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Chen J, Shantakumar S, Si J, Gowindah R, Parikh R, Chan F, Chan M, Choi WS, Huang E, Huang KC, Huang LM, Kim H, Leong CK, Leong HN, Seo Y, Williams C, Wong ATY. Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward herpes zoster (HZ) and HZ vaccination: Concept elicitation findings from a multi-country study in the Asia Pacific. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2317446. [PMID: 38436584 PMCID: PMC10913700 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2317446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Herpes zoster (HZ) is a prevalent disease characterized by a painful rash. A multi‑country study was conducted to elicit public and physician knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward HZ disease and vaccination for the assessment of local factors influencing HZ vaccine perceptions in four Asian-Pacific countries/territories One-to-one qualitative interviews were conducted in 2022, among the public (people aged ≥ 50 years, adults with parents aged ≥ 50 years, zoster vaccine live-vaccinated individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Republic of Korea, and HZ patients; n = 78) and physicians (general practitioners and specialists; n = 24). Themes surrounding KAP toward HZ and HZ vaccination were summarized using a thematic analysis. A substantial knowledge gap related to HZ was observed among the public, including its causes, long-term impacts, and the at-risk population. There was a low perceived risk of HZ and low general awareness of HZ vaccine availability, although country/territory-specific differences existed. Fear of HZ-associated pain contributed toward vaccination intent among HZ patients and adults with parents aged ≥ 50 years. HZ-naïve adults who were encouraged to receive the vaccine by others were not motivated to do so due to optimism bias. Physicians were perceived to be a reliable source of information. However, physicians did not always proactively discuss HZ vaccination due to time constraints and a perceived need to prioritize other vaccinations including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Initiatives are needed to improve public awareness of HZ and its complications, in terms of overall impact on individuals and society, and highlight the important role of physicians in recommending vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Epidemiology and Health Outcomes, GSK, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | - Felix Chan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | | | - Won Suk Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Kuo-Chin Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Min Huang
- Department of Paediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hyungwoo Kim
- Early Pipeline Vaccines, GSK, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Yubin Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Charmasson A, Ecollan M, Jaury P, Partouche H, Frachon A, Pinot J. Perceived impact of discussions with a healthcare professional on patients' decision regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2307735. [PMID: 38346925 PMCID: PMC10863372 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2307735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that advice from Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) plays an important role in patients' decision to get vaccinated, but the extent to which patients perceive this impact is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived impact of a discussion with a HCP on participants' decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults who consulted a general practitioner (GP) or a pharmacist in Ile-de-France, France, after COVID-19 vaccines became available (October-November 2021 period). A total of 344 participants were included, 65.2% of whom reported having had a discussion about COVID-19 vaccines with a HCP. Overall, 55% of participants were advised to be vaccinated by their HCP. Most of the discussions took place with a GP (n = 203, 48.9%). According to 52.5% of participants, the discussion had a positive impact, i.e. it was perceived as encouraging vaccination. The latter reported that, among HCPs, GPs had the greatest number of discussions with a positive impact on the decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (93.1%). In the study population, the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate, according to the WHO definition, was high (38.1%), although the COVID-19 vaccine coverage rate was 87.1%. Vaccine hesitant participants were more likely to report a discussion that had a perceived negative impact on their decision to get vaccinated (20.0%) than non-hesitant participants (5.8%, p = .004).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alric Charmasson
- Department of General Practice, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marie Ecollan
- Department of General Practice, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Jaury
- Department of General Practice, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Henri Partouche
- Department of General Practice, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Adèle Frachon
- Department of General Practice, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Pinot
- Department of General Practice, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM, IAME, Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Paris, France
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Spector S, Shah S, ul Rasool MH, Hilt E, Goldstein H, Meade J, Korn E, Lipetskaia L. Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination among urogynecology patients. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30092. [PMID: 38778988 PMCID: PMC11108857 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Urogynecology patients skew older and often require intimate exams to treat non-life-threatening conditions, thus making care particularly susceptible to the effects of COVID-19. We aim to understand COVID-19 vaccination attitudes amongst urogynecology patients during the pandemic, which has adversely affected healthcare delivery, to identify measures that can be undertaken to improve care going forward. Study design Cross-sectional surveys of urogynecology patients were conducted in three different states (Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) between March and August 2021. Demographics, vaccination status, and COVID-19 attitudes were analyzed. Chi-square tests investigated group differences between vaccine-hesitant and unhesitant subjects. Results Out of 158 surveys, eighty-three percent of respondents were vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated. Older age and regular flu vaccination predicted COVID-19 vaccination. Ninety-three percent of subjects were comfortable attending in-person visits. However, vaccine-hesitant individuals were less comfortable attending in-person and were significantly less likely to be comforted by clinic interventions, such as masking. Hesitant and unhesitant groups trusted doctors or medical professionals most for their source of COVID-19 information. Conclusions Urogynecology patients mirror the general older population's COVID-19 vaccination attitudes, with distinct differences between hesitant and unhesitant groups. Vaccine-hesitant subjects appear less comfortable coming to in-person visits and less comforted by possible interventions, posing a difficult obstacle for clinics to overcome. High levels of patient trust suggest healthcare providers can play a crucial role in encouraging COVID-19 vaccination and combating misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Spector
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Shanaya Shah
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Hilt
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Howard Goldstein
- Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Jason Meade
- UroGynecology Specialty Center, Fresno, CA, USA
| | | | - Lioudmila Lipetskaia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ, USA
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
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Zhou H, Zhao W, Ma R, Zheng Y, Guo Y, Wei L, Wang M. Mixed methods examination of risk perception on vaccination intentions: The perspective of doctor-patient communication. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00565-6. [PMID: 38782664 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
AIM From the perspective of doctor-patient communication, this research used multiple methods combined natural language processing (NLP), a cross-sectional survey and an online experiment to investigated how risk perception influenced people's vaccination intention. METHODS In Study 1, we used Python to crawl 335,045 comments about COVID-19 vaccine published in a social media platform Sina Weibo (equivalent of Twitter in China) from 31 December 2020 to 31 December 2021. Text analysis and sentiment analysis was used to examine how vaccination intention, as measured by linguistic features from the LIWC dictionary, changed with individuals' perceptions of pandemic risk. In Study 2, we adopted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey to further test the relation of risk perception, vaccination intention, trust in physicians, and perceived medical recommendations in a Chinese sample (n = 386). In Study 3, we conducted an online experiment where we recruited 127 participants with high trust in physicians and 127 participants with low trust, and subsequently randomly allocated them into one of three conditions: control, rational recommendation, or perceptual recommendation. RESULTS Text and sentiment analysis revealed that the use of negative words towards COVID-19 vaccine had a significant decrease at high (vs. low) risk perception level time (Study 1). Trust in physicians mediated the effect of risk perception on vaccination intention and this effect was reinforced for participants with low (vs. high) level of perceived medical recommendation (Study 2), especially for the rational (vs. perceptual) recommendation condition (Study 3). CONCLUSION Risk perception increased vaccination intention through the mediating effect of trust in physicians and the moderating effect of perceived medical recommendations. Rational (vs. perceptual) recommendation is more effective in increasing intention to get vaccinated in people with low trust in physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichun Zhou
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Wenli Zhao
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yishu Zheng
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yuxuan Guo
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Liangyu Wei
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Mingyi Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China.
