scholarly journals COVID-19: Perceived Infection Risk and Barriers to Uptake of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines Among Community Healthcare Workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tolulope B. Famuyiro ◽  
Abayomi Ogunwale ◽  
Jude des Bordes ◽  
Mukaila Raji
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Community Healthcare

Abstract Background The health and economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic have prompted the need for a timely and effective vaccine development. While the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in record time is being hailed as a scientific feat, skepticism about the safety, side effects, and even its long-term effects remain. Acceptance of the vaccine may therefore be a challenge among healthcare workers (HCWs), whose role is considered a proxy to determining the COVID-19 vaccine uptake response by the general population. Methods In December 2020, prior to the arrival and receipt of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the readiness for vaccine uptake among HCWs at three community-based, university-affiliated health centers. Results A total of 205 (82%) respondents out of 250 completed the questionnaire. Fifty-four percent of respondents agreed to receive vaccine once available. Females (odds ratio (OR) =0.22, p=0.014), non-Hispanic Blacks (OR=0.066, p=0.010), and Hispanics (OR=0.11, p=0.037) were less likely to accept the vaccine. Respondents with moderate-risk perception were more likely to accept (OR=2.79, p=0.045) compared to those with low-risk perception while no association was found between high-risk perception and vaccine acceptance (p=0.226). After adjusting for perceived risk, sex, race/ethnicity, and age, acceptance in non-Hispanic Black population remained statistically significant (adjusted OR=0.07, p=0.014), with Hispanic (AOR=0.12, p=0.051) showing a trend. Conclusions Enthusiastic acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is lacking among surveyed HCWs of certain racial/ethnic groups. Provision of resources and public health interventions targeting underserved, minority populations are necessary to halt opposition to vaccine uptake.

scholarly journals Risk perception and psychological state of healthcare workers in referral hospitals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Migisha ◽  
Alex Riolexus Ario ◽  
Benon Kwesiga ◽  
Lilian Bulage ◽  
Daniel Kadobera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Referral Hospitals

Abstract Background Safeguarding the psychological well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial to ensuring sustainability and quality of healthcare services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs may be subject to excessive mental stress. We assessed the risk perception and immediate psychological state of HCWs early in the pandemic in referral hospitals involved in the management of COVID-19 patients in Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in five referral hospitals from April 20–May 22, 2020. During this time, we distributed paper-based, self-administered questionnaires to all consenting HCWs on day shifts. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographics, occupational behaviors, potential perceived risks, and psychological distress. We assessed risk perception towards COVID-19 using 27 concern statements with a four-point Likert scale. We defined psychological distress as a total score > 12 from the 12-item Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We used modified Poisson regression to identify factors associated with psychological distress. Results Among 335 HCWs who received questionnaires, 328 (98%) responded. Respondents’ mean age was 36 (range 18–59) years; 172 (52%) were male. The median duration of professional experience was eight (range 1–35) years; 208 (63%) worked more than 40 h per week; 116 (35%) were nurses, 52 (14%) doctors, 30 (9%) clinical officers, and 86 (26%) support staff. One hundred and forty-four (44%) had a GHQ-12 score > 12. The most common concerns reported included fear of infection at the workplace (81%), stigma from colleagues (79%), lack of workplace support (63%), and inadequate availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (56%). In multivariable analysis, moderate (adjusted prevalence ratio, [aPR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.0) and high (aPR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.0–7.0) risk perception towards COVID-19 (compared with low-risk perception) were associated with psychological distress. Conclusions Forty-four percent of HCWs surveyed in hospitals treating COVID-19 patients during the early COVID-19 epidemic in Uganda reported psychological distress related to fear of infection, stigma, and inadequate PPE. Higher perceived personal risk towards COVID-19 was associated with increased psychological distress. To optimize patient care during the pandemic and future outbreaks, workplace management may consider identifying and addressing HCW concerns, ensuring sufficient PPE and training, and reducing infection-associated stigma.

