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 ◽  
...  

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.

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 835
Author(s):  
Mohammed Noushad ◽  
Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽  
Anas B. Alsalhani ◽  
Pradeep Koppolu ◽  
Fayez Hussain Niazi ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused largescale morbidity and mortality and a tremendous burden on the healthcare system. Healthcare workers (HCWs) require adequate protection to avoid onward transmission and minimize burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, HCWs can also influence the general public into accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, determining COVID-19 vaccine intention among HCWs is of paramount importance to plan tailor-made public health strategies to maximize vaccine coverage. A structured questionnaire was administered in February and March 2021 among HCWs in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. HCWs from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. In total, 674 out of 1124 HCWs responded and completed the survey (response rate 59.9%). About 65 percent of the HCWs intended to get vaccinated. The intention to vaccinate was significantly higher among HCWs 50 years of age or older, Saudi nationals and those who followed the updates about COVID-19 vaccines (p < 0.05). The high percentage (26 percent) of those who were undecided in getting vaccinated is a positive sign. As the vaccination campaign gathers pace, the attitude is expected to change over time. Emphasis should be on planning healthcare strategies to convince the undecided HCWs into accepting the vaccine in order to achieve the coverage required to achieve herd immunity.


Author(s):  
Jana Shaw ◽  
Telisa Stewart ◽  
Kathryn B Anderson ◽  
Samantha Hanley ◽  
Stephen J Thomas ◽  
...  

Abstract Background As a priority group, healthcare personnel (HCP) will be key to success of COVID-19 vaccination programs. The purpose of this study was to assess HCP willingness to get vaccinated and identify specific concerns that would undermine vaccination efforts. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of HCP, including clinical and non-clinical staff, researchers, and trainees between November 23 rd ,2020 and December 5 th ,2020. The survey evaluated attitudes, beliefs and willingness to get vaccinated. Results A total of 5287 respondents had a mean age of 42.5 years (SD=13.56), and were 72.8% female (n=3842). Overall 57.5 % of individuals expressed intent to receive COVID-19 vaccine. 80.4% were physicians and scientists representing the largest group. 33.6% of registered nurses, 31.6% of allied health professionals, and 32% of master’s level clinicians were unsure they would take the vaccine (p&lt;.001). Respondents who were older, males, White, or Asian were more likely to get vaccinated compared to other groups. Vaccine safety, potential adverse events, efficacy and speed of vaccine development dominated concerns listed by participants. Fewer (54.0%) providers of direct care vs. non-care providers (62.4%), and 52.0% of those who had provided care for COVID-19 patients (vs. 60.6% of those who had not) indicated they would take the vaccine if offered (p&lt;.001). Conclusions We observed that self-reported willingness to receive vaccination against COVID-19 differs by hospital roles, with physicians and research scientists showing the highest acceptance. These findings highlight important heterogeneity in personal attitudes among HCPs around COVID-19 vaccines and highlight a need for tailored communication strategies.


Author(s):  
Rabiu Ibrahim ◽  
Abdulsalam Yakubu ◽  
Ahmed Iya Girei ◽  
Danladi Muhammed Umar

Aims: Despite control measures adopted to check the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, healthcare workers still face a serious threat to infection due to SARS-CoV-2 virus. Adherence to control measures by healthcare workers depends on their knowledge. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of COVID-19 and related infection control practices among healthcare professionals in Gombe State. Mythology: A cross sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in Gombe. Relying on our network with the healthcare professionals, 500 participants were recruited into the study using simple random sampling method.  The data were collected using online questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions and 17questions based on knowledge and infection control practices related to COVID-19 disease in the healthcare setting adapted from a study in India. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 at uni-variate and bivariate levels with p value at < 0.05. Results: Close to three-fourth (72.1%) of the participants reported correct answer about knowledge of COVID-19, thus overall knowledge was found to be adequate for all subgroups. About four-fifth (78.9%) of doctors’ responses were correct. and the lowest (65.5%) was from CHOs, Laboratory assistants and health recorders. 43.7% of the participants could correctly define “close contact.” More than three-fourths of the participants knew the various infection control measures like rapid triage, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette and having a separate, well ventilated waiting area for suspected COVID-19 patients. However, less than half (47.8) of the participants were aware of the correct sequence for the application of a mask/respirator, and 62.2% of them knew the preferred hand hygiene method for visibly soiled hands. Conclusion: Regular health educational programs aimed at improving COVID-19 knowledge and infection control are needed.


