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Domaradzki J, Jabkowski P, Walkowiak D. Investigating Beliefs in Anti-Vax Conspiracy Theories among Medical Students. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:359. [PMID: 38675741 PMCID: PMC11054095 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040359] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While the doctors' role in immunization is essential, their lack of knowledge or vaccine hesitancy may affect their ability to communicate effectively and educate patients about vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine conspiracy theories. This, in turn, may hinder health policy aimed at fighting infectious diseases. Vaccine hesitancy is prevalent not only among the general population but also among healthcare workers; thus, this study is aimed at assessing future doctors' attitudes towards anti-vax conspiracy theories. A total of 441 medical students at Poznan University of Medical Sciences completed a web-based survey designed to explore their attitudes toward the six most prevalent anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. The survey showed that although over 97% of future doctors support vaccinations as an effective form of fighting infectious diseases, and 80% did not believe in any anti-vax conspiracy theory, a significant fraction of 20% of medical students either believed in at least one such theory or were unsure. It has also shown that male and younger students who had not received a flu vaccination and defined themselves as politically right-wing or conservative and religious were more likely to believe in anti-vax conspiracy theories. Our data suggest that, in order to overcome medical students' ambivalent attitudes towards anti-vax conspiracy theories, they should receive more education about the importance of vaccination in preventing disease and about effective ways to combat vaccine hesitancy and anti-vax conspiracy theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 7, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Piotr Jabkowski
- Faculty of Sociology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 60-568 Poznań, Poland
| | - Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-356 Poznań, Poland
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Chau NM, Van Anh Nguyen T, To MN, Ghanem AS, Szőllősi G, Móré M, Nagy AC. Association Between Influenza Vaccine Uptake and Health Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study Among Medical Students and Healthcare Workers in Northern Vietnam. Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e941406. [PMID: 38163948 PMCID: PMC10771011 DOI: 10.12659/msm.941406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal influenza poses a significant global health concern. Despite the proven effectiveness of the influenza vaccine, its uptake remains low in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students and healthcare workers on influenza vaccine uptake in northern Vietnam. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 585 participants from northern Vietnam institutions through an anonymous online survey via Google form from June to August 2022. The cut-off for a high level of knowledge and a positive attitude was set at 70% for each variable. Bivariate analysis was conducted to establish associations. Multiple binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice. RESULTS Among the participants, 463 (79.15%) were women, 354 (60.51%) were below 25 years old, 426 (72.82%) were of "Kinh" ethnicity, and 454 (77.61%) were single. Only 237 (40.51%) were vaccinated. Good knowledge and attitude were reported by 36.58% and 42.39% of the participants, respectively. Having a high level of knowledge was found positively associated with having a positive attitude (odds ratio 2.11 [1.48-3.01]). Kinh ethnicity was positively associated with knowledge (1.67 [1.12-2.49]) and attitude (1.97 [1.32-2.94]). Female participants displayed a more positive attitude (2.08 [1.33-3.25]). Several factors influenced the uptake, such as being single (2.07 [1.19-3.59]), being a medical doctor (2.34 [1.09-5.06]), and being advised by a healthcare provider (2.96 [2.00-4.37]). CONCLUSIONS A noticeable gap in knowledge and attitude related to influenza vaccine uptake was found among the target population. Tailored interventions are necessary to improve vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Minh Chau
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Thi Van Anh Nguyen
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Minh Nguyet To
- School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Amr Sayed Ghanem
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gergő Szőllősi
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Marianna Móré
- Institute of Social and Sociological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Csaba Nagy
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Sorrentino M, Mercogliano M, Esposito F, Lamberti AM, Buonocore G, Riganti C, Triassi M, Palladino R. Identification of organizational barriers to HPV vaccination uptake in medical students in southern Italy: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1272630. [PMID: 38045958 PMCID: PMC10691465 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1272630] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite proven efficacy, HPV vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. Factors influencing vaccination uptake are education attainment, socio-economic position, and knowledge about HPV. This study aimed to assess HPV vaccination uptake and its correlates among medical students and identify logistic-organizational barriers, knowledge, and attitudes with regard towards HPV vaccination to improve current public health vaccination strategies. Medical students, with their acquired biological knowledge, were selected as a low-risk groups for HPV vaccination uptake. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Methods Students in their the first 3 years of study students were preferentially invited. Eventually, the invitation was extended to every medical student. Logistic multivariable regression was used to assess determinants of HPV vaccination uptake. Additional analysis explored determinants of knowledge of and attitude toward HPV vaccination. Finally, a sensitive analysis was conducted to further assess the effect of knowledge and attitude on the HPV vaccination rate. Results A total of 882 medical students participated, with 74.5% enrolled in the first 3 years of their training. HPV vaccination uptake was 55.5%, ranging from 78.5% for females to 16.5% for males. Male sex and increasing age were consistently associated with a lower vaccination uptake (males sex: OR 0.03, CI 0.02-0.05; age: OR 0.77, CI 0.68-0.88), whereasilst progress in their academic career was associated with a to higher likelihood of being vaccinated (6th year: OR 3.45, CI 1.24-9.57). These associations were confirmed when considering the knowledge of and attitude towards HPV. Additionally also, an active outreach from healthcare institutions was associated with a higher likelihood of receiving HPV vaccination (OR 1.70, CI 1.09-2.65. Conclusion HPV vaccination in medical students was higher than in the general population; however, it was still suboptimal. An active and up-to-date call strategy and extending the free-of-charge offer are essential measures for to improvinge vaccination uptake. The findings support the need to improve public health strategies and increase awareness and knowledge ofregarding HPV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Sorrentino