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Shi J, Hu X, Guo X. The lesser of two evils: Assessing the public acceptance of AI thermal facial recognition during the COVID-19 crisis. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2024; 44:958-971. [PMID: 37496473 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
AI thermal facial recognition (AITFR) has been rapidly applied globally in the fight against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, AITFR has also been accompanied by a controversy regarding whether the public accepts it. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the acceptance of AITFR during the COVID-19 crisis. Drawing upon the theory of acceptable risk and Siegrist's causal model of public acceptance (PA), we built a combined psychological model that included the perceived severity of COVID-19 (PSC) to describe the influencing factors and pathways of AITFR acceptance. This model was verified through a survey conducted in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China, which collected 754 valid questionnaires. The results show that (1) COVID-19 provides various application scenarios for AI-related technologies. However, the respondents' trust in AITFR was found to be very low. Additionally, the public appeared concerned about the privacy disclosure issue and the accuracy of the AITFR algorithm. (2) The PSC, social trust (ST), and perceived benefit (PB) were found to directly affect AITFR acceptance. (3) The PSC was found to have a significant positive effect on perceived risk (PR). PR was found to have no significant effect on PA, which is inconsistent with the findings of previous studies. (4) The PB were found to be a stronger mediator of the indirect effect of the PSC on ST induced by AITFR acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Shi
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangnan Hu
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuesong Guo
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Chen X, Wang L, Huang Y, Zhang L. Risk perception and trust in the relationship between knowledge and HPV vaccine hesitancy among female university students in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:667. [PMID: 38429644 PMCID: PMC10908003 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18166-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer poses a heavy health burden in China, with the second highest incidence and mortality rate among female tumors, yet human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rate among female university students remain remains low. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the degree of HPV vaccine hesitancy among female university students and to explore the potential association between knowledge, risk perception, trust, and HPV vaccine hesitancy. METHODS A total of 1,438 female university students from four Chinese cities were recruited through stratified, multistage, cluster sampling method. The mediation model was constructed using the Bootstrap method, introducing trust and risk perception as mediating variables to examine the effect of knowledge on HPV vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS The study found that 8.9% (95%CI:7.4%∼10.4%) of the female university students exhibited HPV vaccine hesitancy. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a negative association between vaccine hesitancy and knowledge, risk perception, and trust. The mediation model showed that knowledge had significant indirect effects on HPV vaccine hesitancy through trust (indirect effect: -0.224, 95% CI: -0.293 ∼ -0.167) and risk perception (indirect effect: -0.013, 95% CI: -0.033 ∼ -0.002). CONCLUSION HPV vaccine hesitancy among female university students has mitigated, but still needs to be addressed. In addition, trust and risk perception are mediators mediating the relationship between knowledge with HPV vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen public health education to improve knowledge, with a particular focus on providing information about trust and risk perception to reduce HPV vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Public Administration and Emergency Management, Institute of Public Policy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Huang
- Center for Chinese Public Administration Research, School of Government, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Luying Zhang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
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Olsen SO, Tuu HH. Country of origin effects in explaining motivations for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: A cognitive-affective-norm approach. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25901. [PMID: 38390078 PMCID: PMC10881345 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to broaden the understanding of the motivational factors influencing vaccine acceptance framed as product country image (PCI) by exploring the role of overall country image (OCI), vaccine knowledge and information inconsistency, in addition to the three most commonly investigated constructs: vaccine efficacy, fear of vaccine and social norm. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed online to 593 Vietnamese participants to collect data on COVID-19 vaccines from four different countries: the USA, the UK, Russia and China. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the proposed model and hypotheses. The results indicated that OCI had a positive effect on vaccine acceptance for vaccines from the USA and Russia, but a non-significant effect for vaccines from the UK and a negative effect for vaccines from China. Vaccine efficacy, social norm and subjective knowledge had a positive effect for most vaccines, while fear of the vaccine and information inconsistency had negative effects for certain vaccines. The results suggest that vaccine efficacy and social norm are more stable and significant predictors of vaccine acceptance than other constructs. Moreover, OCI moderated the effects of vaccine efficacy, fear of the vaccine, information inconsistency, subjective knowledge and social norm on vaccine acceptance for certain vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svein Ottar Olsen
- School of Business and Economics, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ho Huy Tuu
- Economics Faculty, Nha Trang University, 02 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nha Trang, Viet Nam
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Yu Y, Zhang X, Lau MMC, Lau JTF. The intention to get COVID-19 booster vaccination and its association with cognitive and emotional factors: A survey of Chinese COVID-19 infected people in Hong Kong. Vaccine 2024; 42:206-212. [PMID: 38065769 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the pandemic has ended officially, COVID-19 remains impactful. Booster COVID-19 vaccination is still needed to protect individuals against COVID-19 and the disease's harmful consequences. This study investigated the prevalence of the intention to get booster COVID-19 vaccination after receiving the COVID-19 diagnosis and its associated factors among people reporting prior COVID-19. METHODS A population-based anonymous telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong, China from June to August 2022 among Chinese people reporting prior COVID-1 between February and August 2022 and having taken up ≥2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines prior to COVID-19 diagnosis. RESULTS The prevalence of the intention to get booster vaccination was 59.2 %. Older age (>60 years), being currently married, not employed full-time, and having chronic diseases were positively associated with the intention to get booster vaccination. Adjusted for the background factors, higher levels of the cognitive factors of perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, perceived acquired moderate-to-strong immunity against COVID-19, and perceived adequate knowledge of COVID-19 were positively associated with the intention to get booster vaccination; stronger perceived severity of prior infection despite vaccination was negatively associated with the intention outcome. In contrast, stronger mental distress due to COVID-19, illness concern, and emotional representation were positively associated with the intention. Self-perceived long COVID status was not a significant factor. DISCUSSION The prevalence of the intention to get booster COVID-19 vaccination was limited, especially among younger people reporting prior COVID-19. Health promotion is still required among people reporting prior COVID-19 and may emphasize the significant cognitive factors positively associated with the intention. Future studies are needed to confirm the findings, clarify the role of emotional factors on booster vaccination, and explore other factors of the intention to get booster vaccination among people reporting prior COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Yu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhang
- College of Public Health, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mason M C Lau
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joseph T F Lau
