scholarly journals Perceived public health threat a key factor for willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Australia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael H Dodd ◽  
Kristen Pickles ◽  
Erin Cvejic ◽  
Samuel Cornell ◽  
Jennifer MJ Isautier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Free Text ◽  
List Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Threat ◽  
Safety Concerns ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Nationally Representative

ABSTRACTBackgroundVaccination rollout against COVID-19 has begun across multiple countries worldwide. Although the vaccine is free, rollout might still be compromised by hesitancy or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.MethodsWe conducted two online surveys of Australian adults in April (during national lockdown; convenience cross-sectional sample) and November (virtually no cases of COVID-19; nationally representative sample) 2020, prior to vaccine rollout. We asked about intentions to have a potential COVID-19 vaccine (If a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, I will get it) and free-text responses (November only).ResultsAfter adjustment for differences in sample demographics, the estimated proportion agreeing to a COVID-19 vaccine if it became available in April (n=1146) was 76.2%. In November (n=2034) this was estimated at 71.4% of the sample; additional analyses identified that the variation was driven by differences in perceived public health threat between April and November. Across both surveys, female gender, being younger, having inadequate health literacy and lower education were associated with reluctance to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Lower perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, belief that data on the efficacy of vaccines is ‘largely made up’, having lower confidence in government, and lower perception of COVID-19 as a public health threat, were also associated with reluctance to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The top three reasons for agreeing to vaccinate (November only) were to protect myself and others, moral responsibility, and having no reason not to get it. For those who were indifferent or disagreeing to vaccinate, safety concerns were the top reason, followed by indecision and lack of trust in the vaccine respectively.CONCLUSIONSThese findings highlight some factors related to willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine prior to one being available in Australia. Now that the vaccine is being offered, this study identifies key issues that can inform public health messaging to address vaccine hesitancy.HIGHLIGHTSPerceived public health threat is associated with intentions to vaccinateThose believing the efficacy of vaccines is made up were less willing to get vaccinatedTo protect myself and others was the top reason for getting the vaccineSafety concerns was the top reason against getting the vaccine

scholarly journals Encouraging Indonesians to Pray From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Kuipers ◽  
Saiful Mujani ◽  
Thomas Pepinsky
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Representative Survey ◽  
Health Threat ◽  
Suggestive Evidence ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Public Health Messages ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Despite the introduction of social restrictions designed to stem the spread of COVID-19, many Indonesians have continued to attend places of worship. This poses a major public health threat, as congregational prayer involves large numbers of worshippers gathering under conditions known to enable the spread of the virus. Using a nationally representative survey, we evaluated the efficacy of messages delivered from different authorities in encouraging Indonesians to worship at home. We find no consistent evidence that public health messages change Indonesians’ attitudes toward communal prayer or their willingness to forgo communal prayer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, however, looking at well-defined subpopulations – non-Muslims and supporters of the president – we find suggestive evidence that messages were effective in increasing the likelihood of individuals to indicate a willingness to forgo communal prayer in the forthcoming week. Our results suggest that public health officials should eschew blanket messaging strategies in favor of more targeted approaches.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Underserved Communities of North Carolina

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene A. Doherty ◽  
William Pilkington ◽  
Laurin Brown ◽  
Victoria Billings ◽  
Undi Hoffler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
List Type ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Underserved Communities ◽  
Safety Concerns

AbstractBackgroundIn the United States, underserved communities including Blacks and Latinx are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and widespread vaccination is critical for curbing this pandemic. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, describe attitudes related to vaccination, and identify correlates among racial minority and marginalized populations across 9 counties in North Carolina.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire distributed at free COVID-19 testing events in underserved rural and urban communities from August 27 – December 15, 2020. Vaccine hesitancy was defined as the response of “no” or “don’t know/not sure” to whether the participant would get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it became available.ResultsThe sample comprised 948 participants including 27.7% Whites, 59.6% Blacks, 12.7% Latinx, and 63% female. Thirty-two percent earned <$20K annually, 60% owned a computer and ∼80% had internet access at home. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 68.9% including 62.7%, 74%, and 59.5% among Whites, Blacks, and Latinx, respectively. Between September and December, the largest decline in vaccine hesitancy occurred among Whites (27.5 percentage points), followed by Latinx (17.6) and the smallest decline was among Black respondents (12.0). 51.2% of the respondents reported vaccine safety concerns, 23.7% wanted others to get of the respondents reported they would trust health care providers with information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Factors associated with hesitancy in multivariable logistic regression included being female (OR=1.90 95%CI[1.36, 2.64]), being Black (OR=1.68 [1.106 2.45]), calendar month (OR=0.76 [0.63, 0.92]), safety concerns (OR=4.28 [3.06, 5.97]), and government distrust (OR=3.57 [2.26, 5.63]).ConclusionsThis study reached underserved minority populations in a number of different locations to investigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We built on existing relationships and further engaged the community, stake holders and health department to provide free COVID-19 testing. This direct approach permitted assessment of vaccine hesitancy (which was much higher than national estimates), distrust, and safety concerns.HighlightsThis study surveyed 948 adults at COVID-19 testing sites in 9 counties of North Carolina between August 27 and December 15, 2020 where vaccine hesitancy was widespread including 74% in Blacks, 62.7% in Whites and 59.5% in Latinx.Vaccine hesitancy declined over time but remained high for Blacks.On-site surveys conducted in underserved areas that were paper-based and self-administered permitted reaching adults with no internet (17%), no cell phone (20%), no computer (40%) and yearly incomes less than 20K (31%).Widespread vaccine hesitancy in predominately minority communities of NC must be addressed to successfully implement mass COVID-19 vaccination programs.

