COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among University Students in Lebanon

Abstract Background Lebanon has one of the lowest reported COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates (21%). Little is known about the decision-making process of college students in Lebanon regarding obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify factors that predicted the behavioral intentions of students enrolled at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine. Methods The study was a randomized, non-experimental, and cross-sectional study of undergraduate and graduate students. A valid and reliable survey was developed. A total of 3,805 students were randomly selected to participate from all academic units. A total of 800 students responded (21% return rate). Results We generated three groups based on students’ intentions to be vaccinated: 1) vaccine accepting (those who are willing to take or already took the vaccine); 2) vaccine hesitant (those who are hesitant to take the vaccine); and 3) vaccine resistant (those who decided not to take the vaccine). The majority were Lebanese (85%), undergraduate students (75%), females (57%) with a mean age of 21 ± 0.14 years. Overall, students were vaccine accepting. Specifically, they were vaccine accepting (87%), vaccine hesitant (10%), and vaccine resistant (3%). Vaccine hesitancy was significantly associated with nationality, residency status and university rank (p value < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant association between hesitancy and agreement with conspiracies. A significant factor for hesitancy was disagreement with the statement that symptomatic cases are the only carriers of COVID-19 (OR = 5; 95% CI = 1.67–14.29; p value = 0.004). Students believed that that the vaccine was safe (OR = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.002–0.08; p value = 0.000); in agreement with their personal views (OR = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.02–0.51; p value = 0.004) and were less likely to be hesitant than the vaccine accepting group (reference group). Conclusion The factors identified that explain and/or predict each of the three vaccine intention groups can be used as core content for health communication and social marketing campaigns to increase the rate of COVID-19 vaccination.

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Acceptance Rates and Beliefs toward COVID-19 Vaccination among the General Population of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ◽

10.4269/ajtmh.21-0297 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Farah Yasmin ◽

Waleed Asghar ◽

Maryam Salma Babar ◽

Hiba Khan ◽

Shoaib Ahmad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Polio Vaccination ◽

Acceptance Rates ◽

To Receive ◽

Do So

Developing countries like Pakistan have previously suffered from barriers to acceptance of vaccination by the public because of financial and belief barriers. This study aims to explore these beliefs and highlight concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy in the general population of Pakistan since they are a hindrance to an effective coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) immunization in the country. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 1,778 participants from all four provinces of Pakistan. Results from the study showed more than half of the participants to be unsure of the safety (50%) and efficacy (51%) of the vaccine, whereas 42% were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. About 72% of the respondents planned to get vaccinated, whereas 28% refused to do so. Internationally made imported vaccines were more trusted by the participants. Forty-four percent of the participants agreed to receive the vaccine upon recommendation from a physician. Lastly, participants who believed in the efficacy of the polio vaccination also considered the COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective.

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Prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors among Dilla University Students, Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia. 2018

10.21203/rs.3.rs-20021/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yigrem Ali Chekole

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Use ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Significance ◽

The University

Abstract Introduction Compared to other deadly communicable diseases, Psychoactive Substance use is among the leading cause of death. Repeated use linked to addiction, dependence and predisposition for criminal and antisocial behaviors. Even though drug use in Africa relatively is short; however the abuse of drug in Africa is escalating rapidly. Substances use is also one of the most burning and growing public health problems in Ethiopia, as in many developing countries; alcohol is the most frequently used substance. Objective To Assess the Prevalence of alcohol Use and Associated factors among Dilla University undergraduate students in Southern Ethiopia. 2018. Methods An Institution based cross -sectional study was conducted at Dilla University among undergraduate regular students from January-February. Systematic random sampling technique was used to get a total of 803 samples of students from each year and department of the university. The collected data was coded, entered in to EPI-INFO version7.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Crude and adjusted OR were analyzed using logistic regression and the level of significance of association was determined at P- value <0.05. Result A total of 803 participants were interviewed with a response rate of 91.7%. Among the Participants, alcohol use was found to be 67.6%. (41.8%; n=336). Being 4 th year students (AOR =2.66, 95% CI: 1.64, 4.31), having friends who use substance (AOR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.1), being Khat user (AOR= 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.09) and being Cigarette smoker (AOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.84) were found to be significantly associated with alcohol use. Conclusion Half of the participants found to have alcohol use. Therefore, early prevention, detection and alleviating of alcohol use should be implemented among students in the university.