- Public Mental Health Center, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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Zhang X, Zheng H, Zeng Y, Zou J, Zhao L. Exploring how health-related advertising interference contributes to the development of cyberchondria: A stressor-strain-outcome approach. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241233138. [PMID: 38384368 PMCID: PMC10880534 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241233138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cyberchondria is increasingly recognized as the dark side of digital health, given the pervasive use of the internet as a main source of health information in people's daily lives. While previous studies have identified many factors contributing to cyberchondria, there is a dearth of research on the impact of health-related advertisements. Therefore, this study adopts the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) model to investigate how health-related advertising interference is directly and indirectly related to cyberchondria. Methods To empirically validate the proposed research model, we conducted an online survey with 437 internet users with medical information seeking experience in China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the survey data. Results Our findings revealed a positive, direct association between health-related advertising interference and cyberchondria. Meanwhile, advertising interference was positively related to both information overload and information irrelevance, with the former further predicting cyberchondria. Moreover, doctor-patient communication weakened the positive effect of information overload on cyberchondria. Conclusions The study not only theoretically contributes to the literature by theorizing the relationship between health-related advertising interference and cyberchondria but also practically underlines the pivotal role of effective doctor-patient communication in reducing the development of cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Zhang
- School of Sociology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Han Zheng
- School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Semantic Publishing and Knowledge Service of the National Press and Publication Administration, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yueliang Zeng
- School of Information Management, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayi Zou
- Department of Literature, Qingdao Film Academy, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Faculty of Information Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Andrade G, Abdelmonem KYA, Alqaderi N, Teir HJ, Elamin ABA, Bedewy D. Fear of Needles and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Acceptance Amongst Adults in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study and Implications for Nursing. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608241261622. [PMID: 38881678 PMCID: PMC11177738 DOI: 10.1177/23779608241261622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Seasonal influenza remains a challenge in the United Arab Emirates, and vaccination is an important preventive measure. However, fear of needles may be an obstacle in vaccination efforts. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine, in a non-clinical sample obtained from the UAE, how much of an impact fear of needles has on the decision to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. Methods In the period September-December 2022, 372 participants were surveyed on their willingness to be vaccinated, their level of vaccine knowledge, and their level of fear of needles. Logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of fear of needles and vaccine knowledge on the decision to accept the seasonal influenza vaccine. Results Fear of needles and vaccine knowledge are significant predictors in the decision to receive the vaccine. There were no gender or ethnic differences in fear of needles, but there were differences in the decision to receive the vaccines, with women and non-Arabs being more hesitant. Conclusion Fear of needles may be an important variable to account for in public policies designed to improve vaccination rates in the UAE. For public health policy in the UAE, this implies that authorities must dedicate efforts to manage fear of needles in the general population. Efforts to address fear of vaccines in the general population must be made with proper training of nurses. Alternatively, authorities may need to seek oral alternatives for the administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Dalia Bedewy
- Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
- Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Kotronia E, Rosinska M, Stepien M, Czerwinski M, Sadkowska-Todys M. Willingness to vaccinate among adults, and factors associated with vaccine acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in a nationwide study in Poland between March 2021 and April 2022. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1235585. [PMID: 38111477 PMCID: PMC10726053 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1235585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the availability, safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, Poland remains one of the six countries of the European Union with the lowest cumulative uptake of the vaccine's primary course in the general population. This study examined willingness to vaccinate and the associated factors in samples of unvaccinated and vaccinated adults between March 2021 and April 2022. Methods Data were collected using OBSER-CO, a nationwide, repeated cross-sectional study, conducted at four different time points (rounds). Data on willingness to vaccinate among the unvaccinated (at all rounds) and willingness to receive another dose in the vaccinated (at 2 rounds-after booster introduction), reasons for reluctance, sociodemographic, health, and behavioral factors were collected using a uniform questionnaire via computer-assisted telephone interviewing. In each round, more than 20,000 respondents were interviewed. To assess associations between factors and willingness to vaccinate, separate multivariable logistic regression models were fitted for each factor at each round and adjusted for confounders. Results Between rounds 1 and 4 (March 2021-April 2022), in the unvaccinated, willingness to vaccinate declined from 73 to 12%, whereas in the vaccinated, willingness to receive another dose declined from 90 to 53%. The highest magnitude of decline between subsequent rounds occurred during the Omicron wave. Overall, concerns about side effects, effectiveness, and vaccine adverse effects were common but decreased over time. Age, gender, employment, place of residence, COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure, hospitalization, and participation in social activities were among the factors associated with willingness. However, associations changed over rounds highlighting the influence of different pandemic waves and variants. Conclusion We observed a declining and multifactorial willingness to vaccinate in Poland, with vaccine attitudes dynamically changing across subsequent rounds. To address vaccine concerns, sustained health communication about COVID-19 vaccines is essential, especially after the emergence of new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftychia Kotronia
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology Path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Rosinska
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Stepien
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Czerwinski
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Sadkowska-Todys
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Cogan N, Mcinnes L, Lingg V, Flowers P, Rasmussen S, Williams L. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health and social care workers during mass vaccination in Scotland. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2938-2952. [PMID: 36082425 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2121975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Health and social care workers (HSCWs) have an essential role in the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination is an emotionally charged issue and perceptions of risk associated with COVID19 can contribute towards vaccine hesitancy (VH). The aim of this study was to explore the role of emotion and risk perception associated with HSCWs' uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine during the initial mass roll-out of the vaccine in Scotland. A cross-sectional online survey with a correlational design was used. An online survey was conducted with HSCWs (N = 1189) aged 18 to 67 years (M = 44.09 yrs, SD = 11.48) working in Scotland during the third lockdown period (26 December - 31 March 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey collected data relating to sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine uptake and VH, emotions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, and risk perception. Open-ended free text data were also collected on HSCWs' main reasons for VH. Most participants (83.96%) felt positively about the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine, stating it would be beneficial for themselves and others to receive it. Nonetheless, 16.04% of HSCWs expressed VH. Occupational group, age, gender and risk perceptions did not affect variance in VH, but positive emotions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine and years of experience did. We emphasise the importance of future interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake by enhancing positive emotions and reducing ambivalent emotions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine particularly among less experienced HSCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cogan
