drivers of uptake and the role for decision aids in travel medicine. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad056. [PMID: 37074157 PMCID: PMC10289516 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many travellers do not receive vaccines pre-travel. Tools such as vaccine decision aids could support informed vaccine decision-making. We aimed to characterise Australians' pre-travel vaccine attitudes, behaviours and information needs and examine the role for decision aids in travel medicine. METHODS Online cross-sectional survey of Australian adults in December 2022. We included questions on demographics, pre-travel health-seeking behaviour, and information needs. We measured vaccine confidence (Vaccine Confidence Index Index) and used hypothetical disease scenarios to evaluate behavioural and social drivers of vaccination. We used multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of vaccine uptake and thematically analysed free-text responses. RESULTS We received complete survey responses from 1223/1326 Australians (92% response rate). Amongst those reporting previous overseas travel, 67% (778/1161) reported past pre-travel health encounter(s) and 64% (743/1161) reported past pre-travel vaccination. Half (50%) strongly agreed that vaccines were important for their health; fewer strongly agreed that vaccines were safe (37%) and effective (38%). In multivariable analyses, past pre-travel vaccine uptake was associated with increasing age (OR = 1.17 [95% CI 1.08-1.27] p < 0.001 per ten-year increase) and travel to higher-risk destinations (OR = 2.92 [2.17-3.93] p < 0.001); travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) were less likely to have received pre-travel vaccines (OR = 0.74 [0.56-0.97] p = 0.028). Predictors for wanting vaccination against hypothetical diseases included past pre-travel vaccination (Disease X: OR 2.60 [1.91-3.56] p < 0.001) and confidence in vaccine safety (Disease X: OR 7.18 [5.07-10.18], p < 0.001); past VFR travel was predictive of not wanting vaccination (Disease X: OR 0.72 [0.52-1.00], p = 0.049). Most (63%) were interested in using a vaccine decision aid, generally together with a trusted health professional. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals play an important role in supporting pre-travel vaccine decision-making. However, our findings indicate that reliable, accurate and engaging digital resources, such as decision aids, could support travellers to make informed pre-travel vaccine decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L McGuinness
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Owen Eades
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Holly Seale
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Allen C Cheng
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Monash Infectious Diseases Service, Monash Health and School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia
| | - Karin Leder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Australia
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