Running away from the jab: factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how sociodemographic conditions, political factors, organizational confidence, and non-pharmaceutical interventions compliance affect the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Brazil. METHODS: Data collection took place between November 25th, 2020 and January 11th, 2021 using a nationwide online survey. Subsequently, the researches performed a descriptive analysis on the main variables and used logistic regression models to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: Less concern over vaccine side effects could improve the willingness to be vaccinated (probability changed by 7.7 pp; p < 0.10). The current vaccine distrust espoused by the Brazilian president is associated with vaccine hesitancy, among his voter base. Lower performance perception (“Very Bad” with 10.7 pp; p < 0.01) or higher political opposition (left-oriented) regarding the current presidency is associated with the willingness to be vaccinated. Higher compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) is usually positively associated with the willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine (+1 score to NPI compliance index is associated with higher willingness to be vaccinated by 1.4 pp, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Willingness to be vaccinated is strongly associated with political leaning, perceived federal government performance, vaccine side effects, and compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs).

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Profilaxia Pré-Exposição para o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana no Currículo Médico em Portugal: Uma Análise Transversal

Acta Médica Portuguesa ◽

10.20344/amp.15446 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 35 (13) ◽

Author(s):

Francisco Duarte ◽

Nuno Rua ◽

David Gomes ◽

Vasco Ricoca Peixoto ◽

Daniela Azevedo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Medical Schools ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

School Year ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

Introduction: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has gained relevance as a method of prevention for HIV in certain people and settings. Following the publication of the guideline on PrEP prescribing in Portugal, we aimed to assess the knowledge of Portuguese Medical Students about PrEP.Material and Methods: An online survey was sent to Medical students of Portuguese Medical Schools. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the results and an analytic cross-sectional study to identify factors associated with “knowing about PrEP”, “having had one class about PrEP” and “identifying eligible groups correctly”.Results: Of the 796 students that responded to the survey, 64.6% were aware of what PrEP is. Of these, 34.44% acquired this knowledge during their training. Out of the total amount of respondents, 4.77% could identify correctly and completely the eligible groups for PrEP. As the training years went by, the probability of being aware of PrEP, having had one class about PrEP, and identifying the eligible groups correctly, increased. Of the sixth-year students, 43.48% had had one class about PrEP and among the students that were aware of PrEP, 28% identified what the eligible groups were. After adjusting for the school year, we found differences between Medical Schools regarding the outcomes. The association between the different ways of learning about PrEP and the ability to correctly identify eligible groups for PrEP was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The differences between Medical Schools could be harmonized through changes in the medical curricula that would allow this topic to be addressed more often.

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The Grand National: a review of factors associated with non-completion and horse-falls, 1990 to 2012

Comparative Exercise Physiology ◽

10.3920/cep13013 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 9 (3-4) ◽

pp. 131-146 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

J.M. Williams ◽

D.M. Marlin ◽

N. Langley ◽

T.D. Parkin ◽

H. Randle

Keyword(s):

Goodness Of Fit ◽

Model Building ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Ratio Test ◽

Public Attention ◽

Chi Square ◽

Related Factors ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Equine Welfare

The Grand National (GN) attracts high profile press and subsequent public attention. This study aimed to establish if factors influential to non-completion, horse-falls and specific fence risk in the GN supported the measures implemented by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to improve equine welfare in the GN. Horse, jockey, trainer and race related factors associated with non-completion, horse-falls and horse-falls at specific fences of the GN were collated over a 22 year period from 1990 to 2012. Descriptive analysis calculated non-completion rates per year, according to age and reason for non-completion. The distribution of fallers during the race in relation to fence number, design and key feature fences were also determined. Univariable analysis informed multivariable model building to identify factors associated with non-completion (n=840) and horse-falls (n=514) in the GN. Two final logistic regression models were refined through a backward stepwise process with variables retained if likelihood ratio test P-values were <0.05. Chi-square goodness of fit analyses evaluated fall risk at fence level. During the period investigated 347 horses completed the GN; the probability of a horse falling in the race was 0.24. The first fence, Becher's brook and drop fences increased the risk of falling compared to plain fences. Good-soft going increased the number of horses that completed the race and reduced the number of fallers suggesting this is the optimal ground condition for the race. GNs run at a faster than average speed increased the risk of horses not completing and falling. Inexperienced horses and jockeys show a greater risk of not completing and falling. Our work supports BHA measures implemented to improve safety in the GN; controlling speed, modifying fence design, promoting race experience and ground maintenance to produce good-soft going can increase completions and reduce falls, therefore enhancing equine welfare.