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Lisa Mcinnes
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Vanissia Lingg
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Paul Flowers
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Susan Rasmussen
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Lynn Williams
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
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13
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Eichelberger L, Hansen A, Cochran P, Hahn M, Fried R. COVID-19 vaccine decision-making in remote Alaska between November 2020 and November 2021. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2242582. [PMID: 37535846 PMCID: PMC10402834 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2242582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy is an ongoing barrier to achieve sufficient COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Although there are many studies globally of vaccine hesitancy based on large survey samples, there are fewer in-depth qualitative studies that explore vaccine hesitancy and acceptance as a spectrum of decision-making. In this paper, we begin to describe vaccination decision-making among 58 adults living in remote Alaska based on three waves of online surveys and follow-up semi-structured interviews conducted between November 2020 and November 2021. The survey question of intention was not a predictor of adoption for about one third of the interviewees who were unvaccinated when they took the survey (n=12, 35%). Over half of all interviewees (n=37, 64%) had vaccine-related concerns, including 25 vaccinated individuals (representing 57% of vaccinated interviewees). Most interviewees reported that they learned about COVID-19 vaccines through interpersonal interactions (n=30, 52%) and/or a variety of media sources (n=29, 50%). The major facilitators of acceptance were trust in the information source (n=20, 48% of the 42 who responded), and learning from the experiences of family, friends, and the broader community (n=12, 29%). Further, trust and having a sense of agency appears to be important to interviewee decision-making, regardless of vaccination status and intention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Eichelberger
- Tribal Water Center, Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Amanda Hansen
- Tribal Water Center, Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Micah Hahn
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ruby Fried
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
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14
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Jovanović V, Lazić M, Gavrilov-Jerković V, Zotović-Kostić M, Obradović V. Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale: Validation and Measurement Invariance in a Youth Sample. Eval Health Prof 2023; 46:362-370. [PMID: 37042299 DOI: 10.1177/01632787231170237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale (VCBS) is a widely used measure of conspiracy beliefs about vaccines, but evidence of its validity and measurement invariance, especially in youth samples, is still largely missing. The present study examined VCBS scores' factor structure, measurement invariance, convergent and discriminant validity, and incremental predictive validity. A sample of 803 Serbian youths (age range 15-24; 59.2% females) was recruited for the study. A modified single-factor model of the VCBS was supported, and showed evidence of full scalar invariance across gender, age, vaccination status, and personal history of COVID-19. Evidence of the VCBS scores' convergent and discriminant validity was obtained by examining associations with general conspiracy beliefs, vaccination attitudes, vaccination knowledge, intentions to get vaccinated against COVID-19, paranoia worries, fear of injections and blood draws, importance of God, self-rated health, and self-rated family's financial situation. The VCBS scores predicted a unique variance in the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19, over and above vaccination attitudes and vaccination knowledge. The results suggest that the VCBS is a valid measure of vaccine conspiracy beliefs in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veljko Jovanović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Milica Lazić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Marija Zotović-Kostić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vojana Obradović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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15
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Fitzpatrick T, Camillo CA, Hillis S, Habbick M, Roerig M, Muhajarine N, Allin S. The Impact Of Provincial Proof- Of-Vaccination Policies On Age-Specific First-Dose Uptake Of COVID-19 Vaccines In Canada. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:1595-1605. [PMID: 37931201 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Requirements of proof of COVID-19 vaccination were mandated for nonessential businesses and venues by Canada's ten provinces throughout the fall of 2021. Leveraging variations in the timing of these measures across the provinces, we applied event study regression to estimate the impact the announcement of these measures had nationally on age-specific first-dose uptake in the subsequent seven-week period. Proof-of-vaccination mandate announcements were associated with a rapid, significant increase in first-dose uptake, particularly in people younger than age fifty. However, these behavioral changes were short-lived, with uptake returning to preannouncement levels-or lower-in all age groups within six weeks, despite mandates remaining in place for at least four months; this decline occurred earlier and was more apparent among adolescents ages 12-17. We estimated that nationally, 290,168 additional people received their first dose in the seven weeks after provinces announced proof-of-vaccination policies, for a 17.5 percent increase over the number of vaccinations estimated in the absence of these policies. This study provides novel age-specific evidence showing that proof-of-vaccination mandates led to an immediate, significant increase in national first-dose uptake and were particularly effective for increasing vaccination uptake in younger to middle-aged adults. Proof-of-vaccination mandates may be effective short-term policy measures for increasing population vaccination uptake, but their impact may differ across age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheryl A Camillo
- Cheryl A. Camillo, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Shelby Hillis
- Shelby Hillis, Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marin Habbick
- Marin Habbick, Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network
| | | | - Nazeem Muhajarine
- Nazeem Muhajarine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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16
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Paulus TM, Grubbs H, Rice-Moran R, Lester JN. How student healthcare providers in a communication skills course respond to standardized patient resistance. Soc Sci Med 2023; 337:116309. [PMID: 37879265 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Encountering and responding to patient resistance can be especially challenging for student healthcare providers. Navigating who ultimately holds the authority to know and understand a health concern, make recommendations for a course of action, and accept or resist these recommendations are all part of how epistemic authority is negotiated in medical settings. The purpose of this paper is to systematically examine how student providers enrolled in a communication skills course at an American university responded to standardized patient resistance. The data for this study were 121 video-recorded and transcribed final objective structured clinical examinations from the fall 2019 course. We used discourse analysis informed by principles of conversation analysis to identify several discursive strategies used by the students, including: 1) asking for clarification; 2) expressing uncertainty and offering to gather additional resources; 3) aligning with and offering an account for the resistance; 4) recommending a new course of action; and 5) confronting the resistance. Our findings point to the value of including instruction for both student healthcare providers and standardized patients on how to respond to resistance they encounter in ways that may help improve healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trena M Paulus
- East Tennessee State University, Research Division, Department of Family Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, PO Box 70621, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA.
| | - Heather Grubbs
- East Tennessee State University, Research Division, Department of Family Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, PO Box 70621, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA.
| | - Renee Rice-Moran
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Clemmer College, East Tennessee State University, 402 Warf-Pickel Hall, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA.
| | - Jessica N Lester
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, 201 North Rose Avenue, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405-1006, USA.