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Association between Smoking and Academic Performance among Under-Graduate Students of Pakistan, A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.2.12718/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sana Ullah ◽

Siham Sikander ◽

Mudassar Mushtaq Jawad Abbasi ◽

Syed Aftab Rahim ◽

Babar Hayat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Academic Performance ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Smoking Initiation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Prevalence of smoking is on the rise and its harmful effects on every organ of body are well known. Smoking is a growing concern due to adverse effects on health, its association with academic performance is not well studied. Objectives This study aims to assess the prevalence of smoking among undergraduate students of age 18-24 years in a public sector university of Islamabad, association between smoking and academic performance and also to assess the reasons of smoking initiation among undergraduate students. Methods The study included 500 undergraduate students. A self-report structured questionnaire was used to assess smoking, dietary habits, physical activity, parent’s smoking, friend’s smoking, time spent on mobile and TV and academic performance for collection of data. Logistic regression was used for association between smoking and academic performance. Results Results of study show that 112/500 (22.4%) students were smokers among them 93/112 (34.6%) were males and 19/112 (8.2%) were females. The mean age of study participants was 21.50 years (SD: 1.72. Prevalence of smoking was higher in students belonging to rural areas 23.5% to that of urban areas 21.9%. Three major reasons of smoking initiation; 25% students stated peers and friends, 21% stated easy availability while 14% said it was fun and enjoyment they started smoking. High academic performance was found to be inversely proportional to student’s smoking; at p-value 0.000 smokers had 2.5 (1.77, 3.74) odds of lower academic performance, boys having 2.17 (1.56, 3.03) odds of lower academic performance in last semester exams. Conclusion Findings highlighted extensive cigarette smoking among undergraduate students of Islamabad. Smoking is significantly and negatively associated with academic performance.

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Awareness and Perception of Undergraduate Students towards Risk Associated with Wireless Electromagnetic Field Radiation Exposure in Enugu, South-East Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

JOURNAL FOR CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH ◽

10.7860/jcdr/2020/43369.13853 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Emeka Kevin Mgbe ◽

Chinenye Glory Mgbe ◽

Chuks Enyereibe Ajare ◽

Amaka Obiageli Nnamani

Keyword(s):

Electromagnetic Field ◽

Radiation Exposure ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Health Belief ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Telecommunication Equipment

Introduction: Use of telecommunication equipment (cell phone or mobile phone, tablets, walkie-talkie, ipads, ipods, android) has been on the increase globally. There is an estimate of over 145 million active subscribers on record in Nigeria. Hence, there is need for correct information about the associated risk of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure of equipment so as to curb its debilitating effects. Aim: To evaluate the level of awareness and perceived health risks of EMFs exposure (Radiation) among undergraduate students’ of various discipline. Materials and Methods: The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used with descriptive cross-sectional research design from March 2017 to November 2018 to evaluate awareness and perception of EMF radiation exposure. Structured questionnaire, focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with a predominantly 1-5 scale grading was applied for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 14 with correlation coefficient (r) and Chi-square test (χ2) of p-value <0.05 as significant. Results: A total of 576 undergraduate students from six tertiary institutions in Enugu State, Eastern Nigeria were recruited for the study. A total of 43% were males while 57% were females. Even though majority (93.9%) of the respondents rightly defined the meaning of EMF as a wave that transmits energy through space or material medium, only 34.6% had significant awareness of the radiation effect of this equipment. About 82% of respondents kept their telecommunication equipment close to their body thereby increasing exposure to EMF. The correlation coefficient (r) is 0.806 and the p-value <0.05 shows that there is a high positive relationship between risk reduction strategies like use of hand-free/ear piece etc., and level of awareness among students. There was significant positive correlation between awareness of EMF radiation and faculty of studies as well between perceived EMF risk and year of study (Each p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Increase in the level of health education is a key to reduction of risk of EMF exposure (Radiation) among undergraduate telecommunication equipment users and this invariably applies to the entire general population.