scholarly journals Influenza Vaccination Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in South Al Batinah Governorate in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 661
Author(s):  
Salah T. Al Awaidy ◽  
Zayid K. Al Mayahi ◽  
Malak Kaddoura ◽  
Ozayr Mahomed ◽  
Nathalie Lahoud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Seasonal influenza infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important target group for vaccination against influenza due to their increased risk of infection and their potential to transmit the infection to their patients, families and communities. The aim of this study was to assess the potential hesitancy and its associated factors towards influenza vaccination amongst HCWs in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 390 HCWs with direct or indirect patient contact was conducted in May and June 2019 using a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between HCW characteristics and vaccination status were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify the likelihood of vaccination against seasonal influenza among HCWs. Results: Overall, 60% of HCWs were vaccinated in the 2018/2019 season; vaccine uptake among nurses was 52% and uptake was higher among women. Self-protection and protection of the community were the most cited reasons for vaccine acceptance, with side effects being the main reason for hesitancy. Vaccinated respondents had a higher mean knowledge score (7.18; standard deviation SD: 2.14) than unvaccinated respondents (6.30; SD: 2.2). Odds of vaccination were highest among respondents who believed influenza vaccine should be mandatory for HCWs (Odds ratio (OR): 2.04 [1.30–3.18]), those working in the general medicine, emergency medicine, or intensive care units (OR: 1.92 [1.20–3.10]), nurses and doctors (OR: 1.75 [1.09–2.79]) and those who believe that HCWs should receive an influenza vaccine (OR: 1.35 [1.07–2.77]). Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights into the enablers and barriers of influenza vaccination practices among HCWs and may inform interventions to increase acceptance of vaccination.

scholarly journals Lessons From the First Wave of COVID-19: Work-Related Consequences, Clinical Knowledge, Emotional Distress, and Safety-Conscious Behavior in Healthcare Workers in Switzerland

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Riguzzi ◽  
Shkumbin Gashi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Clinical Knowledge ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Work Situation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) imposes an unusual risk to the physical and mental health of healthcare workers and thereby to the functioning of healthcare systems during the crisis. This study investigates the clinical knowledge of healthcare workers about COVID-19, their ways of acquiring information, their emotional distress and risk perception, their adherence to preventive guidelines, their changed work situation due to the pandemic, and their perception of how the healthcare system has coped with the pandemic. It is based on a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 185 Swiss healthcare workers directly attending to patients during the pandemic, with 22% (n = 40) of them being assigned to COVID-19-infected patients. The participants answered between 16th June and 15th July 2020, shortly after the first wave of COVID-19 had been overcome and the national government had relaxed its preventive regulations to a great extent. The questionnaire incorporated parts of the “Standard questionnaire on risk perception of an infectious disease outbreak” (version 2015), which were adapted to the case of COVID-19. Clinical knowledge was lowest regarding the effectiveness of standard hygiene (p < 0.05). Knowledge of infectiousness, incubation time, and life-threatening disease progression was higher, however still significantly lower than regarding asymptomatic cases and transmission without physical contact (p < 0.001). 70% (95%-confidence interval: 64-77%) of the healthcare workers reported considerable emotional distress on at least one of the measured dimensions. They worried significantly more strongly about patients, elderly people, and family members, than about their own health (p < 0.001). Adherence to (not legally binding) preventive guidelines by the government displayed patterns such that not all guidelines were followed equally. Most of the participants were faced with a lack of protective materials, personnel, structures, processes, and contingency plans. An increase in stress level was the most prevalent among the diverse effects the pandemic had on their work situation. Better medical equipment (including drugs), better protection for their own mental and physical health, more (assigned) personnel, more comprehensive information about the symptoms of the disease, and a system of earlier warning were the primary lessons to be learned in view of upcoming waves of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Attitudes towards Anti-SARS-CoV2 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers: Results from a National Survey in Italy

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Di Gennaro ◽  
Rita Murri ◽  
Francesco Vladimiro Segala ◽  
Lorenzo Cerruti ◽  
Amina Abdulle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has afflicted tens of millions of people, fostering and unprecedent effort in vaccine development and distribution. Healthcare workers (HCW) play a key role in vaccine promotion and patient guidance, and it is likely that hesitancy among this population will have a major impact on the adoption of a successful immunization policy. To investigate HCW attitudes towards anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) vaccination, we developed an anonymous online cross-sectional survey. 1723 Italian HCW responded. Overall, 1155 (67%) intended to be vaccinated, while 443 (26%) were not sure and 125 (7%) declared refusal. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with hesitancy were using Facebook as the main information source and being a non-physician HCW, while predictors of acceptance included younger age, being in close contact with high-risk groups and having received flu vaccination during the 2019–2020 season. Reasons for hesitancy included lack of trust in vaccine safety (85%) and receiving little (78%) or conflicting (69%) information about vaccines. According to our results, adequate investment in vaccine education for healthcare personnel appears to be urgently needed, prioritizing non-physicians and information quality spread through social media. We hope that our data could help governments and policy-makers to target communication in the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

scholarly journals Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Zimbabweans: A rapid national survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paddington T Mundagowa ◽  
Samantha N Tozivepi ◽  
Edward T Chiyaka ◽  
Fadzai Mukora-Mutseyekwa ◽  
Richard Makurumidze
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government ◽  
Vaccine Information