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17
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Man SS, Wen H, Zhao L, So BCL. Role of Trust, Risk Perception, and Perceived Benefit in COVID-19 Vaccination Intention of the Public. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2589. [PMID: 37761786 PMCID: PMC10530888 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11182589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination is an effective method for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study proposed and validated a theoretical intention model for explaining the COVID-19 vaccination intention (CVI) of the public. The theoretical intention model incorporated trust in vaccines, two types of risk perception (risk perception of COVID-19 and risk perception of COVID-19 vaccination), and perceived benefit into a theory of planned behavior (TPB). Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the theoretical intention model with data collected from 816 Chinese adults in China. The results confirmed the crucial role of trust in vaccines, risk perception, and perceived benefit in shaping the CVI of the public. In addition, TPB was found to be applicable in a research context. The theoretical intention model accounted for 78.8% of the variance in CVI. Based on the findings, several practical recommendations for improving COVID-19 vaccination rates were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Shing Man
- School of Design, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; (S.-S.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Huiying Wen
- School of Design, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; (S.-S.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Ligao Zhao
- Guangzhou Huadu Huacheng Community Health Service Centre, Guangzhou 510810, China;
| | - Billy Chun-Lung So
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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18
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Patterson L, Berry E, Parsons C, Clarke B, Little A, Beggs J, Chuter A, Jackson T, Hsia Y, McGrath H, Millman C, Murphy S, Bradley DT, Milligan S. Using the COM-B framework to elucidate facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnant women: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:640. [PMID: 37674175 PMCID: PMC10481472 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05958-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since April 2021, COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended for pregnant women. Despite this, COVID-19 vaccine uptake in this group is low compared to the non-pregnant population of childbearing age. Our aim was to understand barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Northern Ireland using the COM-B framework, and so to make recommendations for public health interventions. The COM-B proposes that human behaviour is influenced by the extent to which a person has the capability, opportunity, and motivation to enact that behaviour. Understanding the factors underpinning behaviour through this lens helps discern what needs to change to change behaviour, therefore supporting the development of targeted interventions.This study consisted of eight semi-structured interviews with new/expectant mothers who did not receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose while pregnant since April 2021, and a focus group with five participants who received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose while pregnant. Interview and focus group data were analysed using semi-deductive reflexive thematic analysis framed by a subtle realist approach. The COM-B was used to categorise codes and subthemes were developed within each COM-B construct.Within Psychological Capability, subthemes captured the need for consistent and reliable COVID-19 vaccine information and access to balanced and jargon-free, risk-benefit information that is tailored to the pregnant individual. The behaviour/opinions of family, friends, and local healthcare providers had a powerful influence on COVID-19 vaccine decisions (Social Opportunity). Integrating the COVID-19 vaccine as part of routine antenatal pathways was believed to support access and sense of familiarity (Physical Opportunity). Participants valued health autonomy, however experienced internal conflict driven by concerns about long-term side effects for their baby (Reflective Motivation). Feelings of fear, lack of empathy from healthcare providers, and anticipated guilt commonly underpinned indecision as to whether to get the vaccine (Automatic Motivation).Our study highlighted that the choice to accept a vaccine during pregnancy generates internal conflict and worry. Several participants cited their concern was primarily around the safety for their baby. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a significant part when it comes to decision making about COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women. HCPs and pregnant women should be involved in the development of interventions to improve the delivery and communication of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Patterson
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK.
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Emma Berry
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Carole Parsons
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | | | - Jillian Beggs
- PPI, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Antony Chuter
- PPI, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tracy Jackson
- PPI, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yingfen Hsia
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Siobhan Murphy
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Declan T Bradley
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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19
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Purvis RS, Moore R, Willis DE, Kraleti SS, Gurel-Headley MP, CarlLee S, McElfish PA. Key Conversations and Trusted Information Among Hesitant Adopters of the COVID-19 Vaccine. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:595-604. [PMID: 37599458 PMCID: PMC10528835 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2244458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect against COVID-19-related hospitalization or death, and 67.1% of the US population is fully vaccinated. However, the disparity in COVID-19 vaccination persists among minority and rural populations who often report greater hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccines. This exploratory study aimed to understand and document trusted sources of information about the COVID-19 vaccine among a diverse sample of hesitant adopters with in-depth interviews. Participants (n = 21) described how information from trusted sources influenced their decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine despite being hesitant. Participants reported health care professionals, family members, friends, coworkers, community leaders, public health experts, government officials, and the mainstream media as trusted sources of information about the COVID-19 vaccines. Participants discussed obtaining trusted information from multiple modes, including direct conversations with trusted messengers and public health communications from public influencers who reinforced the information shared with trusted messengers. Notably, participants discussed having multiple conversations with trusted messengers during their decision-making process, and these trusted messengers often facilitated the participants' vaccination process. Study findings highlight the continued need for clear, understandable information about vaccine side effects, safety, and efficacy to address concerns that contribute to vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S. Purvis
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Springdale, AR
| | - Ramey Moore
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Springdale, AR
| | - Don E. Willis
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Springdale, AR
| | - Shashank S. Kraleti
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Morgan P. Gurel-Headley
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Sheena CarlLee
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, AR
| | - Pearl A. McElfish
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Springdale, AR
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20
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Chung SJ, Han K, Kim C, Kim J. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in South Korea: A cross-sectional study. Nurs Health Sci 2023; 25:332-340. [PMID: 37497789 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination against COVID-19 has been promoted as a way to protect oneself and others from infection. To ensure the comprehensive acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, the factors that affect COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy should be examined. This study aimed to identify the factors that affect COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Korean adults, focusing on COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes toward vaccination. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 2286 Korean adults aged 20-64 years. Demographic characteristics, knowledge regarding COVID-19, and attitudes toward vaccination were assessed. A generalized linear model with Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. Approximately 67% of the COVID-19 knowledge-related questions were correctly answered. A neutral attitude toward vaccination and relatively low vaccination hesitancy were found. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy was affected by individuals' attitudes toward vaccination, as well as their gender and age, but not by their knowledge. Interventions or policies considering gender and age could be helpful in reducing COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. Strategies to disseminate more accurate and novel information related to the COVID-19 vaccines should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kihye Han