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Frequency and Severity of Imposter Syndrome among Medical Students of a Private Medical College

Journal of Shalamar Medical & Dental College - JSHMDC ◽

10.53685/jshmdc.v1i2.56 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 3-8

Author(s):

Ambreen Khalid ◽

Adeela Shahid ◽

Khalid Rahim Khan

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Female Students ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Medical Undergraduate ◽

Degree Of Severity

Background: Students suffering from imposter syndrome/phenomenon (IP) consider themselves less competent and less skill full as compared to the abilities they actually possess. Although previous research has identified different causes of stress and burnout less research has been conducted to determine the frequency of imposter syndrome among medical undergraduate students. Objectives: (1) To determine the frequency and the degree of severity of Imposter syndrome among medical students. (2) To find out the association of Gender with imposter syndrome. (3) To evaluate the difference in the severity of imposter syndrome between 1st and 2nd-year MBBS students. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 1st and 2nd-year MBBS students of Shalamar Medical and Dental College, Lahore. A convenient sampling technique was used. The study instrument used was a validated questionnaire (Clance IP Scale) containing 20 items with 5 points Likert scale. By adding up the score, the degree of severity is determined. Frequencies & percentages were determined, chi-square applied, p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: One hundred and 40 students filled the IP Scale questionnaire. The frequency of imposter syndrome was 53.3% among medical students. The majority (85%) of the medical students had frequent to intense imposter characteristics. A higher number of female students was affected by imposter phenomenon as compared to males. Greater number of 1st-year students were suffering from imposter syndrome as compared to 2nd-year students. Conclusions: Frequency of imposter syndrome was high among medical students. Its severity ranges from moderate to frequent IP categories in majority of students. Female students were affected more as compared to their male counterparts.

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A autoimagem, os transtornos mentais comuns e a depressão em estudantes de graduação

Revista de Saúde Coletiva da UEFS ◽

10.13102/rscdauefs.v10i1.5501 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 108-115

Author(s):

Tarciso de Figueiredo Palma ◽

Sara Maria Alves Ribeiro ◽

Vitória Maria Teixeira Santos

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Major Depression ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Female Gender ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Image ◽