Author(s):  
Tolulope B. Famuyiro ◽  
Abayomi Ogunwale ◽  
Jude des Bordes ◽  
Mukaila Raji

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ercan Kurt ◽  
İbrahim Ethem Ovalı ◽  
Umut Gulacti ◽  
Semih Canpolat ◽  
Mehtap Koparal ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Aim: COVID-19 disease occurs in close contact due to its highly contagious nature. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are in the frontline of struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, and psychosocial statuses of healthcare professionals working in this problematic condition have not yet been fully investigated in Turkey. We aimed to evaluate the mental health and psychosocial status, thoughts about the measures taken by the government, attitudes, and behaviors of healthcare workers facing the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether there is a difference between physician and non-physician HCWs. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, a 56-question multiple-choice test created based on similar surveys and scales was performed by a one-to-one interview with the HCWs in three registered hospitals fighting the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 May to 10 June 2020. Mental health variables were assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) and the Turkish Beck Depression Scale to specify psychological manifestations. A scoring system was applied using a four-point Likert scale, from no points (“strongly disagree”) to three points (“strongly agree”) to determine the levels of anxiety and depression. Participants were divided into two groups as physician and non-physician HCWs for subgroup analysis. Results: A total of 300 HCWs (45 physicians, 255 non-physician health care workers) enrolled in the survey. Only 0.8% of HCWs received psychological support from a therapist or psychiatrist. The most common concern during the COVID-19 pandemic was about “the elderly and other risky population being infected” (37.9%). Compared with non-physician HCWs, physicians felt more concerned about the spread of COVID-19 (80% vs 47.1%, P=0.006 χ2=12.591) and they agreed at a higher rate that the number of tests performed was sufficient (53.3% vs. 41.2%, P=0.030, OR: 0.29-0.35, χ2=7.047). For all HCWs, the "feeling of being infected with COVID-19” item had the highest mean total score (2.60 (0.97). The mean score of the “feeling nervous/anxious/on edge” item was 2.53 (0.52) for physicians and 2.26 (0.86) for non-physician HCWs. Non- physicians HCWs had a higher mean score for “Feeling of increased body pain and agony” item than physicians 0.27(0.80) vs 0.76 (1.23), mean dif=-0.50, 95% confidence interval=-1.002 to 0.006, P<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that healthcare professionals were most anxious about “being infected with COVID-19”. Both physician and non-physician HCWs were feeling nervous/anxious/on edge according to anxiety scores.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-28
Author(s):  
S. Basnet ◽  
S. Dahal ◽  
D. Tamrakar ◽  
Y.R. Shakya ◽  
C. Jacobson ◽  
...  

Background COVID-19 is significantly affecting the healthcare system globally. As a result, healthcare workers need to be updated on the best practices for the proper management of the disease. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare personnel. Method This was a cross-sectional study conducted among medical personnel at Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital using a semi-structured questionnaire on KAP related to COVID-19 from May 8th to June 8th, 2020. We analyzed survey data by using descriptive statistics. Spearman rank correlation, chi-square test and binary logistic analysis were used to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics with KAP related to COVID-19. Result Among 220 participants, the majority were nurses (60%) followed by doctors (27.7%), paramedics (10%) and technicians (2.3%). The results showed that 68.6% of healthcare personnel had a good knowledge with appropriate practices (98.5%) and negative attitude (59.3%). In the multivariate binary logistic analysis, the healthcare workers with the clinical experience level of one to five years (OR:.42, 95% CI:.19- .96) and more than 5 years (OR: .16, 95% CI: .04-.63) were significantly associated with negative attitude. The confidence score for managing COVID-19 (OR:1.16, 95% CI:1.02-1.34) was significantly associated with an optimistic attitude. Conclusion Healthcare workers are knowledgeable about COVID-19 and proactively practising to minimize the spread of infection but lack optimistic attitudes. Hence, the constantly updated educational programmes related to COVID-19 for targeted groups will contribute to improving healthcare workers’ attitude and practices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (8) ◽  
pp. 575-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Strömdahl ◽  
Jonas Hoijer ◽  
Jaran Eriksen

ObjectivesHIV testing among high-risk groups is a key intervention to diagnose persons living unknowingly with HIV to enable linkage to care and effective antiretroviral treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the uptake of Testpoint, the first large-scale HIV testing programme in Sweden where peer, non-healthcare personnel offered venue-based testing. Testing was performed by staff from the Swedish Foundation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (RFSL Sweden) and testing was performed at the RFSL offices, gay clubs and gay cruising areas, as well as at various gay festivals. The test was a rapid test using capillary blood from a finger prick.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of all persons aged >18 years who came for HIV testing at one of Testpoint’s locations in Sweden between 1 February and 31 December 2016.Results595 respondents (96% response rate) were included. Five persons were diagnosed with HIV and referred for treatment and care. A fifth of participants had never tested for HIV before. More than half of the participants were foreign born and the median age was 31 years. About one-fifth of participants stated they would not have tested through the healthcare system if Testpoint was not available.ConclusionsTestpoint reached their target population of young, foreign-born men who have sex with men (MSM) as well as first time testers and persons who stated that they would not have tested within the healthcare system. Such peer HIV testing outside the healthcare setting is a possible way of increasing uptake of testing in high-risk groups.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259981
Author(s):  
Jude Alawa ◽  
Lucas Walz ◽  
Samir Al-Ali ◽  
Nikhil Harle ◽  
Eleanor Wiles ◽  
...  