Background: To minimize the devastating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic, scientists hastily developed a vaccine. However, the scaling up of the vaccination is likely to be hindered by the widespread social media misinformation. We, therefore, conducted a study to assess the COVID 19 vaccine hesitancy among Zimbabweans. Methods: We conducted a descriptive online cross-sectional survey using a self administered questionnaire among adults. The questionnaire assessed willingness to be vaccinated; sociodemographic characteristics, individual attitudes and perceptions, effectiveness, and safety of the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the independent factors associated with vaccine uptake. Results: We analyzed data for 1168 participants, the age range of 19 to 89 years with the majority being females (57.5%). Half (49.9%) of the participants reported that they would accept the COVID 19 vaccine. The majority were uncertain about the effectiveness of the vaccine (76.0%) and its safety (55.0%). About half lacked trust in the government s ability to ensure the availability of an effective vaccine and 61.0% mentioned that they would seek advice from a healthcare worker to vaccinate. Age 55 years and above [vs 18 to 25 years Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.04, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.07 to 3.87], chronic disease [vs no chronic disease AOR: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.32 to 2.25], males [vs females AOR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.44 to 2.36] and being a healthcare worker [vs not being a health worker AOR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.34 to 2.24] were associated with increased likelihood to vaccinate. History of COVID 19 infection [vs no history - AOR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.25 to 0.81) and rural residence [vs urban - AOR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.40 to 1.01] were associated with reduced likelihood to vaccinate. Conclusion: We found half of the participants willing to vaccinate against COVID-19. The majority lacked trust in the government and were uncertain about vaccine effectiveness and safety. The policymakers should consider targeting geographical and demographic groups which were unlikely to vaccinate with vaccine information, education, and communication to improve uptake.

scholarly journals Attitudes and Perception of Healthcare Workers Concerning Influenza Vaccination during the 2019/2020 Season: A Survey of Sicilian University Hospitals

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 686
Author(s):  
Claudio Costantino ◽  
Caterina Ledda ◽  
Raffaele Squeri ◽  
Vincenzo Restivo ◽  
Alessandra Casuccio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
European Guidelines ◽  
Public Health Institutions ◽  
Coverage Rates

Influenza is an infectious disease with a high impact on the population in terms of morbidity and mortality, but despite International and European guidelines, vaccination coverage rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain very low. The aim of the present study was to evaluate influenza vaccination adherence in the three Sicilian University Hospitals of Catania, Messina, and Palermo and to understand the attitudes and perceptions of vaccinated healthcare workers and the main reasons for vaccination refusal. A cross-sectional survey through a self-administered questionnaire was conducted during the 2019/2020 influenza season. Overall, 2356 vaccinated healthcare workers answered the questionnaire. The main reason reported for influenza vaccination adherence during the 2019/2020 season was to protect patients. Higher self-perceived risk of contracting influenza and a positive attitude to recommending vaccination to patients were significantly associated with influenza vaccination adherence during the last five seasons via multivariable analysis. Fear of an adverse reaction was the main reason for influenza vaccine refusal. In accordance with these findings, Public Health institutions should develop and tailor formative and informative campaigns to reduce principal barriers to the immunization process and promote influenza vaccination adherence among HCWs.

scholarly journals Gender, Socioeconomic, and Health Characteristics Associated with Influenza Vaccination Coverage (VC) among Italian Healthcare Workers: Secondary Analysis of a National Cross-Sectional Survey

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 298
Author(s):  
Pamela Barbadoro ◽  
Aura Brighenti ◽  
Giorgia Acquaviva ◽  
Alessandro Catalini ◽  
Francesca Diotallevi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Influenza epidemics pose a great overload over health-care facilities with an increase in the burden of disease for patients and healthcare costs. Despite a well-established amount of research in the area, vaccination rates show room for improvement and more research is needed in finding systematic interventions useful in improving healthcare workers (HCWs) vaccination coverage (VC). The purpose of this study was to describe the self-reported frequency of influenza immunization in HCWs and to identify demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health factors associated with this practice in Italy. Data about 5823 workers participating in the Italian national survey about health and healthcare services utilization are analyzed in the present study. Overall, 18.8% of HCWs reported being vaccinated against seasonal flu. In the multilevel regression, older workers had a higher likelihood of vaccine uptake (OR: 6.07; 95% CI 4.72–7.79), similar to those with chronic conditions or poor self-perceived health status (OR: 2.18 95% CI 1.17–4.09). On the other hand, the results highlighted a lower rate of VC in female HCWs (OR: 0.73 95% CI 0.61–0.86). Data confirm the low compliance towards flu immunization among Italian HCWs and highlight an important gap to be investigated in women.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy among Singaporean Primary Healthcare Workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sky Wei Chee Koh ◽  
Yiyang Liow ◽  
Victor Weng Keong Loh ◽  
Seaw Jia Liew ◽  
Yiong-Huak Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
Acceptance Rate ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance

Abstract BackgroundFactors affecting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among primary healthcare workers (HCW) remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify factors associated with vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among HCW.MethodsA multi-centre online cross-sectional survey was performed across 6 primary care clinics from May to June 2021, after completion of vaccination exercise. Demographics, profession, years working in healthcare, residential status, presence of chronic medical conditions, self-perceived risk of acquiring COVID-19 and previous influenza vaccination were collected. HCW who accepted vaccine were then asked to rank their top 5 reasons for vaccine acceptance; HCW who were vaccine hesitant had to complete the 5C scale on psychological antecedents of vaccination.Results557 out of 1182 eligible HCW responded (47.1%). 29 were excluded due to existing contraindications. Among 557 respondents, vaccine acceptance rate was 94.9% (n=501) and 5.1% were hesitant (n=27). COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was not associated with sex, age, ethnicity, profession, number of years in healthcare, living status, presence of chronic diseases, self-perceived risk or previous influenza vaccination. The top 3 reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance ranked by 501 HCW were to protect their family and friends, protect themselves from COVID-19 and due to high risk of acquiring COVID-19 because of their jobs. The 15-item questionnaire from the 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination was completed by 27 vaccine hesitant HCW. The mean scores for the components of the 5Cs were: ‘Confidence’ (3.96), ‘Complacency’ (3.23), ‘Constraint’ (2.85), ‘Calculation’ (5.79) and ‘Collective responsibility’ (4.12).ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a minute issue among Singapore primary HCW, having achieved close to 95% acceptance rate with 5% hesitancy rate. Future studies can focus on other settings with higher hesitancy rates, and acceptance of booster vaccinations with the emergence of the delta COVID-19 variant.Trial RegistrationThis study was approved by the National Healthcare Group (NHG) Domain Specific Review Board (DSRB), Singapore on 26th April 2021 (Reg No. 2021/00213).

scholarly journals Pregnancy related risk perception in pregnant women, midwives & doctors: a cross-sectional survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Lee ◽  
Des Holden ◽  
Rebecca Webb ◽  
Susan Ayers
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Women Doctors ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Degree Of Risk

Abstract Background Risk perception in relation to pregnancy and birth is a complex process influenced by multiple personal, psychological and societal factors. Traditionally, the risk perception of healthcare professionals has been presented as more objective and authoritative than that of pregnant women. Doctors have been presented as more concerned with biomedical risk than midwives. Such dichotomies oversimplify and obscure the complexity of the process. This study examines pregnancy-related risk perception in women and healthcare professionals, and what women and professionals believe about each other’s risk perception. Methods A cross sectional survey of set in UK maternity services. Participants were doctors working in obstetrics (N = 53), midwives (N = 59), pregnant women (N = 68). Participants were recruited in person from two hospitals. Doctors were also recruited online. Participants completed a questionnaire measuring the degree of perceived risk in various childbirth-related scenarios; and the extent to which they believed others agreed with them about the degree of risk generally involved in childbirth. Main outcome measures were the degree of risk perceived to the mother in baby in pregnancy scenarios, and beliefs about own perception of risk in comparison to their own group and other groups. Results There were significant differences in total risk scores between pregnant women, doctors and midwives in perception of risk to the mother in 68/80 scenarios. Doctors most frequently rated risks lowest. Total scores for perceived risk to the baby were not significantly different. There was substantial variation within each group. There was more agreement on the ranking of scenarios according to risk. Each group believed doctors perceived most risk whereas actually doctors most frequently rated risks lowest. Each group incorrectly believed their peers rated risk similarly to themselves. Conclusions Individuals cannot assume others share their perception of risk or that they make correct assessments regarding others’ risk perception. Further research should consider what factors are taken into account when making risk assessments,

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