Suicidal Ideas

Este estudo objetivou analisar a preocupação com a imagem corporal, os transtornos mentais comuns e a depressão. Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal analítico e exploratório, com 117 estudantes de graduação em uma instituição do interior da Bahia. Estimou-se as prevalências das variáveis estudadas, testou-se as associações, através do qui-quadrado e foi usada a regressão logística binária para ajustes das variáveis. A ideação suicida apresentou prevalência alta (18,8%) em comparação a preocupação exagerada com a autoimagem (13,4%). As prevalências de Depressão Maior e de TMC foram, respectivamente, de 39,3% e 54,7%. Houve associação significativa com TMC para: sexo feminino (RP = 2,9; 1,5 – 5,4), realizar atividade física menos que duas vezes por semana (RP = 1,6; 1,1 – 2,3), estar desempregado (RP = 1,5; 1,1 – 2,2). Já para a depressão maior, houve significância para: realizar atividade física menos que duas vezes por semana (RP = 1,9; 1,2 – 3,1), estar desempregado (RP = 1,9; 1,2 – 3,1), ter ideias suicidas (RP = 2,1; 1,4 – 3,1) e ter preocupação exagerada com a autoimagem (RP = 2,2; 1,5 – 3,3), mesmo quando ajustado por idade e sexo (p-valor = 0,015). ABSTRACTThis study aimed to analyze the concern with body image, common mental disorders and depression. An analytical and exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out with 117 undergraduate students at an institution in the countryside of Bahia. The prevalence of the variables studied was estimated, associations were tested using the chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to adjust the variables. Suicidal ideation had a high prevalence (18.8%) in comparison to the exaggerated concern with self-image (13.4%). The prevalence of Major Depression and CMD were 39.3% and 54.7%, respectively. There was a significant association with CMD for: female gender (PR = 2.9; 1.5 - 5.4), performing physical activity less than twice a week (PR = 1.6; 1.1 - 2.3), being unemployed (PR = 1.5; 1.1 - 2.2). For major depression, there was significance for: performing physical activity less than twice a week (PR = 1.9; 1.2 - 3.1), being unemployed (PR = 1.9; 1.2 - 3, 1), having suicidal ideas (PR = 2.1; 1.4 - 3.1) and being overly concerned with self-image (PR = 2.2; 1.5 - 3.3), even when adjusted for age and gender (p-value = 0.015).

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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance among Medical Students: An Online Cross-sectional Study in Iraq

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2021.7399 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (A) ◽

pp. 955-958

Author(s):

Batool Mutar Mahdi

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Population Immunity ◽

Vaccination Acceptance ◽

Vaccination Decision ◽

Acceptance Rates ◽

Study Participants

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy and reluctant had an important obstacle in achieving protection and population immunity against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). It is essential to achieve high COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rates among medical students and health care workers to provide recommendations and counseling vaccine hesitant population. AIM: This study aims to identify level of COVID-19 hesitancy, attitude, knowledge, and factors that affect vaccination decision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done among medical students in Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Data collection was done through an online Google Forms questionnaire during 2021 from 810 medical students. RESULTS: A total of 810 adults’ medical students participated in this study. The majority of the study participants were female (488, 60.2%) while males were 322, 39.8%. Vaccine concept hesitancy among males was 65.21% and rest were vaccinated (34.78%) (OR = 0.13) (95% CI = 0.096–0.177) (p = 0.0001). Same hesitancy from COVID-19 vaccine was same with females (66.80%). CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated and shed light on vaccine hesitancy among sample of Iraqi medical students toward COVID-19 vaccination program and considered medical students as leaders and guides in the health system for increased planning and education of the population for COVID-19 vaccine acceptability.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in a Representative Education Sector Population in Qatar

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9060665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 665

Author(s):

Reem Al-Mulla ◽

Marawan Abu-Madi ◽

Qusai M. Talafha ◽

Reema F. Tayyem ◽

Atiyeh M. Abdallah

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Vaccine Development ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Virus ◽

International Travel ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Programs

Even though vaccination programs have now started in earnest across the globe and in Qatar, vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to effectively tackling the pandemic. Many factors influence willingness to take vaccines including safety, efficacy, and side effects. Given their proximity to research and education, university students and employees represent an interesting cohort in which to investigate vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of Qatar University employees and students towards the COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 231 employees and 231 students participated in an online cross-sectional study in February 2021. Of the sample, 62.6% were willing to take a vaccine against COVID-19. Participants with or taking postgraduate degrees were more willing to take the vaccine compared to participants with or taking a diploma or bachelor’s degree (p < 0.001). Males had a higher rate of vaccine acceptance (p < 0.001). In the group that regarded flu vaccination as important, 13% were unwilling to take COVID-19 vaccine. There were no associations between willingness to vaccinate and vaccine/virus knowledge and social media use. Participants showed a high level of concern regarding vaccine side effects in themselves or their children. Two-thirds agreed or strongly agreed that they would take the vaccine if it was mandatory for international travel. Our participants were neutral to the origin of vaccine development. These findings, which represent data collected after the start of the national vaccination program, show that vaccine hesitancy persists in the Qatari population and that some groups, such as undergraduate students, could benefit from specific, targeted public health campaigns.

