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Umakanthan S, Patil S, Subramaniam N, Sharma R. RETRACTED: Umakanthan et al. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Resistance in India Explored through a Population-Based Longitudinal Survey. Vaccines 2021, 9, 1064. Vaccines (Basel) 2025; 13:499. [PMID: 40337927 PMCID: PMC12060209 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines13050499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2025] [Accepted: 04/28/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025] Open
Abstract
The journal retracts the article, titled "COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Resistance in India Explored through a Population-Based Longitudinal Survey" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth Umakanthan
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Sonal Patil
- Department of Community Medicine, RRN Hospital and Research Center, Madurai 625501, Tamil Nadu, India; (S.P.); (N.S.)
| | - Naveen Subramaniam
- Department of Community Medicine, RRN Hospital and Research Center, Madurai 625501, Tamil Nadu, India; (S.P.); (N.S.)
| | - Ria Sharma
- Medical Resident, RRN Hospital and Research Center, Madurai 625501, Tamil Nadu, India;
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Spierings S, Oguoma VM, Shakeshaft A, Walker J, Toombs M, Ward JS. Knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and attitudes to and behaviours regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccination: a survey. Med J Aust 2025; 222:30-37. [PMID: 39655627 PMCID: PMC11725265 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52551] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, and their attitudes to and behaviours regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. STUDY DESIGN Web-based survey. SETTING Australia (excluding the Northern Territory), 1 October 2021 to 31 May 2022. PARTICIPANTS Convenience sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 years or older living in Australia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportions of respondents who reported knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, and attitudes to and behaviours regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. RESULTS A total of 530 people provided valid survey responses; their median age was 27 years (interquartile range, 23-38 years), 255 (48%) were from urban areas, and 309 (58%) were men. Of the 480 participants (91%) who provided complete survey questions (including sex and location information), larger proportion of men than women believed COVID-19 vaccines were very or extremely trustworthy (219, 79% v 124, 61%) and very or extremely effective (212, 76% v 138, 68%). The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination was lower among respondents aged 60 years or older than among those aged 16-29 years (adjusted prevalence ration [PR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.99). After adjusting for socio-demographic factors, the association between intention to receive the influenza vaccine and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was statistically significant (adjusted PR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09-1.27). CONCLUSION The high levels of trust in COVID-19 vaccines and their effectiveness indicate that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are confident about their safety and efficacy and understand the importance of vaccination. The findings also highlight a positive attitude to vaccination and a commitment to preventive health measures among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shea Spierings
- Poche Centre for Indigenous HealthUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futuresthe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
| | - Victor M Oguoma
- Poche Centre for Indigenous HealthUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
| | | | | | | | - James S Ward
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futuresthe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
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Weng SH, Yen YF, Cheng FS, Chou YC, Hu HY. Factors associated with willingness to receive coronavirus disease vaccination during the pandemic: A nationwide survey in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2025; 124:22-27. [PMID: 38740535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.05.006] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Vaccination is the most important preventive measure to protect people from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Governments worldwide have prioritized their vaccination policy against COVID-19. However, there is a lack of relevant research on Taiwanese attitudes and considerations toward COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the cognition, preventive behaviors, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines that influence people's willingness to get vaccinated in Taiwan. METHODS From October 1 to 31, 2021, a computer-assisted telephone interview system was used to randomly select Taiwanese people to investigate their COVID-19 preventive behaviors, knowledge, and willingness to be vaccinated. RESULTS We included 2000 participants of whom 96.45% showed vaccination willingness. The overall mean age and knowledge scores were 48.6 years and 5.78, respectively. All of the participants chose to wear masks, and 80% chose to be vaccinated to prevent COVID-19. Compared with the non-willing vaccination participants, those with younger ages, higher incomes, and higher knowledge scores regarding masks and vaccination were more likely to be vaccinated. Furthermore, apprehensions about vaccine side effects and negative news about COVID-19 vaccines were the major reasons for vaccination hesitancy. CONCLUSION To improve people's willingness to get vaccinated, the government should strive to deliver correct knowledge and refute inappropriate negative information about COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, recommendation by physicians was an important factor for older individuals to decide on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and policies could be implemented from this aspect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Han Weng
- Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yung-Feng Yen
- Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan; Section of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, Yangming Branch, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Feng-Shiang Cheng
- Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chang Chou
- Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Yun Hu
- Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Enghida RT, Hidru TH. Knowledge, attitude, and perception on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: cross-sectional study among Eritrean refugees in Kampala. Pan Afr Med J 2024; 49:103. [PMID: 40093344 PMCID: PMC11907718 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.49.103.44553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 11/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction the impact of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on public health has been significant and wide-ranging. It has led to widespread illness, strain on healthcare systems, and various public health measures to control its spread. Several pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and scientists have been racing against the clock to develop a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 in a short period. Despite the efforts by governments, organizations, and public health experts to reach the target population, vaccine hesitancy among the communities remains a major impediment to mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. A strategy to address the factors that contribute to low vaccine utilization must be in place for a vaccination program to achieve herd immunity. Methods a cross-sectional descriptive survey of 383 study participants was conducted between February 26th and March 24th, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to enroll the study. For subjects, data was collected by trained research assistants who speak Eritrea's native language (Tigrigna) using a pretested structured questionnaire. The factors associated with the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine were identified using a binary logistic regression model at P-values less than 0.05. Results according to the findings of this study, 65.8% of Eritrean refugees in Kampala were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. The study discovered that marital status, knowledge of COVID-19, positive attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine, and belief in conspiracy theories are the independent factors that are associated with vaccine acceptance behavior among refugees. Conclusion there was a low likelihood of accepting the COVID-19 vaccine in this study. Thus, stakeholders must work together to educate the public about the COVID-19 vaccine. The health authority must inform the public about the vaccine's benefits while also addressing the vaccine's side effects and safety concerns.
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Ranđelović S, Tanasković S. Socioeconomic determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 24:537-553. [PMID: 38607573 DOI: 10.1007/s10754-024-09373-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to evaluate the relative importance of the set of socioeconomic characteristics of population on collective decision on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. We apply cross-section OLS methods to the municipal-level non-survey data for 145 municipalities in Serbia, on the COVID-19 vaccination rate and socioeconomic characteristics of the population, to evaluate the determinants of cross-municipal variation in vaccine uptake decision. Using the estimated coefficients from the OLS regressions, we apply the standardized beta method to evaluate the relative importance of each factor. Vaccine acceptance in municipalities rises with the average level of education (especially in the female population), age and employment, while being negatively linked to religiosity of people and the proportion of rural population. We also find some evidence on the positive impact of the overall trust in government. Education level has the single largest impact, shaping around 37% of (explained) variation in the vaccination rate across municipalities, a rise in the proportion of people with higher degree by 1% being associated with increase in vaccination rate by 0.36%. Age of population explains 21%, urban-rural structure 13% and religiosity 11% of variation in vaccine acceptance, while employment status and trust in government each explain around 9% of variation in vaccine uptake across municipalities. Effective vaccination promotion strategy should be focused on younger, less-educated, unemployed cohorts, as well as on rural areas and should involve representatives of mainstream religions. Fostering education and strengthening trust in government are some of the key structural factors that may promote efficient collective behaviour in this respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Ranđelović
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade, Kamenička 6, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Svetozar Tanasković
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade, Kamenička 6, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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Bahreini R, Sardareh M, Arab-Zozani M. A scoping review of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: refusal rate, associated factors, and strategies to reduce. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1382849. [PMID: 39473604 PMCID: PMC11518786 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1382849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 11/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the evidence regarding vaccine hesitancy including refusal rate, associated factors, and potential strategies to reduce it. Methods This is a scoping review. Three main databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 1 January 2020 to 1 January 2023. All original studies in the English language that investigated one of our domains (vaccine hesitancy rate, factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, and the ways/interventions to overcome or decrease vaccine hesitancy) among the general population were included in this study. The data were charted using tables and figures. In addition, a content analysis was conducted using the 3C model of vaccine hesitancy (Confidence, Complacency, and Convenience) that was previously introduced by the WHO. Results Finally, 184 studies were included in this review. Of these, 165, 181, and 124 studies reported the vaccine hesitancy rate, associated factors, and interventions to reduce or overcome vaccine hesitancy, respectively. Factors affecting the hesitancy rate were categorized into 4 themes and 18 sub-themes (contextual factors, confidence barriers, complacency barriers, and convenience barriers). Conclusion Vaccine hesitancy (VH) rate and the factors affecting it are different according to different populations, contexts, and data collection tools that need to be investigated in specific populations and contexts. The need to conduct studies at the national and international levels regarding the reasons for vaccine refusal, the factors affecting it, and ways to deal with it still remains. Designing a comprehensive tool will facilitate comparisons between different populations and different locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Bahreini
- Iranian Center of Excellence in Health Management (IceHM), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehran Sardareh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Arab-Zozani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Duong AH. Parents' Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children Aged From 6 Months to Under 5 Years With COVID-19 Vaccines. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024; 64:99228241281126. [PMID: 39342435 PMCID: PMC11982586 DOI: 10.1177/00099228241281126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Despite strides in vaccinating priority groups against COVID-19, children under 5 years in Vietnam are still under-immunized, emphasizing a significant gap in prioritization. This study aimed to assess parental willingness to vaccinate children aged 6 months to under 5 years against COVID-19 in Vietnam and identify influential factors affecting this willingness. Data were collected via a survey of 5960 parents/guardians between May and June 2022. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to analyze the impact of various factors on parents' willingness to vaccinate their children, alongside investigating reasons for reluctance or refusal and preferences for vaccine origins. Approximately 50.5%, 30.2%, and 19.3% of parents were willing, hesitant, and unwilling to vaccinate their children, respectively. Primary reasons for reluctance included concerns about vaccine safety, efficacy, and the severity of the pandemic. The most preferred vaccines originated in the United States. Factors significantly influencing willingness included parents' age, knowledge of COVID-19 and vaccines, residency, education, perception of information sufficiency, children's comorbidities, and family members' vaccination status. Promoting child vaccination habits can boost COVID-19 immunization rates. Targeting hesitancy among parents of children with comorbidities is crucial. Enhancing parental knowledge and leveraging fully vaccinated family members are effective strategies.