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chaehee Kim
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
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21
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Rehman S, Rehman E, Holy O. Potential determinants of vaccine hesitancy among celiac disease patients: a single cohort analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1061617. [PMID: 37614445 PMCID: PMC10442556 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1061617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Though researchers and scholars have greatly emphasized addressing the influencing factors of vaccination hesitancy, little attention has been paid to patients with celiac disease. Addressing the variables hampering attitudes might help direct appropriate patient advocacy and doctor-patient communication endeavors to encourage vaccination among celiac disease patients. The present investigation seeks to explore the coverage against vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccination attitudes, and related possible factors among celiac disease patients in the Pakistani setting. Methods A self-reported online survey was conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan, for celiac disease patients aged 18 and above. The questionnaire was completed by 226 participants, with a response rate of 43.8%. The influencing variables for vaccination hesitancy were examined, and 95% confidence intervals for the crude and adjusted odds ratios were computed. Results Among the study population, the majority were females, with a ratio of 75.66%. A prominent proportion of 69.03% was observed for influenza vaccination, while 39.82% were unable to recall all of the vaccinations they had previously received. Only 7% of the patients were considered to have a negative attitude toward vaccination, compared to an estimated 76% who were in favor of it. The significantly positive influencing factors observed toward vaccination were being well-educated (graduate, master, or above), possible recurrence of vaccine-preventable diseases with declining vaccination coverage (adjusted OR: 13.36), and increased confidence in vaccines from health care experts compared to electronic media (adjusted OR: 8.41). Contrarily, practicing complementary and alternative medicines (adjusted OR: 5.59), willingness to get vaccinated again in the future (adjusted OR: 15.59), and prior negative perspectives (adjusted OR: 1.01) were the determinants with a significant negative association. Discussion In conclusion, the outcomes of the current work raise the possibility that health practitioners may be accountable for inappropriately prescribing vaccines to this demographic since 77% of the participants had a favorable attitude toward vaccination. These findings could serve as a springboard for creating targeted immunization efforts to raise vaccination coverage against vaccine-preventive diseases among celiac disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Rehman
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Erum Rehman
- Department of Mathematics, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Ondrej Holy
- Science and Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
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22
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Peng S, Yang T, Zhang W, Cottrell RR. Temporal changes in mental response and prevention patterns, and their impact from uncertainty stress during the transition in China from the COVID-19 epidemic to sporadic infection. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19090. [PMID: 37636345 PMCID: PMC10450966 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An epidemic of a highly lethal disease can overwhelm people emotionally and physically. Little is known about how public mental and preventive patterns changed during the transition from the COVID-19 epidemic to sporadic infection. This study examined changing trends of metal response and behavioral variables, and their impact from uncertainty stress in this process in China. A prospective longitudinal observation design was utilized. There were 7 waves of surveys from COVID-19 epidemic status to the sporadic infection period. Sixty-two participants completed all observation points and were included in the study. The Mann-Kendall Test was used to assess changing trends across the seven observation points. The nonparametric linear mixed effects model was used to examine the association between uncertainty stress and mental and behavioral responses. The mean uncertainty stress did not change significantly over the observation period (Z: -0.911, p > 0.05). This trend was also true for perceived risk, perceived severity, self-efficacy for prevention, and prevention behavior. There was a statistically significant downward trend in irrational beliefs about prevention (Z: -4.993, p < 0.01), sleep (Z: -2.499, p < 0.05), emotions (Z: -5.650, p < 0.01), and lifestyle (Z: -5.978, p < 0.01). The results showed that uncertainty stress was positively associated with irrational beliefs (β: 0.16298, p < 0.01), their sleep (β: 0.02070, p < 0.05), emotions (β: 0.03462, p < 0.01), and lifestyle (β: 0.02056, p < 0.05). High levels of uncertainty stress were negatively associated with self-efficacy for prevention and prevention behavior, β was -1.33210 (p < 0.01) and -0.82742 (p < 0.01). These results may have important policy and disease prevention in post-epidemic times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihui Peng
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, No. 601 Huangpudadaoxi, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Tingzhong Yang
- Women's Hospital/Center for Tobacco Control Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, No. 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, 886 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, WV, 26506, United States
| | - Weifang Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, No. 166 Qiutao North Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Randall R. Cottrell
- Public Health Program, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, United States, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
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23
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Padonou SGR, Kakaï Glèlè C, Accrombessi M, Adegbite BR, Dangbenon E, Bah H, Akogbeto E, Bah Chabi AI, Kaucley L, Sourakatou S, Dossou A, Batonon A, Bissouma-Ledjou T, Hounkpatin B. Assessment of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Its Associated Factors during the Crisis: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Benin. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1104. [PMID: 37376493 PMCID: PMC10305180 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having a maximum number of people vaccinated was the objective to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We report in this manuscript the factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 during the pandemic period. METHODS From April to May 2022, a community-based cross-sectional survey was performed. Participants were randomly selected from four districts in Benin (taking into account the COVID-19 prevalence). Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to identify the variables associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. RESULTS A total of 2069 participants were included. The proportion of vaccine acceptance was 43.3%. A total of 24.2% were vaccinated and showed proof of vaccination. The population's request for vaccination was higher after the third epidemic wave. The district of residence, the education level, a fear of being infected, the channel of information, poor medical conditions, a good knowledge of the transmission mode and symptoms, and good behaviors were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSION The overall acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Beninese population was relatively high. However, vaccine campaigns in areas with a low acceptance as well as the disclosure of information, particularly on our knowledge of the disease and the safety, side effects, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, should be strengthened with adapted and consistent messages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manfred Accrombessi
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- African Public Health Consulting and Research Group, Cotonou, Benin
- Cotonou Entomological Research Center, Ministry of Health, Cotonou 06 BP 2604, Benin
| | - Bayode Romeo Adegbite
- Alliance for the Promotion of Community Health, Research and Scientific Innovation, Cotonou, Benin
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambarene BP242, Gabon
| | - Edouard Dangbenon
- African Public Health Consulting and Research Group, Cotonou, Benin
- Cotonou Entomological Research Center, Ministry of Health, Cotonou 06 BP 2604, Benin
| | - Houssaïnatou Bah
- Country Office, World Health Organization, Cotonou 01BP 918, Benin
| | | | | | | | | | - Ange Dossou