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Federica Esposito
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Gaetano Buonocore
- Clinical Directorate, niversity Hospital “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Riganti
- Clinical Directorate, niversity Hospital “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center in Healthcare Management and Innovation in Healthcare (CIRMIS), Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palladino
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center in Healthcare Management and Innovation in Healthcare (CIRMIS), Naples, Italy
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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Kaur M, Coppeta L, Olesen OF. Vaccine Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in Europe: A Systematic Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1657. [PMID: 38005989 PMCID: PMC10675787 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study analyzes vaccine hesitancy (VH) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in 15 European countries. We have undertaken a systematic review by synthesizing data from 46 articles (between 2015 and 2022) encompassing 55,612 subjects. Despite the heterogeneity of the methods in the various studies, we found that physicians had consistently higher vaccination rates than nurses across different countries and different vaccines. Physicians' average vaccination rate was 79% across a selection of vaccines, while that of nurses was 62%. Concerns regarding vaccine safety, information gaps, and the responsibility of healthcare authorities in managing VH are highlighted by qualitative insights. This research contributes to our comprehension of the ways in which VH among HCWs is impacted by healthcare roles, vaccine types, and regional disparities. The insights gleaned from this analysis can serve as a guide for targeted interventions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance and coverage in Europe, ultimately strengthening public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Kaur
- European Vaccine Initiative, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg (Heidelberg University Hospital), Voßstraße 2, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Luca Coppeta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Ole F. Olesen
- European Vaccine Initiative, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg (Heidelberg University Hospital), Voßstraße 2, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany;
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5
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Venkatesan K, Menon S, Haroon NN. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among medical students: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 11:218. [PMID: 36177403 PMCID: PMC9514279 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_940_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine hesitancy leads to an increase in morbidity, mortality, and health-care burden. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy include anti-vax group statements, misinformation about vaccine side effects, speed of vaccine development, and general disbelief in the existence of viruses like COVID-19. Medical students are future physicians and are key influencers in the uptake of vaccines. Hence, investigating vaccine hesitancy in this population can help to overcome any barrier in vaccine acceptance. METHODS In this paper, we review five articles on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in medical students and consider potential future research. All published papers relevant to the topic were obtained through extensive search using major databases. Inclusion criteria included studies that specifically investigated COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in medical students published between 2020 and 2021. Exclusion criteria included studies that investigated vaccine hesitancy in health-care professionals, allied health, and viruses apart from COVID-19. A total of 10 studies were found from our search. RESULTS Based on our exclusion criteria, only five studies were included in our review. The sample size ranged from 168 to 2133 medical students. The percentage of vaccine hesitancy in medical students ranged from 10.6 to 65.1%. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy included concern about serious side effects, vaccine efficacy, misinformation and insufficient information, disbelief in public health experts, financial costs, and belief that they had acquired immunity. CONCLUSION These results suggest that vaccine hesitancy is an important cause of the incidence and prevalence of COVID-19 cases. Identifying the barriers of vaccine hesitancy in prospective physicians can help increase vaccination uptake in the general public. Further research is necessary to identify the root cause of these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirthika Venkatesan
- Department of Medicine, Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Sukrita Menon
- Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India
| | - Nisha Nigil Haroon
- Clinical Sciences Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Verger P, Botelho-Nevers E, Garrison A, Gagnon D, Gagneur A, Gagneux-Brunon A, Dubé E. Vaccine hesitancy in health-care providers in Western countries: a narrative review. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:909-927. [PMID: 35315308 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2056026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a leading cause of suboptimal vaccine uptake rates worldwide. The interaction between patients and health-care providers (HCPs) is the keystone in addressing VH. However, significant proportions of HCPs, including those who administer vaccines, are personally and professionally vaccine-hesitant. AREAS COVERED This narrative review sought to characterize the nature, extent, correlates, and consequences of VH among HCPs. We included 39 quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in Western countries, published since 2015, that assessed VH among HCPs in general, for several vaccines. Studies were reviewed using the WHO 3Cs model - (lack of) confidence, complacency, and (lack of) convenience. EXPERT OPINION Despite the lack of validated tools and substantial heterogeneity in the methods used to measure VH among HCPs, this review confirms its presence in this population, at frequencies that vary by country, profession type, setting, and level of medical education. Lack of knowledge and mistrust in health authorities/pharmaceutical industry/experts were among its principal drivers. Improving the content about vaccination in HCPs' training programs, facilitating access to reliable information for use during consultations, and developing and validating instruments to measure HCPs' VH and its determinants are key to addressing VH among HCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Verger