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Christou-Ergos M, Bleicher K, Leask J. Factors associated with vaccination intention and uptake over time in a sample of older Australians. Vaccine 2024; 42:3601-3606. [PMID: 38704261 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.069] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
This study sought to identify the behavioural and social drivers of vaccination in 16,745 older Australians. We analysed and compared influences on COVID-19 vaccination intention and uptake using prospectively collected survey data from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study. Vaccination intention increased with older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:1.03; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.04; p = .002), a belief that the vaccine is important for the person's own health (aOR: 5.17; 95 % CI: 4.23-6.24; p < .001), is safe (aOR:2.64; 95 % CI: 2.19-3.2; p < .001), and trusted by the person (aOR:6.79; 95 % CI: 5.59-8.26 p < .001); concern about contracting COVID-19 (aOR:1.78; 95 % CI: 1.47-2.17; p < .001); having enough information about COVID-19 vaccines (aOR:1.99; 95 % CI: 1.65-2.29; p < .001); a belief that most adults will receive a COVID-19 vaccine (aOR:2.31; 95 % CI: 1.93-2.77; p < .001); and a belief that family and friends wanted the person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (aOR:6.07; 95 % CI: 5.06-7.27; p < .001). The same factors contributed to increased vaccine uptake, with the exception of age and the belief that the person had enough information about the vaccine. Concern that the vaccine will cause a serious reaction was associated with both lower intention (aOR:0.35; 95 % CI: 0.29-0.43; p < .001) and lower uptake (aOR:0.61; 95 % CI: 0.46-0.81; p < .001) while lower intention was also associated with low decisional autonomy (aOR:0.37; 95 % CI: 0.22-0.62; p < .001). Intentions changed over time and a change towards vaccination was associated with perceptions of vaccine safety. Access barriers played a role in the non-vaccination of otherwise intending older Australians. Messaging that is adaptive to safety concerns, emphasises vaccine benefits, leverages social norms, and targets people who make decisions for older Australians may be helpful for influencing vaccination intentions and increasing vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Christou-Ergos
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Julie Leask
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Ean M, Tripura R, Sothea P, Savoeun U, Peto TJ, Bunthynn S, Callery JJ, Soviet U, Dysoley L, Yeong Cheah P, Adhikari B. A youth advisory group on health and health research in rural Cambodia. Glob Bioeth 2024; 35:2361968. [PMID: 38859929 PMCID: PMC11164040 DOI: 10.1080/11287462.2024.2361968] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Engaging young people in health research has been promoted globally. We explored the outcomes of youth advisory group on health and research engagement (YAGHRE) in rural Cambodia. In May 2021, the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) partnered with a local health centre and a secondary school to establish a youth engagement group. Ten students underwent training and led health engagement activities in schools and communities. Activities were documented as field notes and audio-visual materials which underwent content analysis using theory of change supplemented by iterative discussions with YAGHRE members and stakeholders. Five major outcomes were identified: 1. Increased respect. Engagement activities developed based on input from students and stakeholders may have fostered greater respect. 2. Built trust and relationships. Frequent visits to MORU's laboratory and interactions with researchers appeared to contribute to the building of trust and relationship. 3. Improved health and research literacy. Learning new health and research topics, through participatory activities may have improved literacy; 4. Improved uptake of health and research interventions. Health promotional activities and communication with research participants potentially increased the uptake of interventions; 5. Improved community health. YAGHRE's health promotional interventions may have contributed in enhancing community's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mom Ean
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Phann Sothea
- Techo Siem Pang High School, Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sport, Siem Pang, Stung Treng, Cambodia
| | - Uch Savoeun
- Siem Pang Health Centre, Provincial Health Department, Siem Pang, Stung Treng, Cambodia
| | - Thomas J. Peto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sam Bunthynn
- District Governor Office, Siem Pang District Administration, Siem Pang, Stung Treng, Cambodia
| | - James J. Callery
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ung Soviet
- Provincial Health Department, Stung Treng, Cambodia
- CNM National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Lek Dysoley
- Provincial Health Department, Stung Treng, Cambodia
- CNM National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- School of Public Health, National Institute of Public Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Williams CT, Saini B, Zaidi STR, Kali C, Moujalli G, Castelino R. Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence and Uptake in Australian Adults. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:627. [PMID: 38932356 PMCID: PMC11209045 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060627] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In January 2021, Australia initiated a national COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy but faced setbacks, leading to negative press and media controversy, which may have diminished vaccine confidence. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing vaccine confidence in Australian adults (≥18 years of age) following the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine. Conducted at Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, a cross-sectional survey with 1053 respondents gauged vaccine confidence and influencing factors. The results showed overall high confidence (mean score 33/40). Trusted sources included the Australian Department of Health (77.8%), NSW Health (76.7%), and general practitioners (53.7%), while social media was distrusted (5.9%). The motivations for vaccination varied: university-educated individuals prioritised personal health (X2 = 17.81; p < 0.001), while religious and/or older respondents (≥50 years of age) emphasised community (X2 = 11.69; p < 0.001) and family protection (X2 = 17.314; p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed use of the Australian Department of Health website as a trusted source of COVID-19 information as the strongest predictor of high confidence (>30; OR 1.43; p = 0.041), while exposure to fake news decreased confidence (OR 0.71; p = 0.025). The study underscores the importance of reliable health information sources in bolstering vaccine confidence and highlights the detrimental effects of misinformation. Promoting awareness of trustworthy health channels is crucial to combat vaccine hesitancy in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bandana Saini
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Syed Tabish R. Zaidi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia
| | - Christina Kali
- Pharmacy Department, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
| | - Grace Moujalli
- Pharmacy Department, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
| | - Ronald Castelino
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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Oliveira MDS, Carvalho RF, Meurer CM, Rodrigues ÉM, Dias BP, Santos IGCD, Nascimento CA, Rodrigues YM, Santos AJFD, Almeida KDS, de Souza UJB, Campos FS, Ribeiro J, Soares CMDA, Ribeiro Júnior JC. Prevalence, under-reporting, and epidemiological surveillance of COVID-19 in the Araguaína City of Brazil. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300191. [PMID: 38838042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300191] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Asymptomatic and underreported individuals remain a source of coronafig disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission to others. Data on the prevalence and epidemiological factors influencing transmission are fundamental for establishing control measures, especially in vulnerable regions such as the Amazon. This study aimed to determine the point prevalence and active infection of COVID-19 among the population in Araguaína, a Brazilian city located in the Amazon region, analyzed the socioeconomic and behavioral variables of a statistically representative sample of this population using an epidemiological survey, and identify the viral genomic diversity in the region. During the sixth epidemiological week of 2021 (February 8 to 12), samples of 497 inhabitants of the municipality asymptomatic for respiratory syndromes underwent reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and serological tests (immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G). A questionnaire collated data on socioeconomic factors, prevention measures, and health status history. The active infection rate was 6.2%, and the prevalence was 13.5% of the study population. Active infection cases were under-reported; each reported positive case represented 14-28 under-reported cases. Lineages P.2, P.1, and B.1.1 were detected. Working from home was a protective factor against the infection, and clinical signs of fever, dry cough, and loss of taste or smell were associated with testing positive (p <0.05). A descriptive analysis of the indicators revealed that the entire population was susceptible to the disease. Intensified vaccination strategies are required regardless of socioeconomic factors, health conditions, and preventive measures. Implementation of objective, comprehensive, and efficient management tools to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in this municipality can serve as a model for other regions of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monike da Silva Oliveira
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of North Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil
| | | | - Carolina Merlin Meurer
- Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of North Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Ézio Machado Rodrigues
- Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of North Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Bianca Pereira Dias
- Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of North Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil
| | | | | | - Yron Moreira Rodrigues
- Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of North Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Fabrício Souza Campos
- Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Federal University of Tocantins, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
- Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Juliane Ribeiro
- Molecular Biology and Animal Virology Laboratory, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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Spalvins NC, Leon T, Bailey PE. Influence of Age and Message Frame on COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness Early in the Pandemic. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:716-722. [PMID: 38247320 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231225341] [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: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study examined whether age would moderate the association between a brief message frame intervention and COVID-19 vaccine willingness. Methods: Data were collected in Australia between 25 June and 5 July 2021. Participants (N = 187) aged 18-85 years had not yet received a dose of COVID-19 vaccine. After random assignment to a gain- or loss-framed message, participants reported COVID-19 vaccine willingness, general anti-vaccine attitudes, approach and avoidance motivation, and COVID-19 illness risk perception. Results: Message frame did not influence COVID-19 vaccine willingness. However, greater COVID-19 illness risk perception and older age increased the odds of Pfizer vaccine willingness, while lower avoidance motivation increased the odds of AstraZeneca vaccine willingness. Greater anti-vaccine ideology decreased the odds of willingness to receive either of the COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusions: A brief message frame intervention did not influence COVID-19 vaccine willingness across the adult lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita C Spalvins
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia
| | - Tarren Leon
- University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia
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Wassihun Y, Berhe TT, Melesse A, Wolde M, Sharma R, Mon HS, Simireta T, Addisu H. Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among healthcare workers in selected health facilities of the Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021. BMJ PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 2:e000642. [PMID: 40018112 PMCID: PMC11812828 DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2023-000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2025]
Abstract
Background The global COVID-19 pandemic poses substantial health challenges. Vaccination is key in preventing COVID-19, particularly among healthcare workers (HCWs), essential in curbing the pandemic. Despite global data on HCWs' vaccine uptake, information about vaccination among HCWs in the Somali Region, Ethiopia, is scarce. Objective This study aimed to assess COVID-19 uptake and determinant factors for HCWs in the Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 October 2021 to 30 October 2021, involving 440 systematically selected participants. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, cleaned, coded and entered into Epi Info software (V.3.5.1; CDC). Subsequently, the data were exported to Stata software (V14.1) for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to report frequency, percentage, mean and SD. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the relationship between independent and dependent variables. In the final model, statistical significance was determined with a 95% CI and a p<0.05. Result A total of 427 HCWs were involved in this study. About 192 (45%) of the participants had a history of test for COVID-19 and 64 (15%) were tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Three hundred and three (76%) at 95% CI (70.3% to 80.6%) of HCWs got at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Other professions such as paramedics, environmental health and pharmacist were less likely to get COVID-19 vaccine than nurses (adjusted OR, AOR 0.2; 95% CI (0.06 to 0.53)). Participants who were concerned about the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine were less likely to receive it than individuals who were not concerned (AOR 0.01; 95% CI (0.002 to 0.052)). Conclusion The vaccination uptake among HCWs in the region was relatively low, with the type of profession and concerns about vaccine availability being significant factors affecting the uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Wassihun
- Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences Department, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
- Behavioral Sciences Department, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Trhas Tadesse Berhe
- Public Health Department, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Health Education and Promotion Professionals Association, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Maereg Wolde
- Behavioral Sciences Department, Health Promotion, Gondar Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Rachana Sharma
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hnin Su Mon
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Urazayeva ST, Kurmangaliyeva SS, Kaliyev AA, Tussupkaliyeva KS, Issimov A, Urazayeva AB, Tashimova ZK, Mussin NM, Begalin T, Amanshiyeva AA, Nurmaganbetova GZ, Nurmukhamedova SM, Balmagambetova S. Attitude toward vaccination against COVID-19 and acceptance of the national "QazVac" vaccine in the Aktobe city population, West Kazakhstan: A cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303854. [PMID: 38753835 PMCID: PMC11098484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The scale of emergency caused by COVID-19, the ease of survey, and the crowdsourcing deployment guaranteed by the latest technology have allowed unprecedented access to data describing behavioral changes induced by the pandemic. The study aimed to present the survey results identifying attitudes toward vaccination against COVID-19 among the population of West Kazakhstan, the level of confidence in the national QazVac vaccine, and the role of different sources of information on COVID-19 in decision-making concerning vaccination. A computer-assisted survey was conducted using WhatsApp messenger. Overall, 2,009 participants responded, with a response rate of 92%. Most (83.1%) were immunized against COVID-19; among them, 20.1% obeyed the request of their employers that had been practiced within non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain the disease. The youngest respondents, individuals with a college education, students, and employed people, as well as those with chronic diseases, showed positive attitudes toward vaccination (all p<0.05). About two-thirds of respondents (69.2%) expressed trust in all types of vaccines against COVID-19. Of those who refused vaccination (16.9%), about one-third feared vaccination consequences, and more than a third (38.2%) reported anti-vaccine sentiments. The decisive factors in accepting vaccination were trust in official sources of information (reports of medical experts, etc.) and, mainly, subjectively interpreted sufficiency of information about the disease, which had increased the odds of being vaccinated by 63.9% (OR 1.71, 95% CI [1.3;2.26], p<0.05). Confidence in the domestic QazVac vaccine was expressed by 37.7% of respondents. History and severity of COVID-19 disease did not play a role in positive perceptions of vaccination, while illness after vaccination substantially affected vaccination approval (p 0.021). No significant differences have been observed regarding the overall performance across five vaccines (QazVac, Sputnik V, CoronaVac, Hayat-Vax, and BioNTech/Pfizer) available for Kazakhstan's population (p 0.27).