Background Somalia is considered severely underprepared to contain an outbreak of COVID-19, with critical shortages in healthcare personnel and treatment resources. In limited-resource settings such as Somalia, providing healthcare workers with adequate information on COVID-19 is crucial to improve patient outcomes and mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study assessed the knowledge of, preparedness for, and perceptions toward COVID-19 prevention and treatment among Somali healthcare workers. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was completed by 364 Somali healthcare workers in summer of 2020 utilizing a convenience sampling method. Results Participants’ most accessed sources of COVID-19 information were from social media (64.8%), official government and international health organization websites (51.1%,), and traditional media sources such as radio, TV, and newspapers (48.1%). A majority of participants demonstrated strong knowledge of treatment of COVID-19, the severity of COVID-19, and the possible outcomes of COVID-19, but only 5 out of 10 symptoms listed were correctly identified by more than 75% of participants. Although participants indicated seeing a median number of 10 patients per week with COVID-19 related symptoms, access to essential medical resources, such as N95 masks (30.2%), facial protective shields (24.5%), and disposable gowns (21.4%), were limited. Moreover, 31.3% agreed that Somalia was in a good position to contain an emerging outbreak of COVID-19. In addition, 40.4% of participants agreed that the Somali government’s response to the pandemic was sufficient to protect Somali healthcare professionals. Conclusion This study provides evidence for the need to equip Somali healthcare providers with more information, personal protective equipment, and treatment resources such that they can safely and adequately care for COVID-19 patients and contain the spread of the virus. Social media and traditional news outlets may be effective outlets to communicate information regarding COVID-19 and the Somali government’s response to frontline healthcare workers.


2021 ◽  
pp. emermed-2021-211454
Author(s):  
Louise E Smith ◽  
Danai Serfioti ◽  
Dale Weston ◽  
Neil Greenberg ◽  
G James Rubin

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) are frontline responders to emergency infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19. To avoid the rapid spread of disease, adherence to protective measures is paramount. We investigated rates of correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene and physical distancing in UK HCWs who had been to their workplace at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and factors associated with adherence.MethodsWe used an online cross-sectional survey of 1035 UK healthcare professionals (data collected 12–16 June 2020). We excluded those who had not been to their workplace in the previous 6 weeks, leaving us with a sample size of 831. Respondents were asked about their use of PPE, hand hygiene and physical distancing in the workplace. Frequency of uptake was reported descriptively; adjusted logistic regressions were used to separately investigate factors associated with adherence to use of PPE, maintaining good hand hygiene and physical distancing from colleagues.ResultsAdherence to personal protective measures was suboptimal (PPE use: 80.0%, 95% CI 77.3 to 82.8; hand hygiene: 67.8%, 95% CI 64.6 to 71.0; coming into close contact with colleagues: 74.7%, 95% CI 71.7 to 77.7). Adherence to PPE use was associated with having received training about health and safety in the workplace for COVID-19, greater perceived social pressure to adopt the behaviour and availability of PPE. Non-adherence was associated with fatalism about COVID-19 and greater perceived difficulty of adopting protective measures. Workplace design using markings to facilitate distancing was associated with adherence to physical distancing.ConclusionsUptake of personal protective behaviours among UK HCWs at the start of the pandemic was variable. Factors associated with adherence provide insight into ways to support HCWs to adopt personal protective behaviours, such as ensuring that adequate PPE is available and designing workplaces to facilitate physical distancing.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayur Mehta ◽  
Baldeep Dhaliwal ◽  
Sanjay Zodpey ◽  
Stacie Loisate ◽  
Preetika Banerjee ◽  
...  

Background Remarkable scientific progress has enabled expeditious development of effective vaccines against COVID-19. While healthcare workers (HCWs) have been at the frontlines for the pandemic response, vaccine acceptance amongst them needs further study. Methods A web-based survey to assess vaccine acceptance and preparedness in India was disseminated to HCWs working in various settings between January and February 2021, shortly after the launch of Indias vaccination campaign. Descriptive statistics were used to examine respondent demographics and Likert scale responses. Binomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Results The survey yielded 624 respondents from 25 states and five union territories in India; 53.5% were male, and median age was 37 years (IQR 32-46). Amongst all respondents, 84.1% (525/624) supported COVID-19 vaccines, and 63.2% (141/223) of those unvaccinated at the time of survey administration were willing to accept a vaccine. Reliability on government sources, healthcare providers or scientific journal articles for COVID-19 related information was reported by 66.8%, while confidence in social media for this information was reported by only 4.5%. Factors independently associated with vaccine acceptance included advancing age (aOR 3.50 [95% CI, 1.04-11.76] for those above 45 years), evidence of vaccine effectiveness and safety (aOR 3.78 [95% CI 1.15-12.38]), and provision of free/no-cost vaccine (aOR 2.63 [95% CI, 1.06-6.50]). Most respondents (80%) were confident about their hospital being equipped to efficiently rollout COVID-19 vaccines to the general population. Conclusions Overall attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and preparedness were positive among HCWs in India, although acceptance was lower among healthier and younger HCWs. Data availability on vaccine safety and effectiveness, and cost considerations were important for acceptance. Targeted interventions are needed to improve vaccine acceptance amongst HCWs, since they are critical in promoting vaccine acceptance amongst the general population.


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