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Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/57pwf ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽

Miriam S. Johnson ◽

Sara Ebling ◽

Ole Myklebust Amundsen ◽

Øyvind Halsøy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Adult Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Natural Immunity ◽

Factors Associated

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: The present study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyses and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy. Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance towards vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials’ dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

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A high rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a large-scale survey on Arabs

eLife ◽

10.7554/elife.68038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Author(s):

Eyad A Qunaibi ◽

Mohamed Helmy ◽

Iman Basheti ◽

Iyad Sultan

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Large Scale ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Arab Countries ◽

High Rate ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Academic Education ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Care Workers

Background: Vaccine hesitancy can limit the benefits of available vaccines in halting the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Previously published studies paid little attention to Arab countries, which has a population of over 440 million. In this study, we present the results of the first large-scale multinational study that measures vaccine hesitancy among Arab-speaking subjects.Methods: An online survey in Arabic was conducted from 14-Jan-2021 to 29-Jan-2021. It consisted of 17 questions capturing demographic data, acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine, attitudes towards the need for COVID-19 vaccination and associated health policies, and reasons for vaccination hesitancy. R software- v.4.0.2 was used for data analysis and visualization.Results: The survey recruited 36,220 eligible participants (61.1% males, 38.9% females, mean age 32.6±10.8 years) from all the 23 Arab countries and territories (83.4%) and 122 other countries (16.6%). Our analysis shows a significant rate of vaccine hesitancy among Arabs in and outside the Arab region (83% and 81%, respectively). The most cited reasons for hesitancy are concerns about side effects and distrust in healthcare policies, vaccine expedited production, published studies and vaccine producing companies. We also found that female participants, participants 30-59 year-old, those with no chronic diseases, those with lower-level of academic education, and those who do not know the type of vaccine authorized in their countries are more hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccination. On the other hand, participants who regularly receive the influenza vaccine, health care workers, and those from countries with higher rates of COVID-19 infections showed more vaccination willingness. Interactive representation of our results is posted on our project website at https://mainapp.shinyapps.io/CVHAA.Conclusion: Our results show higher vaccine hesitancy and refusal among Arab subjects, related mainly to distrust and concerns about side effects. Health authorities and Arab scientific community have to transparently address these concerns to improve vaccine acceptance.Funding: This study received no funding.

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Spirituality and other factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance amongst Healthcare Workers in Cameroon

10.21203/rs.3.rs-712354/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Neh Chang Ngasa ◽

Stewart Ndutard Ngasa ◽

Leticia Armelle Sani Tchouda ◽

Eugénie Tanisso ◽

Christabel Abanda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Microsoft Excel ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Negative Perceptions