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Affiliation(s)
- Saltanat T. Urazayeva
- Department of Epidemiology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Saulesh S. Kurmangaliyeva
- Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Asset A. Kaliyev
- Department of General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Arman Issimov
- Department of Biology, K.Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Aisha B. Urazayeva
- Department of Epidemiology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhuldyz K. Tashimova
- Department of Epidemiology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Nadiar M. Mussin
- Department of General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Toleukhan Begalin
- Department of Epidemiology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Aimeken A. Amanshiyeva
- Department of Epidemiology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Shara M. Nurmukhamedova
- Department of Epidemiology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Saule Balmagambetova
- Department of Oncology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
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15
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Aggarwal S, Singh L, Alam U, Sharma S, Saroj SK, Zaman K, Usman M, Kant R, Chaturvedi HK. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adults in India: A primary study based on health behavior theories and 5C psychological antecedents model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294480. [PMID: 38722922 PMCID: PMC11081298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant success of India's COVID-19 vaccination program, a sizeable proportion of the adult population remains unvaccinated or has received a single dose of the vaccine. Despite the recommendations of the Government of India for the two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the precautionary booster dose, many people were still hesitant towards the COVID-19 full vaccination. Hence, this study aimed to identify the primary behavioral and psychological factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Cross-sectional data was collected via a multi-stage sampling design by using a scheduled sample survey in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India, between 15 July 2022 to 30 September 2022. This study has utilized three health behavior models-the Health Belief Model (HBM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the 5C Psychological Antecedents of vaccination, and employed bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model to assess the level of vaccine hesitancy and predictive health behavior of the respondents. Results indicate that among the constructs of the HBM and 5C Antecedents models, "perceived benefits", "confidence" and "collective responsibility" showed a lesser likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. However, in the TPB model constructs, a 'negative attitude towards the vaccine' showed a four times higher likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. From the future policy perspective, this study suggested that addressing the issue of 'negative attitudes towards the vaccine' and increasing the trust or confidence for the vaccine through increasing awareness about the benefits of the vaccination in India may reduce vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Aggarwal
- Indian Council of Medical Research- Headquarters (ICMR-Hqrs), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Lucky Singh
- ICMR- National Institute of Medical Statistics (ICMR-NIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Umaer Alam
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saurabh Sharma
- ICMR- National Institute of Medical Statistics (ICMR-NIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashi Kala Saroj
- ICMR- National Institute of Medical Statistics (ICMR-NIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Kamran Zaman
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM), Belagavi Karnataka, India
| | - Mohd Usman
- ICMR- National Institute of Medical Statistics (ICMR-NIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajni Kant
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
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16
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Jessup RL, Slade S, Roussy V, Whicker S, Pelly J, Rane V, Lewis V, Naccarella L, Lee M, Campbell D, Stockman K, Brooks P. Peer Health Navigators to improve equity and access to health care in Australia: Can we build on successes from the COVID-19 pandemic? Aust N Z J Public Health 2024; 48:100128. [PMID: 38442568 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Jessup
- Staying Well and Hospital Without Walls Program, Northern Health, Epping, Australia; School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia; School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Australia.
| | - Sian Slade
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Veronique Roussy
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Clayton Australia; EACH Community Health, Ferntree Gully, Australia
| | - Susan Whicker
- Staying Well and Hospital Without Walls Program, Northern Health, Epping, Australia
| | - Janet Pelly
- Staying Well and Hospital Without Walls Program, Northern Health, Epping, Australia
| | - Vinita Rane
- Pandemic Wards, Northern Health, Epping Australia; Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Virginia Lewis
- Australian Insititute of Primary Care and Ageing, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Lucio Naccarella
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Max Lee
- Strategic Alliances and Partnerships, DPV Health, Epping, Australia
| | - Donald Campbell
- Staying Well and Hospital Without Walls Program, Northern Health, Epping, Australia
| | - Keith Stockman
- Staying Well and Hospital Without Walls Program, Northern Health, Epping, Australia
| | - Peter Brooks
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Ahmad Z, Wasif S, Bailey ES, Malik MW, Ranjha MA, Baig MZI, Hussain F, Ali TM, Ahmed H. Assessment of the Prevalence and Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy in Pakistan. THE OPEN PUBLIC HEALTH JOURNAL 2024; 17. [DOI: 10.2174/0118749445298070240319081623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2025]
Abstract
Background
Global efforts were critical in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, and the World Health Organization declared it no longer a public health emergency of international concern in May 2023. Pakistan faced six waves and used every available resource to combat the pandemic. Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are key to the success of preventative interventions.
Objective
The goal of this study was to examine KAP through an online study of the general population and to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan.
Methods
Between October and December 2021, a survey of the public was undertaken in several areas across Pakistan. A questionnaire was designed with questions focused on participant`s KAP, and statistical analyses were conducted to observe the normality of the data, knowledge, attitude and practice scores and the correlation between knowledge and attitude.
Results
Out of 688 participants surveyed, 98% expressing a preference for the vaccine over contracting the disease-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus. Overall, the study respondents had a positive attitude (95%) towards preventive measures to protect against pandemic-related issues and had more interest in the vaccine if it were provided free of cost and if the vaccine could be provided at their homes (74%). For participants in this study, knowledge and attitude remained dependent and positively correlated (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study identified limitations in public health communication techniques used to promote the COVID-19 vaccine that prevented widespread uptake of prevention measures. Additionally, this study revealed that age, education, and gender were statistically significant determinants for vaccine hesitancy (practices) and should likely be considered while making policies for health promotion programs.
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18
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Wang Y, Thier K, Ntiri SO, Quinn SC, Adebamowo C, Nan X. Beliefs in COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation Among Unvaccinated Black Americans: Prevalence, Socio-Psychological Predictors, and Consequences. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:616-628. [PMID: 36794382 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2179711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Health-related misinformation is a major threat to public health and particularly worrisome for populations experiencing health disparities. This study sets out to examine the prevalence, socio-psychological predictors, and consequences of beliefs in COVID-19 vaccine misinformation among unvaccinated Black Americans. We conducted an online national survey with Black Americans who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 (N = 800) between February and March 2021. Results showed that beliefs in COVID-19 vaccine misinformation were prevalent among unvaccinated Black Americans with 13-19% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing with various false claims about COVID-19 vaccines and 35-55% unsure about the veracity of these claims. Conservative ideology, conspiracy thinking mind-set, religiosity, and racial consciousness in health care settings predicted greater beliefs in COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, which were associated with lower vaccine confidence and acceptance. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Department of Communication, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Kathryn Thier
- Department of Communication, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Shana O Ntiri
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Sandra Crouse Quinn
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland, School of Public Health, College Park
| | - Clement Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Xiaoli Nan
- Department of Communication, University of Maryland, College Park
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19
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Blennerhassett R, Hamad N, Grech L, Kwok A, Choi T, Forsyth C, Jagger J, Opat S, Harris S, Chan BA, Nguyen M, Bain N, Day D, Segelov E. Attitudes towards COVID-19 Vaccination in Adults with Haematological Malignancies. Acta Haematol 2024; 147:543-554. [PMID: 38290477 PMCID: PMC11441379 DOI: 10.1159/000536548] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite people with haematological malignancies being particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infection and complications, vaccine hesitancy may be a barrier to optimal vaccination. This study explored attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in people with haematological malignancies. METHODS People with haematological malignancies at nine Australian health services were surveyed between June and October 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination were explored using the Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale, the Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence and Complacency Scale, and the Disease Influenced Vaccine Acceptance Scale-Six. Open-ended comments were qualitatively analysed. RESULTS A total of 869 people with haematological malignancies (mean age 64.2 years, 43.6% female) participated. Most participants (85.3%) reported that they had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Participants who were younger, spoke English as a non-dominant language, and had a shorter time since diagnosis were less likely to be vaccinated. Those who were female or spoke English as their non-dominant language reported greater vaccine side-effect concerns. Younger participants reported greater concerns about the vaccine impacting their treatment. CONCLUSION People with haematological malignancies reported high vaccine uptake; however, targeted education for specific participant groups may address vaccine hesitancy concerns, given the need for COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Blennerhassett
- Central Coast Haematology, North Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nada Hamad
- Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Chippendale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Grech
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alastair Kwok
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,
- Department of Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,
| | - Tammie Choi
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cecily Forsyth
- Central Coast Haematology, North Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Jagger
- Central Coast Haematology, North Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Opat
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sam Harris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bendigo Health, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bryan Anthony Chan
- Department of Oncology, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mike Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nathan Bain
- Department of Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daphne Day
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eva Segelov
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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20
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Capasso M, Conner M, Caso D. Testing an extended theory of planned behaviour in predicting Covid-19 vaccination intention over the course of the pandemic: A three-wave repeated cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24826. [PMID: 38314287 PMCID: PMC10837554 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24826] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mass vaccination against Covid-19 has been recognised as the most effective strategy for overcoming the pandemic emergency and remains crucial in the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus. The present study aimed to test the efficacy of an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model in predicting vaccination intention in three different phases of the pandemic. Understanding how psychological drivers of vaccine acceptance may have changed throughout the pandemic is essential for informing public health strategies and addressing vaccine hesitancy, even in the current post-pandemic context. Methods Using a repeated cross-sectional survey, we tested the hypothesised extended TPB model (intention, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, anticipated affective reactions, risk perception, trust in science, trust in institutions and religiosity) across three independent samples: before (T1: November-December 2020; N = 657), during (T2: March-May 2021; N = 818), and after (T3: February-March 2022; N = 605) the start of the vaccination campaign in Italy. Results Results indicated significant differences between the time points in all investigated variables, pointing to a general trend of improvement in vaccine acceptability levels at T2 compared to T1, and a worsening at T3 compared to the other two time points. Interestingly, net of these differences, a multi-group Structural Equation Modeling analysis supported the invariance, across time, of the structural relationships examined within the extended TPB. Conclusion Findings demonstrated the efficacy of the TPB in predicting Covid-19 vaccination intention at different stages of the pandemic, suggesting that the model, in its extended version, represents a valuable framework for designing interventions aimed at promoting vaccine acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Capasso
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Mark Conner