- ORS Paca, Southeastern Health Regional Observatory, Marseille, France.,Faculty of Medicine, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Elisabeth Botelho-Nevers
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France.,CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Lyon, France.,Univ Lyon, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,Chair PreVacCi, Presage Institut, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Amanda Garrison
- ORS Paca, Southeastern Health Regional Observatory, Marseille, France.,Faculty of Medicine, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Dominique Gagnon
- Direction des risques biologiques et de la santé au travail, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Arnaud Gagneur
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Quebec, Canada.,Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Département de pédiatrie, Université de Sherbrooke-Campus de la Santé, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amandine Gagneux-Brunon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France.,CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Lyon, France.,Univ Lyon, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,Chair PreVacCi, Presage Institut, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,CIC INSERM Vaccinology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Eve Dubé
- Deptartment of Anthropology, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
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Lo Moro G, Cugudda E, Bert F, Raco I, Siliquini R. Vaccine Hesitancy and Fear of COVID-19 Among Italian Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Community Health 2022; 47:475-483. [PMID: 35138490 PMCID: PMC9160103 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01074-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Medical students are in close contact with patients and should adhere to the same recommendations as healthcare workers. The study aimed to explore medical students' hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccine and evaluate fear of COVID-19 and its relationship with hesitancy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst a sample of medical students attending clinical years (November 2020–February 2021, Italy). Multivariable regressions were performed (p < 0.05 as significant). A total of 929 students participated (58.6% of eligible students). Hesitancy was reported by 6.7%; extreme fear of COVID-19 by 42.0%. Among hesitancy predictors, there were the survey completion before COVID-19 vaccine authorisation (adjOR = 6.43), adverse reactions after a vaccination (adjOR = 3.30), and receiving advice against COVID-19 vaccination from a relative (adjOR = 2.40). Students who received the recommended paediatric vaccinations (adjOR = 0.10), students with higher adherence to preventive measures (adjOR = 0.98), and students with fear of contracting COVID-19 with regard to the health of loved ones (adjOR = 0.17) were less likely to be hesitant. Females (adjOR = 1.85), students with poor health (adjOR = 1.64), students who had a loved one severely affected by COVID-19 (adjOR = 1.68), and students with fear of contracting flu (adjOR = 3.06) had a higher likelihood of reporting extreme fear. Hesitancy was remarkably lower than in similar studies. However, there is room for improvement in university activities that could deepen the competence in vaccines. Our focus on fear should not be overlooked, since the extent of extreme fear that we found might represent a substantial burden, considering the associations between fear and other health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Lo Moro
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cugudda
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Immacolata Raco
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Siliquini
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
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Pérez-Rivas FJ, Gallego-Lastra RD, Marques-Vieira CMA, López-López C, Domínguez-Fernández S, Rico-Blázquez M, Ajejas Bazán MJ. The Attitude towards Vaccination of Health Sciences Students at a Spanish University Improved over the First 18 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:237. [PMID: 35214695 PMCID: PMC8877000 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to know the attitudes of students of health sciences (SHSs) towards vaccination since they will be tomorrow's health professionals. Vaccination is a powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19. The aim of the present, cross-sectional study was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the attitude of SHSs towards vaccination. Data were collected in the form of a questionnaire from all students of nursing, physiotherapy and chiropody matriculated at a Madrid University for the academic year 2019/2020 (i.e., before the start of the pandemic [Q1]), and from all those matriculated for the year 2021/22 (i.e., c18 months after the pandemic was declared [Q2]). A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the influence of sex, degree being studied, course year and the time of answering (Q1 or Q2), on the dimensions Beliefs, Behaviours and General Attitude. Overall, 1894 questionnaires were returned (934 [49.3%] for Q1, and 960 [50.7%] for Q2), of which 70.5% were completed by students of nursing, 14% by students of physiotherapy and 15.4% by those studying chiropody. In Q2, the results for all three dimensions were significantly better (p < 0.05). The most important influencing factors were being a student of nursing, being in the final years of training (years 3 or 4), female gender and answering at the time of Q2. The results obtained are encouraging since student nurses (who showed Q1 and Q2 General Attitude scores of 3.34 and 3.47 (maximum possible 4), respectively [p < 0.05]) are the health professionals of tomorrow most likely to be involved in vaccination programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Pérez-Rivas
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal no. 3, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.D.G.-L.); (C.L.-L.); (M.R.-B.); (M.J.A.B.)