Abstract Background: The production of the different COVID-19 vaccines has offered hope towards controlling the pandemic. Many governments around the world have been able to secure the number of doses required for the vaccination of their entire population. In Cameroon, the government’s strategy has been to secure the number of doses required to vaccinate frontline workers and other population at risk. A threat to this strategy could be vaccine hesitancy as demonstrated in previous studies. In this article we discussed the influence of spirituality on vaccine acceptance. We also examined other factors associated with vaccine acceptance amongst healthcare workers in Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey of healthcare workers in Cameroon. Data was collected using Surveysparrow and then computed into Microsoft Excel. All analysis were done using Stata 14. Results: A total number of 371 healthcare workers took part in the survey and 45.38% indicated willingness to accept the vaccine if offered. The most common reason advanced for non-acceptance of the vaccine was negative perceptions about the efficacy of the vaccines. Independent factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance following a multivariate logistic regression included: being married (AOR 1.13, p< 0.01), presence of comorbidity (AOR:2.10, p<0.02), participants who had direct contact with covid patients (AOR: 3.34, p<0.01). Spirituality level was not independently associated with vaccine acceptance (AOR: 1.12, p<0.63). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst healthcare workers in Cameroon is low. This is likely to reduce the vaccine uptake amongst healthcare workers. HCWs are in the best position to influence the uptake of these vaccines by the general population, therefore educating healthcare workers on the efficacy of these vaccines might improve their acceptance.

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Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: quantifying the practice in Michigan – a “hotspot state” early in the pandemic – using a volunteer-based online survey

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10287-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea E. Cassidy-Bushrow ◽

Mohammed Baseer ◽

Karen Kippen ◽

Albert M. Levin ◽

Jia Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

State Level ◽

The United States ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Executive Orders ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Individual Level ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Potential Factors

Abstract Background Public Health policies related to social distancing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic helped slow the infection rate. However, individual-level factors associated with social distancing are largely unknown. We sought to examine social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, an infection “hotspot” state in the United States early in the pandemic. Methods Two surveys were distributed to Michigan residents via email lists and social media following COVID-19 related state mandates in March; 45,691 adults responded to the first survey and 8512 to the second. Staying home ≥ 3 out of 5 previous days defined having more social distancing. Logistic regression models were used to examine potential factors associated with more social distancing. Results Most respondents were women (86% in Survey 1, 87% in Survey 2). In Survey 1, 63% reported more social distancing, increasing to 78% in Survey 2. Female sex and having someone (or self) sick in the home were consistently associated with higher social distancing, while increasing age was positively associated in Survey 1 but negatively associated in Survey 2. Most respondents felt social distancing policies were important (88% in Survey 1; 91% in Survey 2). Conclusions Michiganders responding to the surveys were both practicing and supportive of social distancing. State-level executive orders positively impacted behaviors early in the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan. Additional supports are needed to help vulnerable populations practice social distancing, including older individuals.

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The Association Between Risk Perception and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy for Children Among Reproductive Women in China: An Online Survey

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.741298 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Min Du ◽

Liyuan Tao ◽

Jue Liu

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Online Survey ◽

Eastern China ◽

Health Belief ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Susceptibility ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Belief Model

Background: This study aimed to explore the association between risk perception and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy among reproductive women in China to supplement limited studies in this area.Methods: From December 14, 2020, to January 31, 2021, an anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for children among reproductive women in China. We assessed risk perception, including perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, and benefits using the health belief model, and then classified each variable into three groups (low, moderate, and high) based on tertiles. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and knowledge of COVID-19 was also collected. The Pearson χ2-test was used to compare vaccine hesitancy among the above mentioned factors. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of risk perception related to vaccine hesitancy after controlling for the above covariates.Results: Among 3,011 reproductive women, 8.44% (95%CI: 7.44. 9.43) had COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy was observed more in women who lived in eastern China (11.63%), aged >45 years (12.00%), had a lower than high school education level (12.77%), and a low score on knowledge of COVID-19 (12.22%). Vaccine hesitancy was associated with lower perceived susceptibility (moderate: aOR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.17–2.54, P = 0.0061; low: aOR = 2.44, 95%CI: 1.60–3.70, P < 0.0001), high perceived barriers (aOR = 2.86, 95%CI: 1.57–5.22, P < 0.0001), and lower perceived benefit (moderate: aOR = 3.29, 95%CI: 2.30–4.70, P < 0.0001; low: aOR = 4.59, 95%CI: 2.98–7.07, P < 0.0001), but not with perceived severity.Conclusions: Although the proportion of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for children among Chinese reproductive women was <1 out of 10, to improve COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, our findings suggest that tailored public health measures are needed to increase perceived susceptibility and benefit, and decrease perceived barriers among reproductive women.