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Daniela Caso
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
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21
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Thandrayen J, Baffour B. Gaining further insights into the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: Evidence using capture-recapture methods. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23408. [PMID: 38173529 PMCID: PMC10761577 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective We re-examined the reported number of COVID-19 cases in Australia and across its states during the first wave of the pandemic. We provided estimates of the total number of cases, adjusted for under-reporting. Methods Publicly available data sourced from Australian governments at federal, state and territory levels included records on cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and cumulative deaths occurring in Australia and across its states on a daily basis. Lower bound and upper bound estimates of the total number of COVID-19 cases in Australia and across its states, that included the undetected cases that have not been recorded, were estimated. Results On January 25, 2020, Australia recorded its first 4 cases of COVID-19 and the first death occurred on March 3, 2020. On April 1, 2020, 4864 cases had been reported with 21 deaths. Our estimation showed that on April 1, 2020, the minimum and maximum number of COVID-19 cases in Australia were in fact 10,160 (95 % CI: 9781-10,538) and 21,748 (95 % CI: 21,607-22,014) respectively. We estimated that the total number of cases were at least twice and at most four times the observed cases recorded. These differences were also found at the state level where in New South Wales there was a minimum and maximum of 207 and 447 cases in total for every 100 reported cases, while in Victoria these figures were much lower at 157 and 265 respectively for every 100 reported cases. Conclusion Case ascertainment during the pandemic is known to have been underestimated due to difficulties in testing and contact tracing, amongst others. Capture-recapture methods provided a measure of the gap between the official number of cases recorded and the actual number during the first wave of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Thandrayen
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, 54 Mills Road, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Bernard Baffour
- School of Demography, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University, 146 Ellery Cres, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
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22
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Apio C, Han K, Lee D, Lee B, Park T. Development of New Stringency Indices for Nonpharmacological Social Distancing Policies Implemented in Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Random Forest Approach. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e47099. [PMID: 38190233 PMCID: PMC10775907 DOI: 10.2196/47099] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of an effective treatment method or vaccine, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic elicited a wide range of unprecedented restriction policies aimed at mitigating and suppressing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These policies and their Stringency Index (SI) of more than 160 countries were systematically recorded in the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) data set. The SI is a summary measure of the overall strictness of these policies. However, the OxCGRT SI may not fully reflect the stringency levels of the restriction policies implemented in Korea. Korea implemented 33 COVID-19 restriction policies targeting 4 areas: public facilities, public events, social gatherings, and religious gatherings. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop new Korea Stringency Indices (KSIs) that reflect the stringency levels of Korea's restriction policies better and to determine which government-implemented policies were most effective in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. METHODS The random forest method was used to calculate the new KSIs using feature importance values and determine their effectiveness in managing daily COVID-19 confirmed cases. Five analysis periods were considered, including November 01, 2020, to January 20, 2021 (Period 1), January 20, 2021, to June 27, 2021 (Period 2), November 01, 2020, to June 27, 2021 (Period 3), June 27, 2021, to November 01, 2021 (Period 4), and November 01, 2021, to April 24, 2022 (Period 5). RESULTS Among the KSIs, public facilities in period 4, public events in period 2, religious gatherings in periods 1 and 3, and social gatherings in period 5 had the highest importance. Among the public facilities, policies associated with operation hour restrictions in cinemas, restaurants, PC rooms, indoor sports facilities, karaoke, coffee shops, night entertainment facilities, and baths or saunas had the highest importance across all analysis periods. Strong positive correlations were observed between daily confirmed cases and public facilities, religious gatherings, and public events in period 1 of the pandemic. From then, weaker and negative correlations were observed in the remaining analysis periods. The comparison with the OxCGRT SI showed that the SI had a relatively lower feature importance and correlation with daily confirmed cases than the proposed KSIs, making KSIs more effective than SI. CONCLUSIONS Restriction policies targeting public facilities were the most effective among the policies analyzed. In addition, different periods call for the enforcement of different policies given their effectiveness varies during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Apio
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyulhee Han
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doeun Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bogyeom Lee
- Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Taesung Park
- Department of Statisitcs, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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23
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Voss U, Schermelleh-Engel K, Hauser L, Holzmann M, Fichtner D, Seifert S, Klimke A, Windmann S. Alike but not the same: Psychological profiles of COVID-19 vaccine skeptics. Health Psychol Open 2024; 11:20551029241248757. [PMID: 38681211 PMCID: PMC11047032 DOI: 10.1177/20551029241248757] [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] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was a widespread skepticism about vaccination. To elucidate the underlying mental and emotional predispositions, we examined a sample of 1428 participants using latent profile analysis (LPA) on selected personality trait variables, mental health status, and measures of irrational beliefs. LPA revealed five distinct profiles: two classes of non-skeptics and three of skeptics. The smaller non-skeptic class reported the highest rates of mental health problems, along with high levels of neuroticism, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, and external locus of control. The larger non-skeptic class was psychologically well-balanced. Conversely, the skeptic groups shared strong distrust of COVID-19 vaccination but differed in emotional and mental profiles, leading to graded differences in endorsing extreme conspiracy beliefs. This suggests that vaccine skepticism is not solely a result of mental illness or emotional instability; rather extreme skepticism manifests as a nuanced, graded phenomenon contingent on personality traits and conspirational beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Voss
- Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | | | - Leana Hauser
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | | | - Diana Fichtner
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Seifert
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | - Ansgar Klimke
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
- Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
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Wolde M, Wasihun Y, Melesse A, Tadesse T, Sharma R, Mon HS, Challa A, Simireta T, Addisu H. Assessment of willingness and determinants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among the general population of the Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia: a 2021 cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e080733. [PMID: 38114284 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and the factors influencing it among the population of the Somali region in Ethiopia through a cross-sectional COVID-19 survey. DESIGN Community-based cross-sectional study. SETTING The survey was conducted in eight selected districts of the Somali region in Ethiopia from 20 October 2021 to 30 October 2021. PARTICIPANTS Participants were chosen using simple random sampling and data analysis used Stata V.14. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression methods were applied, with variables having a p value below 0.2 considered for inclusion in the final model, where statistically significant factors were identified at p<0.5. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Willingness to take the vaccine. RESULTS A total of 1010 respondents participated in this study. The proportion of people's willingness to take the vaccine was 65% (95% CI 62 to 68). When you believe moderately or highly that getting a COVID-19 vaccine will protect others (AOR=6.2, 95% CI 1.43 to 26.6) and (AOR=7.2, 95% CI 1.7 to 29.7), then you will protect others as well. Whereas, a desire to get vaccinated little, moderately and highly (AOR=4.3, 95% CI 1.77 to 10.4), (AOR=20, 95% CI 8.5 to 47) and (AOR=147, 95% CI 55 to 392), respectively, was significantly associated with willingness to take the vaccine. Moreover having close family and friends who want them to get a COVID-19 vaccine (AOR=2, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.57) and religious leaders or community leaders (AOR=1.8, 95% CI 1 to 3.1) were significant factors in the multivariable logistic regression model. CONCLUSION This study found that COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was low in the Somali region. Factors positively linked to one's willingness to get vaccinated included the belief that it protects others, personal desire for vaccination and support from family, friends, community and religious leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maereg Wolde
- Health Education, University of Gonder College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Health Education and Promotion Department, Gonder Universty, Gonder, Ethiopia
| | - Yosef Wasihun
- Health Promotion and Behavioural Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisalem Melesse
- Public Health Department, Debre-Birhan University, Debre-Birhan, Ethiopia
| | - Trhas Tadesse
- Public Health Department, Yekatit 12 Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Health Promotion Department, Ethiopian Health Education and Promotion Assosation, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Rachana Sharma
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hnin Su Mon
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Andinet Challa
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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ERİŞ H, KARASU F, AYAR D. Perceptions of vaccine trust and conspiracy among those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance: a cross-sectional study. Glob Health Promot 2023; 30:6-15. [PMID: 37208910 PMCID: PMC10200806 DOI: 10.1177/17579759231174750] [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: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals' beliefs in conspiracy theories and anti-vaccination defense play a role in the rates of COVID-19 spread. PURPOSE This study aims to determine the perception of trust in, and the perception of conspiracy theories regarding vaccines among those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in a province in Turkey. METHODS This study was conducted with 1244 individuals who agreed to participate in the study in the province with the lowest vaccination rate in Turkey. The 'Personal Information Form' and the 'COVID-19 Vaccine Perception and Attitude Scale' were used to collect data. FINDINGS Those who were resistant to vaccines had a low mean score on the Perception of Trust and a high mean score on the Perception of Conspiracy. The variable of conspiracy perception had a significantly negative and high effect on the perception of trust. CONCLUSION The participants were highly resistant to COVID-19 vaccines. Their perception level of trust in COVID-19 vaccines was moderate and their perception level of conspiracy was high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin ERİŞ
- Vocational School of Health Services,
Harran University, Sanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Fatma KARASU
- Yusuf Şerefoğlu Faculty of Health
Sciences, Department of Nursing, Kilis 7 Aralık University, Kilis, Turkey
| | - Duygu AYAR
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department
of Nursing, Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University, Gaziantep,
Turkey
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An JX, Lin XQ, Xie BJ, Tung TH, Zhu JS. Relationship between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and willingness to pay for the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine of oncology patients in Taizhou, China. Ann Med 2023; 55:672-679. [PMID: 36840655 PMCID: PMC9970222 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2165705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This population-based study aimed to determine the hesitancy and willingness to pay (WTP) for the booster dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine among patients with cancer in Taizhou, China. PATIENTS AND METHODS A self-administered online questionnaire was administered to patients with cancer in Taizhou, China. The chi-square test, binary logistic regression model were used to evaluate the WTP for the booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The minimum sample size was 218, determined by G*Power software (latest ver. 3.1.9.7). A total of 354 patients received the survey, and 256 (72.3%) patients responded. RESULTS Overall, 69.9% (179/256) of respondents were willing to pay for the booster dose, and 78.8% (141/179) of these patients were willing to pay 1-99 CNY. Furthermore, 50.4% (129/256) of respondents were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Being unhesitant was significantly associated with WTP for the booster dose (aOR: 3.040; 95% CI: 1.669-5.540). CONCLUSION Hesitant patients with cancer had a lower WTP for the booster dose against COVID-19 than non-hesitant participants. These results imply that further health education programmes are essential to decrease the hesitancy of patients with cancer and enhance booster dose vaccination rates for public health improvements.KEY MESSAGESOur research showed that 70% of patients with cancer are willing to pay for the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and most are willing to pay less than 100 CNY, and this result reflects the economic value and affordability of the third dose of vaccination.COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant patients with cancer had a lower willingness to pay for a booster dose against COVID-19 than non-hesitant participants and few patients are still unwilling to pay among patients do not hesitate to receive the third dose.Therefore, promoting willingness to pay among oncology patients and addressing vaccine hesitancy remains key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xiang An
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo-Jian Xie
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao-Hsin Tung