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ramón Del Gallego-Lastra
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal no. 3, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.D.G.-L.); (C.L.-L.); (M.R.-B.); (M.J.A.B.)
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Humanidades, Ciencia y Salud”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Maria Alves Marques-Vieira
- Center Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), Nursing School (Lisbon), Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Candelas López-López
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal no. 3, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.D.G.-L.); (C.L.-L.); (M.R.-B.); (M.J.A.B.)
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación en Cuidados (InveCuid), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Intensive Care, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Domínguez-Fernández
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro Municipal de Salud Comunitaria Centro, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, 28013 Madrid, Spain
| | - Milagros Rico-Blázquez
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal no. 3, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.D.G.-L.); (C.L.-L.); (M.R.-B.); (M.J.A.B.)
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Unidad de Investigación de la Gerencia Asistencial de Atención Primaria, Servicio Madrileño de la Salud, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Julia Ajejas Bazán
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal no. 3, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.D.G.-L.); (C.L.-L.); (M.R.-B.); (M.J.A.B.)
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Academia Central de la Defensa, Escuela Militar de Sanidad, Ministerio de Defensa, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Montvidas J, Basevičiūtė M, Burokaitė K, Adomaitienė V, Lesinskienė S. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Health-Science Students of Lithuania-A National Cross-Sectional Online Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12870. [PMID: 34948480 PMCID: PMC8701387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: the relationship between the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is understudied. Moreover, health science students are the future leaders and advocates of vaccination efforts. Therefore, it is essential to understand the origins of vaccine hesitancy and evaluate if the adverse psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic influence it. (2) Methods: we shared an anonymous questionnaire among health-science students via institutional emails of two Lithuanian universities. Results were summarized with odds ratios and mean differences. (3) Results: a total of 1545 health sciences students answered the questionnaire. Almost a fifth of the respondents claimed that they were unsure about getting vaccinated, and nearly one out of ten claimed that they would not get vaccinated. Medicine students, non-infected students, and students who volunteered in a COVID-19 ward were significantly more willing to get vaccinated compared to other health science students. Vaccine hesitant respondents reported a more significant negative effect of COVID-19 on their income and belief in the future. (4) Conclusions: the results of this study showed that negative psychosocial impact on income and 'belief in future' were positively associated with vaccine hesitancy. Having been diagnosed with COVID-19 was significantly associated with being doubtful towards vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Montvidas
- Psychiatry Department, Medical Faculty, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.B.); (V.A.)
| | - Milda Basevičiūtė
- Psychiatry Department, Medical Faculty, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.B.); (V.A.)
| | - Kamilė Burokaitė
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-01513 Vilnius, Lithuania; (K.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Virginija Adomaitienė
- Psychiatry Department, Medical Faculty, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.B.); (V.A.)
| | - Sigita Lesinskienė
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-01513 Vilnius, Lithuania; (K.B.); (S.L.)