- Ministry of Health, Cotonou 01 BP 882, Benin
| | | | | | - Benjamin Hounkpatin
- Ministry of Health, Cotonou 01 BP 882, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou 01 BP 526, Benin
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Sujarwoto S, Maharani A. Is knowledge about COVID-19 associated with willingness to receive vaccine, vaccine uptake, and vaccine booster uptake in rural Malang, Indonesia? Front Public Health 2023; 11:1203550. [PMID: 37351094 PMCID: PMC10282756 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1203550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lack of knowledge regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and COVID-19 vaccines is a key barrier to COVID-19 vaccine uptake in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Aims To examine factors associated with knowledge about COVID-19 and the association between knowledge of COVID-19, willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccine uptake in Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Method A cross-sectional study among individuals aged 15-99 years was conducted in Malang, Java Timur, Indonesia between November 2022 and January 2023. Of 10,050 potential respondents, 10,007 were able to complete the survey. The main independent variable was knowledge about COVID-19, which was assessed using a six-item questionnaire. The dependent variables were COVID-19 vaccine uptake and COVID-19 booster vaccine uptake. The mediating variable was respondent's willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Linear regression was used to examine factors associated with knowledge about COVID-19. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association of knowledge about COVID-19 with vaccine uptake. Generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) was performed to examine whether willingness to receive a vaccine mediated the association between knowledge about COVID-19 and vaccination uptake. Findings The percentage of respondents who reported having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was 94.8%, while the percentage of those who reported having received at least three doses was 88.5%. These numbers are higher than the national average for COVID-19 vaccine and booster vaccine uptake. Most respondents answered about four of six knowledge items correctly (M = 4.60, SD = 1.1). Among respondents who had not received a vaccine, 83.1% expressed willingness to receive a vaccine when it became available to them. Older, more educated, employed respondents, and those with higher economic status, demonstrated more accurate knowledge about COVID-19 than younger, less educated, unemployed respondents and those with lower economic status. Respondents who demonstrated more accurate knowledge about COVID-19 were more likely to have received a vaccine (OR = 1.528, 95% CI = 1.428-1.634) and a booster vaccine (OR = 1.260, 95% CI = 1.196-1.328). Willingness to receive a vaccine mediated the association between knowledge about COVID-19 and vaccine uptake (coef. = 0.426, 95% CI = 0.379-0.473). Implications Interventions and public health programs aiming to improve knowledge about COVID-19 can be implemented to improve individual willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination and to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujarwoto Sujarwoto
- Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Administrative Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Asri Maharani
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Nam SJ, Pak TY. Predicting adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among South Korean adults aged 40 to 69 Years using the expanded health empowerment model. SSM Popul Health 2023; 22:101411. [PMID: 37123561 PMCID: PMC10123021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The public health environment in South Korea is advancing toward the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited knowledge about the extent of individuals' compliance with preventive measures during this transitional period and the potential predictors that determine such compliance behaviors. In this study, we employed the expanded health empowerment model to investigate factors associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors among Korean adults in late 2022. Our theoretical framework integrates the knowledge-attitude-behavior model with the health belief model to conceptualize health empowerment underlying the formation of preventive behaviors. We collected data from 1100 Korean adults aged 40-69 years through an online survey conducted in October 2022. Participants responded to questions about their knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes towards the disease, adherence to preventive measures, infection history, and sociodemographic characteristics. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to COVID-19. Results showed that attitudes toward the disease predict adherence to preventive behaviors. We also found that COVID-19 knowledge partially determined the attitudes toward the disease. However, COVID-19 knowledge was not directly associated with adherence to preventive behaviors. Additionally, the associations between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors did not differ between infected and never-infected individuals. Overall, this study finds empirical support for the expanded health empowerment model, which connects knowledge to preventive behaviors through positive attitudes toward the disease, while underscoring the limited role of infection history in this association. These findings can help policymakers understand individual responses to public health guidelines in the late pandemic era and develop policies to mitigate further transmission of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jung Nam
- Department of Consumer Science and Convergence Program for Social Innovation, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae-Young Pak
- Department of Consumer Science and Convergence Program for Social Innovation, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
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Nsubuga EJ, Fitzmaurice AG, Komakech A, Odoi TD, Kadobera D, Bulage L, Kwesiga B, Elyanu PJ, Ario AR, Harris JR. Community dialogue meetings among district leaders improved their willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines in Western Uganda, May 2021. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:969. [PMID: 37237258 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15903-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widespread COVID-19 vaccine uptake can facilitate epidemic control. A February 2021 study in Uganda suggested that public vaccine uptake would follow uptake among leaders. In May 2021, Baylor Uganda led community dialogue meetings with district leaders from Western Uganda to promote vaccine uptake. We assessed the effect of these meetings on the leaders' COVID-19 risk perception, vaccine concerns, perception of vaccine benefits and access, and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS All departmental district leaders in the 17 districts in Western Uganda, were invited to the meetings, which lasted approximately four hours. Printed reference materials about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines were provided to attendees at the start of the meetings. The same topics were discussed in all meetings. Before and after the meetings, leaders completed self-administered questionnaires with questions on a five-point Likert Scale about risk perception, vaccine concerns, perceived vaccine benefits, vaccine access, and willingness to receive the vaccine. We analyzed the findings using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. RESULTS Among 268 attendees, 164 (61%) completed the pre- and post-meeting questionnaires, 56 (21%) declined to complete the questionnaires due to time constraints and 48 (18%) were already vaccinated. Among the 164, the median COVID-19 risk perception scores changed from 3 (neutral) pre-meeting to 5 (strong agreement with being at high risk) post-meeting (p < 0.001). Vaccine concern scores reduced, with medians changing from 4 (worried about vaccine side effects) pre-meeting to 2 (not worried) post-meeting (p < 0.001). Median scores regarding perceived COVID-19 vaccine benefits changed from 3 (neutral) pre-meeting to 5 (very beneficial) post-meeting (p < 0.001). The median scores for perceived vaccine access increased from 3 (neutral) pre-meeting to 5 (very accessible) post-meeting (p < 0.001). The median scores for willingness to receive the vaccine changed from 3 (neutral) pre-meeting to 5 (strong willingness) post-meeting (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION COVID-19 dialogue meetings led to district leaders' increased risk perception, reduced concerns, and improvement in perceived vaccine benefits, vaccine access, and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. These could potentially influence public vaccine uptake if leaders are vaccinated publicly as a result. Broader use of such meetings with leaders could increase vaccine uptake among themselves and the community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Allan Komakech
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tom Dias Odoi
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Kadobera
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lilian Bulage
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Benon Kwesiga
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Alex Riolexus Ario
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julie R Harris