- Evidence-based Medicine Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian-Sheng Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
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Javid N, Phipps H, Homer C, de Vries B, Kaufman J, Danchin M, Hyett J. Factors influencing uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Australia: A cross-sectional survey. Birth 2023; 50:877-889. [PMID: 37431957 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting evidence shows the risk of COVID-19 on perinatal outcomes, as well as the safety and efficacy of vaccination during pregnancy. However, little is known about vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Australia, including women who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), and about sources of information pregnant women use when making decisions about vaccines. We aimed to determine the proportion of pregnant women who had been vaccinated and to identify factors associated with vaccine uptake or decline during pregnancy. METHOD A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was conducted from October 2021 to January 2022 in two metropolitan hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS Of 914 pregnant women, 406 (44%) did not speak English at home. Overall, 101 (11%) received a vaccine prepregnancy and 699 (76%) during pregnancy. In the nonvaccinated cohort, 87 (76%) declined vaccination during pregnancy. The uptake was more than 87% among women during pregnancy who received information from government or health professional websites but 37% when received from personal blogs. The main reasons for vaccine uptake were (1) hearing that COVID-19 affects pregnant women, (2) being concerned about the COVID-19 outbreak, and (3) receiving vaccine recommendation from a general practitioner. In a multivariable logistic regression, three main factors associated with declining or feeling unsure about vaccination were (1) concerns about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, (2) lack of trust and being unsatisfied with the information received about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, and (3) doubting the importance of COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION Clinicians play a critical role in counseling women to alleviate vaccine fear, support vaccine acceptance, and direct women to use reliable information sources, such as government and professional healthcare organizations, for information about vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Javid
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hala Phipps
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Bradley de Vries
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RPA Women and Babies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Kaufman
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margie Danchin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Hyett
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Bendau A, Petzold MB, Plag J, Asselmann E, Ströhle A. Illness anxiety predicts higher mental strain and vaccine willingness-A nine-wave longitudinal study during the first 1.5 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Stress Health 2023; 39:1137-1147. [PMID: 37158010 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Illness anxiety may amplify vulnerability to psychopathological symptoms during the COVID-19-pandemic-perhaps especially at the beginning of the pandemic and during high infection waves, but empirical evidence on this is lacking. In addition, considering a potentially functional facet of it, illness anxiety might be associated with higher vaccine willingness. We analyzed data of a nine-wave longitudinal online-survey (March 2020-October 2021) with 8148 non-probability sampled adults of the general population in Germany (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04331106). Using multilevel analysis, we investigated longitudinal associations of dimensionally assessed illness anxiety (worry about illness, bodily preoccupation) with mental strain and vaccine willingness and considered the dynamic of the pandemic (i.e., duration and infection rates). Higher worry about illness and bodily preoccupation were associated with higher COVID-19-related fears, unspecific anxiety, depressive symptoms, and vaccine willingness. Vaccine willingness increased over time and in parallel to higher infection rates. Symptoms of mental strain decreased with continuing duration of the pandemic but increased when infection rates inclined. This decrease and increase, respectively, was steeper in individuals with higher illness anxiety. Our findings suggest that individuals with higher illness anxiety are more vulnerable to experience psychopathological symptoms during the ongoing pandemic, particularly at its beginning and during times of high infection rates. Thus, illness anxiety and associated symptoms should be targeted by adaptive measures. The fluctuation of symptoms parallel to the pandemic situation implies that support should be particularly issued at the beginning of extraordinary situations as well as during phases of high infection rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Bendau
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Moritz Bruno Petzold
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Plag
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Oberberg Fachklinik Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Eva Asselmann
- Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Damianopoulos N, Leigh J, Pugliese M, Frayne J, Richards T. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in rural and metropolitan Western Australia: A mid-rollout cross-sectional analysis of why it exists and potential solutions. Aust J Rural Health 2023; 31:1240-1251. [PMID: 37840420 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13047] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccine hesitancy represents a state of uncertainty before a decision about vaccination is made. It can lead to limited vaccine uptake despite adequate supply and an efficacious product. Western Australia (WA) presents a unique challenge with a population widely spread across metropolitan and rural sites and diverse opinions regarding vaccination. OBJECTIVE To elicit and compare the common COVID-19 vaccine concerns in rural and metropolitan WA, and to identify proposed solutions to vaccine hesitancy. DESIGN A voluntary online survey was distributed via social media over a 2-week period in August 2021 during Phase 2A of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Strategy. General practitioners and members of the public living in rural and metropolitan WA over the age of 18 were surveyed regarding COVID-19 vaccine concerns (blood clots; long- and short-term side effects; lack of testing; and other concerns) and suggested methods to address vaccine hesitancy. Data were analysed with a sequential mixed methods and thematic analysis approach. FINDINGS There were 468 general population respondents to our survey, of whom 19.0% (n = 89) lived rurally. A majority (52.6% [n = 246]) of general respondents expressed concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety. The commonest concerns were long- and short-term side effects, blood clots and inadequate testing. There was a positive correlation between rurality and vaccine concerns; an inverse relationship between rurality and vaccine uptake; and an inverse relationship between vaccine concerns and uptake. Improved media coverage was the commonest solution suggested to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. DISCUSSION A significant proportion of respondents had concerns about vaccine safety; concerns were more common in rural respondents. Rural communities may benefit from location-targeted media campaigns with a focus on breaking down barriers specific to these members of the population. Vaccine access is more challenging, and consistent messaging from trusted sources is of utmost importance to improve uptake. CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is more common in rural populations. Targeted media-based education regarding vaccine safety may improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Damianopoulos
- STRIVE WA Collaborative, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James Leigh
- STRIVE WA Collaborative, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew Pugliese
- STRIVE WA Collaborative, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Frayne
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Toby Richards
- STRIVE WA Collaborative, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Oudin Doglioni D, Gagneux-Brunon A, Gauchet A, Bruel S, Olivier C, Pellissier G, Thilly N, Sicsic J, Raude J, Mueller JE. Psychometric validation of a 7C-model of antecedents of vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers, parents and adolescents in France. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19895. [PMID: 37963903 PMCID: PMC10646074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46864-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Support for vaccine decision-making requires a tailored approach taking into account psychological antecedents of vaccine acceptance. We aimed at validating an extended 7C-model of antecedents in three different target population groups (healthcare workers [n = 3870], parents [n = 2002] and adolescents [n = 7118]) and two vaccinations (COVID-19, HPV) in France. We performed a secondary analysis of questionnaires collecting sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes and knowledge on vaccination, and vaccine status and intention. We used standard psychometric techniques to validate a first and second order latent structure, and evaluated their association with vaccine intentionality in three levels (refusal, indecision, acceptance). In all populations, the 7C-model yielded a very good model fit (CFI and TLI > 0.90) and, in comparison with non-nested and nested 5C-models, significantly improved the model performance (Ω2, p < 0.05; Wald's test, p < 0.05). The resulting vaccine readiness score was strongly associated with vaccine intentionality (acceptance vs. indecision: βHCW = 2.93, βParents = 2.41, βAdolescents = 1.34; refusal vs. indecision: βHCW = - 1.68, βParents = - 0.16, βAdolescents = - 0.89.). The addition of confidence in the system and social conformism among antecedents of vaccine acceptance allowed a finer understanding of the continuum moving from refusal to indecision and acceptance. To work with these antecedents in interventional research, appropriate questionnaire items should be developed for various vaccines and target populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Oudin Doglioni
- Emerging Disease Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Psychologie/Personnalité, Cognition, Changement Social (LIP/PC2S), Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont-Blanc, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Amandine Gagneux-Brunon
- CHU de Saint-Étienne - Service d'infectiologie, Saint-Étienne, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR530, Université de Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Aurélie Gauchet
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Psychologie/Personnalité, Cognition, Changement Social (LIP/PC2S), Univ. Savoie Mont-Blanc, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Sebastien Bruel
- Department of General Practice, Faculté de Médecine Jacques Lisfranc, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Étienne, France
- Health, Systemic, Process UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Cyril Olivier
- GERES (Groupe d'Étude sur le Risque d'Exposition des Soignants), UFR de Médecine Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Gérard Pellissier
- GERES (Groupe d'Étude sur le Risque d'Exposition des Soignants), UFR de Médecine Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Thilly
- APEMAC, Université de Lorraine, 54000, Nancy, France
- Département Méthodologie, Promotion, Investigation, CHRU-Nancy, Université de Lorraine, 54000, Nancy, France
| | | | - Jocelyn Raude
- EHESP, CNRS, Inserm, Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS (Recherche sur les Services et Management en Santé) - U 1309, Université de Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Judith E Mueller
- Emerging Disease Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France.
- EHESP, CNRS, Inserm, Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS (Recherche sur les Services et Management en Santé) - U 1309, Université de Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France.
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Opoku MP, Belbase S, Nsowah FA, Yeboah K, Nketsia W, Mohamed A, Agyei-Okyere E, Amponteng M, Saah R, Safi M. Coronavirus Disease Vaccination Among Persons With Disabilities: Understanding Vaccine Perceptions and Hesitancy in Ghana. LINACRE QUARTERLY 2023; 90:452-471. [PMID: 37974567 PMCID: PMC10638957 DOI: 10.1177/00243639231178626] [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: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been felt globally and in all spheres of life. Developing vaccines was an important milestone in ensuring the protection of lives, but there are concerns about vaccine availability in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The living conditions of persons with disabilities, in particular, in SSA societies have been described as deplorable and unsustainable, and they are at risk of discrimination. Such persons appear to be already struggling to obtain other basic services, and the extent of vaccine accessibility to this population remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of persons with disabilities in Ghana of COVID-19 vaccines. Between July 2021 and December 2021, 336 persons with disabilities (hearing, visual, and physical) were recruited from two regions in Ghana. The attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccination scale was adapted for this study. The results showed that persons with disabilities were ambivalent toward vaccination, and differences were observed between participant groups. The background variables found to influence attitude were age, place of residence, educational qualification, gender, and COVID-19 acquisition status. The study concludes with a clarion call to policymakers to expedite public education for persons with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Peprah Opoku
- Special Education Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shashidhar Belbase
- Curriculum and Method of Instruction, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Kwame Yeboah
- Department of Special Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - William Nketsia
- School of Education, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ahmed Mohamed
- Special Education Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elvis Agyei-Okyere
- Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Reuben Saah
- Library Section, Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education, Abetifi, Ghana
| | - Mohammed Safi
- Department of Speech and Language Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Wijayanti KE, Schutze H, Phail CM, Ivers R. Exploring Parents' Decisions Regarding HPV Vaccination for Their Daughters in Jakarta, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:3993-3998. [PMID: 38019260 PMCID: PMC10772741 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.11.3993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Although many countries have introduced national HPV vaccination programs, many girls worldwide remain unprotected. As part of a demonstration project in 2016, the Indonesian government provided the HPV vaccination for free to all year five and six female students in Jakarta and several other cities, with a plan to roll out the program nationally in the future. Understanding parents' decision-making regarding whether they will allow their daughters to receive the HPV vaccine is important to ensure optimum uptake.