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Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.700213 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽

Miriam S. Johnson ◽

Sara Ebling ◽

Ole Myklebust Amundsen ◽

Øyvind Halsøy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Adult Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Natural Immunity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon.Methods: The present cross-sectional study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4,571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyzes and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy.Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance toward vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials' dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy.Conclusion: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

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COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccine passports: Vaccination or restriction?

10.1101/2021.09.15.21263559 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shohei Okamoto ◽

Kazuki Kamimura ◽

Kohei Komamura

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Side Effects ◽

Online Survey ◽

Ethical Issues ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Careful Consideration ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Objectives: While the development of vaccines against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) brought the hope of establishing herd immunity, which might help end the global pandemic, vaccine hesitancy can hinder the progress towards herd immunity. In this study, we assess the determinants of vaccine hesitancy, reasons for hesitation, and effectiveness of vaccine passports in relaxing public health restrictions. Methods: Through an online survey that includes a conjoint experiment of a demographically representative sample of 5,000 Japanese adults aged 20-74, we assess the determinants of vaccine hesitancy, reasons for hesitation, and effectiveness of hypothetical vaccine passports. Results: We found that about 30% of respondents did not intend to vaccinate or have not yet decided, with major reasons for vaccine hesitancy being related to concerns about the safety and side effects of the vaccine. In line with previous findings, younger age, lower socioeconomic status, and psychological factors such as weaker COVID-19 fear were associated with vaccine hesitancy. The easing of public health restrictions such as travel, wearing face masks, and dining out at night was associated with an increase in vaccine acceptance by 4-10%. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy can be reduced by mitigating the concerns about vaccine safety and side effects, as well as by relaxing public health restrictions. However, the feasibility of vaccine passports needs to be sufficiently assessed, taking the ethical issues of passports and the public health impacts of the relaxation of restrictions into careful consideration.

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COVID-19 Outbreak After 100 Days Without Community Transmission: Epidemiological Analysis of Factors Associated With Death

10.21203/rs.3.rs-783515/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nguyen Tran Minh Duc ◽

Ali Ahmed-Fouad Abozaid ◽

Le Van Truong ◽

Nguyen Bao Hung ◽

Dao Khanh Linh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Significant Risk ◽

The Elderly ◽

Control Measures ◽

P Value ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Adequate Care ◽

Multiple Variable

Abstract Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has cost millions of deaths and lifelong consequences since December 2019. We attempted to evaluate the incidence, distribution, and risk factors associated with death after applying the social distance strategy to the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 in the Danang outbreak (July 2020), Vietnam. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the online Danang Hospital reports, gathering the epidemiological history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients. We then conducted a descriptive analysis of Fisher's Phi Coefficient and Cramer's, along with multiple logistic regression models to test the effects of symptomatology and control measures performed by the Vietnamese government on transmission dynamics. The last report we examined was on August 29, 2020.Results: 389 SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases related to the Danang outbreak are included in our analysis with a mean age of 47.1 (SD = 18.4), involving 154 men and 235 women, 34 cases of death, and 355 were alive. The study showed significant results related to age, quarantine measures, previous negative SARS-CoV-2 test, and a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath and myalgia (p-value < 0.05). Our multiple-variable analysis suggested the significant risk of death was related to age, severe symptomology, undetected SARS-CoV-2 test results, and prior quarantined SARS-CoV-2 history.Conclusions: Vietnamese authorities had implemented successful quarantine practices to control the SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. However, this virus has shown dynamic spread beyond the ability of the country to control its transmission. Adequate screening, social distancing, and adequate care of the elderly and healthcare workers can lower the risk of future outbreaks.

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