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Bolatov AK, Seisembekov TZ, Askarova AZ, Pavalkis D. Barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among medical students in Kazakhstan: development, validation, and use of a new COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:4982-4992. [PMID: 34614385 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1982280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the main barriers to vaccine acceptance among medical students in Kazakhstan and to develop the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (COV-VHS). A cross-sectional study was carried out among students at Astana Medical University (N = 888, Kazakhstan) in March 2021. Only 2% of the participants were currently vaccinated, and 22.4% showed the potential for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The following barriers were the most important in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: concern about possible side effects of vaccination (73%), absence of sufficient evidence on the effectiveness and safety (57%) and quality (42%), the belief that the immune system will cope with COVID-19 even without vaccination (38%), and lack of trust in the effectiveness of vaccination against COVID-19 (33%). Moreover, this study identified the following factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: contextual influences (e.g., communication and media environment, socio-demographic factors, vaccination policies, and perception of the pharmaceutical industry), individual and group influences (e.g., personal experience with vaccination, attitudes about health and prevention, trust in the health system and providers, perceived risk), and specific issues on COVID-19 vaccine/vaccination (e.g., choice of vaccine can reduce vaccine hesitancy by 30%). A developed 12-item 6-factor model of COV-VHS showed good validity and reliability. In conclusion, there was a low-level potential for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among medical students in Kazakhstan. Thus, an effective vaccination education and policy are needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidos K Bolatov
- Faculty of Medicine, Astana Medical University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Dainius Pavalkis
- Department of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Sentiments Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination among Graduate Students in Singapore. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101141. [PMID: 34696249 PMCID: PMC8538718 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages unabated, and with more infectious variants, vaccination may offer a way to transit out of strict restrictions on physical human interactions to curb the virus spread and prevent overwhelming the healthcare system. However, vaccine hesitancy threatens to significantly impact our progress towards achieving this. It is thus important to understand the sentiments regarding vaccination for different segments of the population to facilitate the development of effective strategies to persuade these groups. Here, we surveyed the COVID-19 vaccination sentiments among a highly educated group of graduate students from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Graduate students who are citizens of 54 different countries, mainly from Asia, pursue studies in diverse fields, with 32% expressing vaccine hesitancy. Citizenship, religion, country of undergraduate/postgraduate studies, exposure risk and field of study are significantly associated with vaccine sentiments. Students who are Chinese citizens or studied in Chinese Universities prior to joining NUS are more hesitant, while students of Indian descent or studied in India are less hesitant about vaccination. Side effects, safety issues and vaccine choice are the major concerns of the hesitant group. Hence, this study would facilitate the development of strategies that focus on these determinants to enhance vaccine acceptance.
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12
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Talarek E, Warzecha J, Banasiuk M, Banaszkiewicz A. Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Intention to Receive Hypothetical Ebola and COVID-19 Vaccines among Medical Students. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:709. [PMID: 34209128 PMCID: PMC8310166 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to determine influenza vaccine uptake among medical students and their intention to receive a hypothetical Ebola or COVID-19 vaccine. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed in 2015 and 2020 on 675 medical students at the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. In 2020, the influenza vaccination coverage was 36.5%, and students were almost five times more likely to be vaccinated than in 2015 (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 3.1-7.5). In 2020, the survey was conducted during the first university campaign targeted at free influenza vaccinations for all students, as well as during the first lockdown in Poland due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, clinical students (4th-6th study year) were significantly more often vaccinated than preclinical students (p < 0.001), in contrast to 2015. A majority-67.0% and 94.6%-of students expressed their intention to receive a hypothetical Ebola or COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. Among the medical students, influenza vaccination status was a predictor of the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Influenza vaccine uptake among medical students has increased significantly, but it is still not optimal; thus, further educational efforts are needed to convince those who are hesitant regarding vaccines. A high number of students reported their intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and it is crucial to support their positive attitude about it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Talarek
- Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Warzecha
- University Children’s Hospital of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marcin Banasiuk
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Aleksandra Banaszkiewicz
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.); (A.B.)
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Seasonal Influenza and Low Flu Vaccination Coverage as Important Factors Modifying the Costs and Availability of Hospital Services in Poland: A Retrospective Comparative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105173. [PMID: 34068141 PMCID: PMC8152967 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Influenza infection is associated with potential serious complications, increased hospitalization rates, and a higher risk of death. Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of selected indicators of hospitalization from the University Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland, was carried out on patients with confirmed influenza infection in comparison to a control group randomly selected from among all other patients hospitalized on the respective wards during the 2018-2019 influenza season. Results: The mean laboratory testing costs for the entire hospital were 3.74-fold higher and the mean imaging test costs were 4.02-fold higher for patients with confirmed influenza than for the control group; the hospital expenses were additionally raised by the cost of antiviral therapy, which is striking when compared against the cost of a single flu vaccine. During the 2018-2019 influenza season, influenza infections among the hospital patients temporarily limited the healthcare service availability in the institution, which resulted in reduced admission rates to the departments related to internal medicine; the mean absence among the hospital staff totaled approximately 7 h per employee, despite 7.3% of the staff having been vaccinated against influenza at the hospital's expense. Conclusions: There were significant differences in the hospitalization indicators between the patients with confirmed influenza and the control group, which markedly increased the hospital care costs in this multi-specialty university hospital.
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