Methods: Twenty-four parents in Jakarta were interviewed. Data were analysed thematically using The Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs of attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control.
Result: Some parents had limited knowledge about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine; others did not even realise that the free HPV vaccination program had been offered in their daughter's schools. Those who had better knowledge and positive attitudes trusted their health professionals as a source of information. Peer approval, trust in the government and having the vaccine through a school-based program was important for trust, eliminated cost barriers, and increased access.
Conclusion: Parents' attitudes towards cervical cancer and HPV vaccination are influenced in part by their knowledge. Shaping positive initial attitudes is important, as once formed, attitudes are often difficult to change. Our findings suggest that a free school-based vaccine accompanied by sufficient and non-ambiguous information from trusted sources is vital to uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurnia E Wijayanti
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport and Health Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Heike Schutze
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- Office of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Catherine Mac Phail
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rowena Ivers
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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Chau B, Taba M, Dodd R, McCaffery K, Bonner C. Twitch Data in Health Promotion Research: Protocol for a Case Study Exploring COVID-19 Vaccination Views Among Young People. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e48641. [PMID: 37851494 PMCID: PMC10620629 DOI: 10.2196/48641] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media platforms have emerged as a useful channel for health promotion communication, offering different channels to reach targeted populations. For example, social media has recently been used to disseminate information about COVID-19 vaccination across various demographics. Traditional modes of health communication such as television, health events, and newsletters may not reach all groups within a community. Health communications for younger generations are increasingly disseminated through social media to reflect key information sources. This paper explores a social media gaming platform as an alternative way to reach young people in health promotion research. OBJECTIVE This protocol study aimed to pilot-test the potential of Twitch, a live streaming platform initially designed for video gaming, to conduct health promotion research with young people. We used COVID-19 vaccination as a topical case study that was recommended by Australian health authorities at the time of the research. METHODS The research team worked with a Twitch Account Manager to design and test a case study within the guidelines and ethics protocols required by Twitch, identify suitable streamers to approach and establish a protocol for conducting research on the platform. This involved conducting a poll to initiate discussion about COVID-19 vaccination, monitoring the chat in 3 live Twitch sessions with 2 streamers to pilot the protocol, and briefly analyze Twitch chat logs to observe the range of response types that may be acquired from this methodology. RESULTS The Twitch streams provided logs and videos on demand that were derived from the live session. These included demographics of viewers, chat logs, and polling results. The results of the poll showed a range of engagement in health promotion for the case study topic: the majority of participants had received their vaccination by the time of the poll; however, there was still a proportion that had not received their vaccination yet or had decided to not be vaccinated. Analysis of the Twitch chat logs demonstrated a range of both positive and negative themes regarding health promotion for the case study topic. This included irrelevant comments, misinformation (compared to health authority information at the time of this study), comedic and conspiracy responses, as well as vaccine status, provaccine comments, and vaccine-hesitant comments. CONCLUSIONS This study developed and tested a protocol for using Twitch data for health promotion research with young people. With live polling, open text discussion between participants and immediate responses to questions, Twitch can be used to collect both quantitative and qualitative research data from demographics that use social media. The platform also presents some challenges when engaging with independent streamers and sensitive health topics. This study provides an initial protocol for future researchers to use and build on. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/48641.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Chau
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melody Taba
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachael Dodd
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carissa Bonner
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Msuya HM, Mrisho GA, Mkopi A, Mrisho M, Lweno ON, Ali AM, Said AH, Mihayo MG, Mswata SS, Tumbo AM, Mhalu G, Jongo SA, Kassim KR, Nyaulingo GD, Temu SG, Kazyoba PE, Haruna H, Kishimba R, Kassa H, Mwangoka GW, Abdulla S. Understanding Sociodemographic Factors and Reasons Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitance among Adults in Tanzania: A Mixed-Method Approach. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:895-907. [PMID: 37696518 PMCID: PMC10551072 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are being undertaken widely worldwide, there is limited evidence in Tanzania. This study aims to assess the sociodemographic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the reasons given by unvaccinated study participants. We conducted a mixed-method cross-sectional study with two components-health facilities and communities-between March and September 2022. A structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. A total of 1,508 individuals agreed to participate in the survey and explained why they had not vaccinated against COVID-19. Of these participants, 62% indicated they would accept the vaccine, whereas 38% expressed skepticism. In a multivariate regression analysis, adult study participants 40 years and older were significantly more likely to report not intending to be vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01-1.61; P = 0.04) than youth and middle-aged study participants between 18 and 40 years. Furthermore, female study participants had a greater likelihood of not intending to be vaccinated (AOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.19-1.90; P = 0.001) than male study participants. The study identified fear of safety and short-term side effects, and lack of trust of the COVID-19 vaccine; belief in spiritual or religious views; and belief in local remedies and other precautions or preventive measures as the major contributors to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Tanzania. Further empirical studies are needed to confirm these findings and to understand more fully the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in different demographic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ali M. Ali
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ali H. Said
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Grace Mhalu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul E. Kazyoba
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Hellen Kassa
- Foundation for Innovation and New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
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Patterson L, Berry E, Parsons C, Clarke B, Little A, Beggs J, Chuter A, Jackson T, Hsia Y, McGrath H, Millman C, Murphy S, Bradley DT, Milligan S. Using the COM-B framework to elucidate facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnant women: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:640. [PMID: 37674175 PMCID: PMC10481472 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05958-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since April 2021, COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended for pregnant women. Despite this, COVID-19 vaccine uptake in this group is low compared to the non-pregnant population of childbearing age. Our aim was to understand barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Northern Ireland using the COM-B framework, and so to make recommendations for public health interventions. The COM-B proposes that human behaviour is influenced by the extent to which a person has the capability, opportunity, and motivation to enact that behaviour. Understanding the factors underpinning behaviour through this lens helps discern what needs to change to change behaviour, therefore supporting the development of targeted interventions.This study consisted of eight semi-structured interviews with new/expectant mothers who did not receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose while pregnant since April 2021, and a focus group with five participants who received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose while pregnant. Interview and focus group data were analysed using semi-deductive reflexive thematic analysis framed by a subtle realist approach. The COM-B was used to categorise codes and subthemes were developed within each COM-B construct.Within Psychological Capability, subthemes captured the need for consistent and reliable COVID-19 vaccine information and access to balanced and jargon-free, risk-benefit information that is tailored to the pregnant individual. The behaviour/opinions of family, friends, and local healthcare providers had a powerful influence on COVID-19 vaccine decisions (Social Opportunity). Integrating the COVID-19 vaccine as part of routine antenatal pathways was believed to support access and sense of familiarity (Physical Opportunity). Participants valued health autonomy, however experienced internal conflict driven by concerns about long-term side effects for their baby (Reflective Motivation). Feelings of fear, lack of empathy from healthcare providers, and anticipated guilt commonly underpinned indecision as to whether to get the vaccine (Automatic Motivation).Our study highlighted that the choice to accept a vaccine during pregnancy generates internal conflict and worry. Several participants cited their concern was primarily around the safety for their baby. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a significant part when it comes to decision making about COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women. HCPs and pregnant women should be involved in the development of interventions to improve the delivery and communication of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Patterson
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK.