scholarly journals Irrational Use of Antimicrobials in Poultry Farms and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 10-14
Author(s):  
Talal Alhouzani ◽  
Mohammad Saleem ◽  
Arun Sharma ◽  
Sitaram Khadka ◽  
Ravi Prasad Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Defined Daily Dose ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Threat ◽  
Poultry Farms ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Daily Dose

Background: The rampant use of antimicrobials in poultry farms is creating a global public health threat as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans may arise from such practice. This study was conducted with the objective of quantification and hence assessment of the level of antimicrobial use in Pakistani poultry farms so that appropriate utilization of such agents can be assured. Methods: Six randomly selected poultry farms of Pakistan with ten production cycles with 20,000- 30,000 birds in every production cycle were selected for the study from 2018 to 2019. The average dosage utilized on-farm was described by the defined daily dose (DDD) and used daily dose (UDD). Results: It was found that enrofloxacin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, tylocin, and lincomycin were the antimicrobials commonly used by all poultry farms. However, only Enrofloxacin (UDD/DDD = 0.95) was being used within the rational therapeutic range. All the antimicrobials were used irrationally without proper indication and suggestion by the veterinarian. No records on antimicrobials use were found on any farm.   Conclusion: The irrational use of antimicrobials in poultry farms may lead to antimicrobial resistance which has been a global public health threat. The speedy action should be implemented to discourage such rampant use of drugs in poultry farms in Pakistan and countries with similar farming practices for the effective use of antimicrobials in the proper indication.

scholarly journals 2-Mercaptomethyl-thiazolidines use conserved aromatic-S interactions to achieve broad-range inhibition of metallo-β-lactamases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria-Agustina Rossi ◽  
Veronica Martinez ◽  
Philip Hinchliffe ◽  
Maria-Fernanda Mojica ◽  
Valerie Castillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Health Threat ◽  
Public Health Threat

Infections caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria are a major public health threat. Carbapenems are among the most potent antimicrobial agents that are commercially available to treat MDR bacteria. Bacterial...

scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in underserved communities of North Carolina

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0248542
Author(s):  
Irene A. Doherty ◽  
William Pilkington ◽  
Laurin Brown ◽  
Victoria Billings ◽  
Undi Hoffler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Underserved Communities ◽  
Safety Concerns

Background In the United States, underserved communities including Blacks and Latinx are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, describe attitudes related to vaccination, and identify correlates among historically marginalized populations across 9 counties in North Carolina. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey distributed at free COVID-19 testing events in underserved rural and urban communities from August 27 –December 15, 2020. Vaccine hesitancy was defined as the response of “no” or “don’t know/not sure” to whether the participant would get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it became available. Results The sample comprised 948 participants including 27.7% Whites, 59.6% Blacks, 12.7% Latinx, and 63% female. 32% earned <$20K annually, 60% owned a computer and ~80% had internet access at home. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 68.9% including 62.7%, 74%, and 59.5% among Whites, Blacks, and Latinx, respectively. Between September and December, the largest decline in vaccine hesitancy occurred among Whites (27.5 percentage points), followed by Latinx (17.6) and only 12.0 points among Blacks. 51.2% of respondents reported vaccine safety concerns, 23.7% wanted others to get vaccinated first, and 63.1% would trust health care providers about the COVID-19 vaccine. Factors associated with hesitancy in multivariable logistic regression included being female (OR = 1.90 95%CI [1.36, 2.64]), being Black (OR = 1.68 1.16, 2.45]), calendar month (OR = 0.76 [0.63, 0.92]), safety concerns (OR = 4.28 [3.06, 5.97]), and government distrust (OR = 3.57 [2.26, 5.63]). Conclusions This study engaged the community to directly reach underserved minority populations at highest risk of COVID-19 that permitted assessment of vaccine hesitancy (which was much higher than national estimates), driven in part by distrust, and safety concerns.

scholarly journals Unpasteurized Milk: A Continued Public Health Threat

2009 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey T. LeJeune ◽  
Päivi J. Rajala‐Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Threat ◽  
Unpasteurized Milk ◽  
Public Health Threat
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