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THE AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS VACCINATION IN MAKKAH REGION, SAUDI ARABIA, 2019

International Journal of Advanced Research ◽

10.21474/ijar01/11882 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 597-602

Author(s):

Ayman Bakr ◽

◽

Sarah Alhamyani ◽

Raghad Alqurashi ◽

Amal Alnemari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Parental Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

P Value ◽

Attitude Score ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

The Impact

In the last few years there have been a lot of argument and false accusations about vaccination, resulting in decrease the rate of vaccines uptake. Researches has shown that parents vaccines compliance are highly influence by many factors. This study aims to understand the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy and if the parents believe in the existence of the preventable diseases by vaccination? In this context, vaccine hesitancy defined as delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccinations. This was a cross- sectional study conducted across Makkah, Jeddah, and Taif city. An online survey was distributed in period between 1 September – 1 November targeting Saudi parents of all children under the age of 12 randomly. The survey included demographics data, parental knowledge and attitude, vaccine hesitancy prevalence. The sample size was 384. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the association between knowledge and awareness to vaccines uptake. Analysis of the responses demonstrate that 93.6% of the sample study favor of vaccines, 6.1% of the sample study not favor of vaccines because they dont have adequate knowledge on vaccines, 2.5% of them think that vaccines are not important, 3.8% of them think that vaccines can cause harmful effects over its benefits, 1.5% of them have previous bad experience regarding vaccination. We found significant relation between knowledge and attitude score to the education level with level of significance 95% (p-value <0.05).Risingthe society education can help in minimizing the impact of vaccine hesitancy problem.

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Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of personal and oral hygiene among undergraduate university students in Sulaimani city

Kurdistan Journal of Applied Research ◽

10.24017/science.2017.2.9 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 71-77

Author(s):

Akam Mustafa Hasan ◽

Mardin Othman Abdulqadir

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Oral Hygiene ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hand Washing ◽

P Value ◽

Sufficient Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Undergraduate University Students ◽

Sanitary Conditions

Poor hygiene performance and insufficient sanitary conditions assume real parts in the expanded weight of communicable diseases inside developing nations. Lack of resources such as hand washing materials, water and sanitation facilities may be essential factors why students do not wash their hands, also struggling of affordable toothpaste and absence of awareness regarding oral hygiene may be affected by improper cleaning teeth and tongue. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of personal and oral hygiene among undergraduate university students in Sulaimani city /Iraq and evaluated the degree to which appropriate information of hygiene was related with individual hygiene character. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 1055 undergraduate students who were met via trained staff. Data comprised of cleanliness and hand washing practices, learning about sanitation, individual cleanliness qualities, nearness of gastrointestinal parasitic disease, oral and dental diseases including dental decay and bad breathes. University students with satisfactory information of legitimate personal and oral hygiene probably had clean clothes 68.8% (P value < 0.05), clean hair 72% (0.0001 P value), fingernail trimmed 139% (P value> 0.05), clean teeth 59.4% (P value <0.05), good mouth breath 57% (P value <0.05). Approximately 57.2% of students were delegated having sufficient information of legitimate cleanliness (P value <0.05). Most students preferred hand washing after defecation (96.5%) (P value <0.05), while 93.8% revealed utilizing shampoo. On the other hand 62.7% of contributors reported brushing their teeth before going to sleep (P value <0.05) and 74% of participants revealed cleaning their tongue sometimes (P value< 0.01). this study discovered underscore the requirement for more cleanliness training in universities; and give target confirm that may direct the improvement of far reaching personal, oral hygiene and health mediation programs in Sulaimani universities. Furthermore the effective usage of this study is probably going to significantly weaken the transmissible diseases.

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