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Emma Berry
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Carole Parsons
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | | | - Jillian Beggs
- PPI, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Antony Chuter
- PPI, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tracy Jackson
- PPI, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yingfen Hsia
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Siobhan Murphy
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Declan T Bradley
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Keser M, Sariyer G, Kahraman S. Event Study Design for Modeling Early Relaxation in Turkish Public with COVID-19 Vaccine. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e478. [PMID: 37665200 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.147] [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: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaccination is crucial to fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. A large body of literature investigates the effect of the initiation of the COVID-19 vaccination in case numbers in Turkey, including the resistance and willingness to taking the vaccine. The effect of early relaxation in the Turkish public with the initiation of vaccination on new daily cases is unknown. METHODS This study performs an event study analysis to explore the pre-relaxation effect of vaccination on the Turkish public by using daily data of new cases, stringency index, and residential mobility. Two events are comparatively defined as the vaccination of the health personnel (Event 1) and the citizens age 65 and over (Event 2). The initial dates of these events are January 13 and February 12, 2021, respectively. The length of the estimation window is determined as 14 days for the 2 events. To represent only the early stages of the vaccination, the study period ends on April 12, 2021. Thus, whereas the event window of Event 1 includes 90 observations, Event 2 covers 60 observations. RESULTS While average values of residential mobility, stringency index, and daily numbers of cases are 15.36, 71.03, and 11 978.93 in the estimation window for Event 1, these averages are 8.89, 70.88, and 17 303.20 in the event window. For Event 2, the same average values are 9.14, 69.38, and 7 664.93 in the estimation window and 8.25, 71.12, and 22 319.10 in the event window. When 14-day abnormal growth rates of the daily number of cases for Event 1 and Event 2 are compared, it is observed that Event 1 has negative growth rates initially and reaches a 7.59% growth at most. On the other hand, Event 2 starts with a 1.11% growth rate, and having a steady increase, it reaches a 23.70% growth in the last 14 days of the study period. CONCLUSION The preliminary result shows that, despite taking more strict governmental measures, while residential mobility decreases, the daily number of COVID-19 cases increases in the early stages of vaccination compared to short pre-periods of it. This indicates that the initiation of vaccination leads to early behavioral relaxation in public. Moreover, the effect of Event 2 on the case numbers is more significant and immediate, compared to that of Event 1, which may be linked to the characteristic of the Turkish culture being more sensitive to the older adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Keser
- Department of Economics, Yasar University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Gorkem Sariyer
- Department of Business Administration, Yasar University, İzmir, Turkey
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Denison B, Dahlen H, Kim JEC, Williams C, Kranzler E, Luchman JN, Trigger S, Bennett M, Nighbor T, Vines M, Petrun Sayers EL, Kurti AN, Weinberg J, Hoffman L, Peck J. Evaluation of the "We Can Do This" Campaign Paid Media and COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake, United States, December 2020-January 2022. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:573-584. [PMID: 37528606 PMCID: PMC10529331 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2236976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Public education campaigns are promising methods for promoting vaccine uptake. In April 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the We Can Do This COVID-19 public education campaign. This study is one of the first evaluations of this COVID-19 public education campaign. We tested associations between channel-specific campaign exposure (i.e. digital, TV, radio, print, and out-of-home advertising) and COVID-19 first-dose vaccinations among a nationally representative online sample of 3,278 adults. The study introduces novel ways to simultaneously evaluate short- and long-term cumulative media dose, filling an important gap in campaign evaluation literature. We observed a positive, statistically significant relationship between the short-term change in digital media dose and the likelihood of first-dose vaccination, and a positive, statistically significant relationship between long-term cumulative TV dose and the likelihood of first-dose vaccination. Results suggest that both digital and TV ads contributed to vaccination, such that digital media was associated with more immediate behavioral changes, whereas TV gradually shifted behaviors over time. As findings varied by media channel, this study suggests that public education campaigns should consider delivering campaign messages across multiple media channels to enhance campaign reach across audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarah Trigger
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Morgane Bennett
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Tyler Nighbor
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Monica Vines
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Elizabeth L. Petrun Sayers
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Allison N. Kurti
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Jessica Weinberg
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | | | - Joshua Peck
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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Labuschagne LJE, Smorenburg N, van de Kassteele J, Bom B, de Weerdt AC, de Melker HE, Hahné SJM. Neighbourhood sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the Netherlands: an ecological analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1696. [PMID: 37660018 PMCID: PMC10474671 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16600-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake is high in the Netherlands, it lags behind in certain subpopulations. AIM We aimed to explore the characteristics of groups with lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake at neighbourhood level to inform the strategy to improve uptake and guide research into barriers for vaccination. METHODS We performed an ecological study using national vaccination register and socio-demographic data at neighbourhood level. Using univariate and multivariable generalized additive models we examined the (potentially non-linear) effect of each determinant on uptake. We focused on those aged 50 years and older, since they are at highest risk of severe disease. RESULTS In those over 50 years of age, a higher proportion of individuals with a non-Western migration background and higher voting proportions for right-wing Christian and conservative political parties were at neighbourhood level univariately associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake. In contrast, higher socioeconomic status and higher voting proportions for right-wing liberal, progressive liberal and Christian middle political parties were associated with higher uptake. Multivariable results differed from univariate results in that a higher voting proportion for progressive left-wing political parties was also associated with higher uptake. In addition, with regard to migration background only a Turkish background remained significant. CONCLUSION We identified determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake at neighbourhood level and observed heterogeneity in uptake between different subpopulations. Since the goal of vaccination is not only to reduce suffering and death by improving the average uptake, but also to reduce health inequity, it is important to focus on subpopulations with lower uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne J E Labuschagne
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Naomi Smorenburg
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van de Kassteele
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Bom
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anne C de Weerdt
- Public Health and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hester E de Melker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Susan J M Hahné
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Solak-Grassie S, Baş F, Ünal E. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Healthcare Workers and Attitude Changes During the Pandemic. INFECTIOUS DISEASES & CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:198-204. [PMID: 38633554 PMCID: PMC10986699 DOI: 10.36519/idcm.2023.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective Many healthcare workers (HCWs) hesitated or refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. The attitudes of HCWs toward vaccines have an impact on society and patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and refusal among HCWs during the COVID pandemic. Materials and Methods We planned a two-step descriptive survey study. In the first step, we surveyed the unvaccinated HCWs in our hospital face-to-face after the first vaccination program. After eight months, we conducted another survey with the unvaccinated HCWs over the phone. We investigated the changes in their attitudes between the two surveys and the relationship of vaccine hesitation with their occupation and COVID-19 history. Results After the first vaccine program, 325 (21.2%) HCWs out of 1532 did not get vaccinated in our hospital. We found that there was a significant relationship between vaccine hesitancy and occupation. In our study, the group of "non-HCWs" had the highest vaccine hesitancy rate at the beginning. The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were breastfeeding and pregnancy (29.5%) and side effects, especially allergic reactions (18.0%). After eight months, in the second survey, vaccine hesitancy dropped to 5.6%. We found that 80.1% of the HCWs who stated they were planning to get vaccinated in the first survey were vaccinated, and 62.4% of those who were not planning it were vaccinated. In the second survey, 1.8% of HCWs were still planning the vaccination, but 3.8% of HCWs refused the COVID-19 vaccine. Not believing in the efficacy of the vaccine in the first survey was associated with vaccine refusal in the second survey (p=0.001). Conclusion The overall rate of vaccine refusal was low among HCWs. Nevertheless, vaccine refusal among HCWs having more information about the vaccine and disease than the community may be related to cultural, psychological, and political reasons other than efficacy and safety. Future studies on the cultural, psychological, and political reasons for vaccine refusal will contribute to understanding vaccine refusal and increasing vaccine acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semiha Solak-Grassie
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ferhat Baş
- Department of Health Management, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt
University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Egemen Ünal
- Department of Public Health, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
School of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
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Sheikh NS, Touseef M, Sultan R, Cheema KH, Cheema SS, Sarwar A, Siddique HZ. Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan: The paradigm of confidence, convenience, and complacency; A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289678. [PMID: 37585457 PMCID: PMC10431607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289678] [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: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Vaccine hesitancy is a big obstacle for vaccination programs, as is anticipated for the COVID-19 vaccination program, resulting in low uptake of vaccines thereby hindering the process of reaching herd immunity. Bearing this in mind the current study was aimed to explore the determinants of vaccine hesitancy amongst the Pakistani population. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2020 to March 2021. The conceptual framework of the study was based on the 3Cs (Confidence, Convenience, Complacency) model. The google-forms-based questionnaire was disseminated amongst the general population. Data collected were entered into SPSS version 26 and analyzed. RESULTS Of the 421 participants, 68.4% were women. Non-healthcare workers were 55.8% of respondents. Of vaccine-hesitant individuals, 26.13% reported they were very unlikely to get vaccinated. Perception of COVID-19 vaccine was explored, which revealed 12.6% of individuals agreed the vaccine was not safe as it came out too fast, 50.6% were worried about experiencing side-effects, 18% believed the vaccine will not offer protection and 5.9% believed the vaccine would cause death. Low Practice of standard operating procedure (SOP) in non-Healthcare workers was the strongest contributor to vaccine hesitancy (OR: 5.338, p = 0.040, 95% CI: 1.082-26.330) followed by High complacency (p = 0.026) and Moderate Complacency (OR: 0.212, p = 0.007, 95% CI: 0.069-0.654) towards COVID-19 vaccination. In Healthcare workers the strongest contributor to vaccine hesitancy was having a Moderate Confidence (OR: 0.323, p = 0.042, 95% CI: 0.109-0.958) in the vaccine followed by Moderate Convenience (OR: 0.304, p = 0.049, 95% CI: 0.093-0.993) for vaccination. CONCLUSION Campaigning and communication strategies to reaffirm confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and educating the general population about the vaccine could lead to increased perception of vaccine safety and effectiveness thereby restoring confidence in vaccine and decreasing vaccine hesitancy. Likewise, working to increase vaccine convenience and decreasing complacency towards the COVID-19 vaccine would translate into high vaccine uptake. MESH WORDS Vaccine hesitancy; vaccination intention, COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine confidence, complacency, convenience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Siddique Sheikh
- Department of Pathology, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry (NUMS), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Mumtaz Touseef
- Department of Pathology, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry (NUMS), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Riddah Sultan
- Department of Pathology, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry (NUMS), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Kanwal Hassan Cheema
- Department of Pathology, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry (NUMS), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Shafiq Cheema
- Department of Pathology, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry (NUMS), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Afia Sarwar
- Department of Pathology, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry (NUMS), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Haniya Zainab Siddique
- Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering (IESE), National University Of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
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Oshio T, Ping R. Trust, Interaction with Neighbors, and Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Chinese Data. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1332. [PMID: 37631900 PMCID: PMC10459166 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081332] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted public health and quality of life, leading to government recommendations for vaccination. Using cross-sectional data from a nationwide population-based survey conducted in China (N = 6860), this study aimed to examine the associations between individual vaccine uptake and general trust in others, trust in government, and interaction with neighbors. We conducted a multilevel logistic regression analysis to examine the relevance of these factors at the individual and community levels. Among young adults, higher levels of general trust at both levels were positively associated with vaccination, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 1.70) and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.14, 2.18), respectively. We also found a positive association between vaccination and community-level interaction with neighbors, with ORs of 1.55 (95% CI: 1.11, 2.17). In contrast, among older individuals, vaccination was positively associated only with individual-level interaction with neighbors, with an OR of 1.55 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.08). The results indicated that vaccine uptake was associated with an individual's views of society and the social environment of the community, with substantial variations between the young and the old. Our findings emphasize the significance of public health measures to strengthen neighborhood interactions among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Oshio
- Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo 186-8601, Japan
| | - Ruru Ping
- Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo 186-8601, Japan;
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Su Y, Zhang X, Zhang S. The impact of collective action dilemma on vaccine hesitancy: Evidence from China. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2256041. [PMID: 37747070 PMCID: PMC10521338 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2256041] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy has dramatically decreased the speed of vaccination and stalled global health development. While the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and mitigation measures have been explored in depth by existing studies, research from the perspective of human interaction is lacking. Based on the theory of collective action, this paper analyzes how free riding behavior affects vaccine hesitancy and how the vaccine hesitancy caused by free riding behavior can be solved. Using 2,203 survey data sets from China, this paper examines the influence of the collective action dilemma - represented by free riding behavior - on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The empirical results show that the existence of free riding behavior is an essential cause of vaccine hesitancy. Based on this conclusion, this paper discusses how to further alleviate the problem of vaccine hesitancy caused by collective action dilemmas by promoting cooperation. The findings of this paper may be helpful to promote various types of vaccines and further suggest that countries should assume the perspective of solving the collective action dilemma to achieve increased vaccination rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Su
- School of Public Policy and Management, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- School of Public Policy and Management, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Shifei Zhang
- School of Public Policy and Management, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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Lepinteur A, Borga LG, Clark AE, Vögele C, D'Ambrosio C. Risk aversion and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2023; 32:1659-1669. [PMID: 37146156 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We here investigate the role of risk aversion in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The theoretical effect is ambiguous, as both COVID-19 infection and vaccination side-effects involve probabilistic elements. In large-scale data covering five European countries, we find that vaccine hesitancy falls with risk aversion, so that COVID-19 infection is perceived as involving greater risk than is vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Lepinteur
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | | | - Andrew E Clark
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Paris School of Economics - CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Claus Vögele
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Conchita D'Ambrosio
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Nazari A, Hoseinnia M, Pirzadeh A, Salahshouri A. The Correlation Among COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance, the Ability to Detect Fake News, and e-Health Literacy. Health Lit Res Pract 2023; 7:e130-e138. [PMID: 37463291 PMCID: PMC10351963 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20230621-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen a rise in the spread of misleading and deceptive information, leading to a negative impact on the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and public opinion. To address this issue, the importance of public e-Health literacy cannot be overstated. It empowers individuals to effectively utilize information technology and combat the dissemination of inaccurate narratives. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the ability to identify disingenuous news, electronic health literacy, and the inclination to receive the COVID-19 immunization. METHODS In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted during summer 2021 in Isfahan, Iran, 522 individuals older than age 18 years, seeking medical attention at health centers, were surveyed. The participants were selected through a meticulous multistage cluster sampling process from the pool of individuals referred to these health centers. Along with demographic information, data collection instruments included the standard e-Health literacy questionnaire and a researcher-developed questionnaire designed to identify misinformation. The collected questionnaires were entered into SPSS 24 for statistical analysis, which included the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Chi-square test, the Spearman test, and logistic regression models. KEY RESULTS The study findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and the ability to identify deceptive news. An increase of one unit in the score for recognizing misinformation led to a 24% and 32% reduction in vaccine hesitancy and the intention to remain unvaccinated, respectively. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the intention to receive the vaccine and e-Health literacy, where an increase of one unit in e-Health literacy score corresponded to a 6% decrease in the intention to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, the study found a notable association between the ability to detect false and misleading information and e-Health literacy. Each additional point in e-Health literacy was associated with a 0.33% increase in the capacity to identify fake news (Spearman's Rho = 0.333, p < .001). CONCLUSION The study outcomes demonstrate a positive correlation between the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, the ability to identify counterfeit news, and proficiency in electronic health literacy. These findings provide a strong foundation for policymakers and health care practitioners to develop and implement strategies that counter the dissemination of spurious and deceitful information related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 immunization. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2023;7(3):e130-e138.].
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de Ridder D, Adriaanse M, van Gestel L, Wachner J. How does nudging the COVID-19 vaccine play out in people who are in doubt about vaccination? Health Policy 2023; 134:104858. [PMID: 37327707 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104858] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In spite of the growing availability of COVID-19 vaccines, a substantial number of people is reluctant or uncertain about getting the vaccine. Nudges may improve vaccine uptake but it is unclear how this plays out with the experience of autonomous choice, decision competence, decision satisfaction, and being pressured to make a choice. In an online experiment among a representative sample (N = 884), we examined whether a social norm nudge or a default nudge (either or not transparent) was effective in steering the desired choice of making a hypothetical early vaccination appointment as compared to making a later appointment or no appointment. We also examined how both nudges affected autonomy and related downstream consequences. None of the nudges proved effective in making the desired choice of early vaccination and neither did they impact on downstream consequences. Rather, our results indicate that participants who were certain about their choice (i.e., opted for the earliest available vaccination opportunity or not getting vaccinated at all) reported higher levels of autonomy, competence and satisfaction than participants who did not know yet about vaccination or who postponed the moment of getting their vaccination. We conclude that the experience of autonomy and related downstream consequences is determined by having made up one's mind about vaccination, and is not affected by attempts to nudge the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise de Ridder
- Department of Social Health & Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, Netherlands.
| | - Marieke Adriaanse
- Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands; Leiden University, Netherlands
| | | | - Jonas Wachner
- Department of Social Health & Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, Netherlands
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Akbulut S, Boz G, Gökçe A, Ünsal S, Sarıtaş H, Kızılay E, Özer A, Akbulut MS, Çolak C. Evaluation of Nurses' Vaccine Hesitancy, Psychological Resilience, and Anxiety Levels During COVID-19 Pandemic. Eurasian J Med 2023; 55:140-145. [PMID: 37403912 PMCID: PMC10440928 DOI: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2023.22162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the vaccine hesitancy, psychological resilience, and anxiety levels of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted with 676 nurses working at the survey time. Sociodemographic features, the status of hesitancy against the COVID-19 vaccine, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Brief Resilience Scale were used in the questionnaire form to collect the data. RESULTS Most participants (68.6%; n=464) stated they were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine. A sig- nificantly higher rate of hesitancy was detected in the age group of 20-39 years, those who did not have COVID-19 vaccine, and those who did not think the COVID-19 vaccine is protective (P < .05). It was determined that 6.8% (n=46) of the nurses had COVID-19 anxiety. A significantly higher rate of anxiety was detected in the age group of 40 years and older, those working in the emergency department, and those working in the COVID-19 unit during the pandemic period (P < .05). The median Brief Resilience Scale score of nurses is 19(6). A negative, weak, and significant relationship was found between the Brief Resilience Scale and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores (P = .001). CONCLUSION During the pandemic, higher rates of anxiety were detected in healthcare personnel and those working in COVID-19 units. It was also found that as the level of anxiety increased, the level of psychological resilience decreased. To reduce the anxiety level and strengthen the psychological resilience of nurses, the cornerstones of the health system, fast, effective, and curative interventions should be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Akbulut
- Department of Surgery and Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
- Department of Public Health, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
- Department of Biostatistics, and Medical Informatics, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Gülseda Boz
- Department of Public Health, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Gökçe
- Department of Public Health, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Selver Ünsal
- Department of Nursing Service, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Hasan Sarıtaş
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Siirt University, Faculty of Health Science, Siirt, Turkey
| | - Erva Kızılay
- Department of Public Health, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ali Özer
- Department of Public Health, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | | | - Cemil Çolak
- Department of Biostatistics, and Medical Informatics, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
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Bullivant B, Bolsewicz KT, King C, Steffens MS. COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among older adults: A qualitative study in New South Wales, Australia. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2023; 5:100349. [PMCID: PMC9737511 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on people across the world, particularly older adults who have a higher risk of death and health complications. We aimed to explore older adults’ intention towards COVID-19 vaccination and factors that influenced their motivation to get vaccinated. Study design A qualitative study was conducted in New South Wales, Australia (April 2021), involving interviews with older adults (aged 70 years and older). Methods In-depth interviews were carried out with 14 older adults on their perceptions around COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccination program had just commenced at the time of data collection. We thematically analysed interviews and organised the themes within the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) Framework. Results We found that most participants were accepting of COVID-19 vaccination. Participants’ motivation to get vaccinated was influenced by the way they thought and felt about COVID-19 disease and vaccination (including perceptions of vaccine safety, effectiveness, benefits, COVID-19 disease risk, and vaccine brand preferences) and social influences (including healthcare provider recommendation, and influential others). The uptake of COVID-19 vaccination was also mediated by practical issues such as access and affordability. Conclusions Efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in this population should focus on highlighting the benefits of vaccination. Support should be given to immunisation providers to enhance efforts to discuss and recommend vaccination to this high-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Bullivant
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St., Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Corresponding author. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St., Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Katarzyna T. Bolsewicz
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St., Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Hunter New England Local Health District, Health Protection, Wallsend Hospital Campus, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia
| | - Catherine King
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St., Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maryke S. Steffens
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St., Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Zengeni M, Briggs NN. The Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among the Black Asian Ethnic Minority in New South Wales, Australia. Cureus 2023; 15:e40626. [PMID: 37350977 PMCID: PMC10284598 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40626] [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: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccination provides a cost-effective approach to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. The success of vaccination depends on global preparedness and acceptance of the new vaccines, and this is threatened by vaccine hesitancy worldwide. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, attitudes, and contributing factors in the Black Asian Ethnic Minority (BAME) of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Aim: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and identify contributing factors leading to vaccine hesitancy in the Black Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) in NSW. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted among the BAME community in NSW; over 12 weeks, from January 3rd, 2022, to March 28th, 2022. The study used the pre-existing previously known 5Cs model (confidence, constraints, complacency, calculation, and collective responsibility) to assess reasons for hesitancy. The questionnaire was distributed in English using social media platforms: Facebook and WhatsApp. RESULTS The study received 101 respondents over 18 years from all states in Australia from BAME communities, males and females, with different educational levels, employment sectors, marital statuses, co-existing chronic medical conditions, previous COVID-19 infection status, and COVID-19 vaccine received. Of these, 56 respondents were from NSW. Our findings revealed a high prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the BAME community in NSW, with 72.8% of respondents demonstrating hesitancy/reluctance due to various attitudes identified by the 5Cs model. Despite this high hesitancy, 98.2% of the participants had received at least one to three vaccine doses. CONCLUSION Even in populations with high vaccine uptake, it is still essential to address vaccine hesitancy and provide ongoing education about the importance of vaccination, particularly as new variants of COVID-19 continue to emerge and the need for booster shots may arise. This can help ensure continued protection against the virus and prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy Zengeni
- Medicine, Oceania University of Medicine, Brisbane, AUS
| | - Naomi N Briggs
- Emergency Medicine, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, AUS
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Thaker J, Richardson LM, Holmes DC. Audience segmentation analysis of public intentions to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:470-488. [PMID: 36546333 PMCID: PMC9790861 DOI: 10.1177/09636625221138494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
While previous studies provide broad categories of the public who intend to get a COVID-19 vaccine, few systematically segment and help understand and engage with distinct publics to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Using data from a national sample of the Australian public (N = 1054) and using measures primarily based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, a latent class analysis of 16 items was undertaken to identify COVID-19 audience segments for potential future message targeting. We found five different segments of COVID-19 vaccine intentions: vaccine enthusiasts (28%), supporters (26%), socials (20%), hesitant (15%) and sceptics (10%). These five audience segments also differ on demographic variables and their level of trust in mainstream media, scientists and health experts, social media and family and friends. Understanding the COVID-19 vaccine attitudinal and information-seeking characteristics of these sub-publics will help inform appropriate messaging campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagadish Thaker
- Jagadish Thaker, University of Auckland, 502 Room, Bldg 207, Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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Green J, Druckman JN, Baum MA, Ognyanova K, Simonson MD, Perlis RH, Lazer D. Media use and vaccine resistance. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad146. [PMID: 37188276 PMCID: PMC10178922 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Public health requires collective action-the public best addresses health crises when individuals engage in prosocial behaviors. Failure to do so can have dire societal and economic consequences. This was made clear by the disjointed, politicized response to COVID-19 in the United States. Perhaps no aspect of the pandemic exemplified this challenge more than the sizeable percentage of individuals who delayed or refused vaccination. While scholars, practitioners, and the government devised a range of communication strategies to persuade people to get vaccinated, much less attention has been paid to where the unvaccinated could be reached. We address this question using multiple waves of a large national survey as well as various secondary data sets. We find that the vaccine resistant seems to predictably obtain information from conservative media outlets (e.g. Fox News) while the vaccinated congregate around more liberal outlets (e.g. MSNBC). We also find consistent evidence that vaccine-resistant individuals often obtain COVID-19 information from various social media, most notably Facebook, rather than traditional media sources. Importantly, such individuals tend to exhibit low institutional trust. While our results do not suggest a failure of sites such as Facebook's institutional COVID-19 efforts, as the counterfactual of no efforts is unknown, they do highlight an opportunity to reach those who are less likely to take vital actions in the service of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Green
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02148, United States
- Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
| | - James N Druckman
- Department of Political Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
| | - Matthew A Baum
- Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
| | - Katherine Ognyanova
- School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Matthew D Simonson
- Department of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - David Lazer
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02148, United States
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