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
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Thaker J, Richardson LM, Holmes DC. Audience segmentation analysis of public intentions to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:470-488. [PMID: 36546333 PMCID: PMC9790861 DOI: 10.1177/09636625221138494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
While previous studies provide broad categories of the public who intend to get a COVID-19 vaccine, few systematically segment and help understand and engage with distinct publics to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Using data from a national sample of the Australian public (N = 1054) and using measures primarily based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, a latent class analysis of 16 items was undertaken to identify COVID-19 audience segments for potential future message targeting. We found five different segments of COVID-19 vaccine intentions: vaccine enthusiasts (28%), supporters (26%), socials (20%), hesitant (15%) and sceptics (10%). These five audience segments also differ on demographic variables and their level of trust in mainstream media, scientists and health experts, social media and family and friends. Understanding the COVID-19 vaccine attitudinal and information-seeking characteristics of these sub-publics will help inform appropriate messaging campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagadish Thaker
- Jagadish Thaker, University of Auckland, 502 Room, Bldg 207, Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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Giancola M, Palmiero M, D’Amico S. Dark Triad and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: the role of conspiracy beliefs and risk perception. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37359671 PMCID: PMC10064627 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04609-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
With the spread of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the mass vaccination plan represents the primary weapon to control the infection curve. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy also spread out worldwide. This led to exploring the critical factors that prevent vaccination from improving the efficacy of vaccine campaigns. In the present study, the role of the Dark Triad (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) in vaccine hesitancy was investigated, considering the sequential mediating effects of conspiracy beliefs and risk perception. Via a cross-sectional design, the study was conducted with 210 participants surveyed using an online questionnaire to assess the Dark Triad, vaccine hesitancy, conspiracy beliefs, risk perception, and a set of demographic and socio-cultural control variables. Results showed that conspiracy beliefs and risk perception fully mediated the association between the Dark Triad and vaccine hesitancy. This finding suggested that albeit personality accounts for individual differences in human behaviour, vaccine hesitancy is also affected by irrational and false beliefs that, in turn, weaken the risk perception associated with COVID-19. Implications and future research directions were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giancola
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Simonetta D’Amico
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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Adu P, Popoola T, Medvedev ON, Collings S, Mbinta J, Aspin C, Simpson CR. Implications for COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A systematic review. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:441-466. [PMID: 36738689 PMCID: PMC9884645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, increasing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination coverage remains a major public health concern in the face of high rates of COVID-19 hesitancy among the general population. We must understand the impact of the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake when designing national vaccination programmes. We aimed to synthesise nationwide evidence regarding COVID-19 infodemics and the demographic, psychological, and social predictors of COVID-19 vaccination uptake. METHODS We systematically searched seven databases between July 2021 and March 2022 to retrieve relevant articles published since COVID-19 was first reported on 31 December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Of the 12,502 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the databases, 57 met the selection criteria and were included in this systematic review. We explored COVID-19 vaccine uptake determinants before and after the first COVID-19 vaccine roll-out by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA). RESULTS Increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates were associated with decreased hesitancy. Concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety, negative side effects, rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, and uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness were associated with reluctance to be vaccinated. After the US FDA approval of COVID-19 vaccines, phobia of medical procedures such as vaccine injection and inadequate information about vaccines were the main determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSION Addressing effectiveness and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines, as well as providing adequate information about vaccines and the impacts of pandemics, should be considered before implementation of any vaccination programme. Reassuring people about the safety of medical vaccination and using alternative procedures such as needle-free vaccination may help further increase vaccination uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Adu
- School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Tosin Popoola
- School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Sunny Collings
- School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - James Mbinta
- School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Clive Aspin
- School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Colin R. Simpson
- School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
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AlKnawy B, Kozlakidis Z, Tarkoma S, Bates D, Honkela A, Crooks G, Rhee K, McKillop M. Digital public health leadership in the global fight for health security. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:bmjgh-2022-011454. [PMID: 36792230 PMCID: PMC9933676 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to prioritise mature digital health and data governance at both national and supranational levels to guarantee future health security. The Riyadh Declaration on Digital Health was a call to action to create the infrastructure needed to share effective digital health evidence-based practices and high-quality, real-time data locally and globally to provide actionable information to more health systems and countries. The declaration proposed nine key recommendations for data and digital health that need to be adopted by the global health community to address future pandemics and health threats. Here, we expand on each recommendation and provide an evidence-based roadmap for their implementation. This policy document serves as a resource and toolkit that all stakeholders in digital health and disaster preparedness can follow to develop digital infrastructure and protocols in readiness for future health threats through robust digital public health leadership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar AlKnawy
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sasu Tarkoma
- Department of Computer Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David Bates
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antti Honkela
- Department of Computer Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - George Crooks
- Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kyu Rhee
- CVS Health Corp, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
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Associations between Vaccination Behavior and Trust in Information Sources Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines under Emergency Approval in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020233. [PMID: 36851111 PMCID: PMC9965898 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the association between COVID-19 vaccination behavior and trust in COVID-19-related information sources during the initial period of COVID-19 vaccination in Japan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in August 2021, 5 months after the start of COVID-19 vaccination for the general public under emergency approval. Participants were recruited using non-probability quota sampling from among Japanese residents who were under a declared state of emergency. Sociodemographic data, vaccination behavior, and levels of trust in eight media sources of information and three interpersonal information sources were assessed using an online survey form. A total of 784 participants completed the survey. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, household income, underlying medical conditions, and living with family were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination behavior. Regarding COVID-19 vaccine information sources, trust in public health experts as a source of media information and primary care physicians as a source of interpersonal information showed significantly positive associations with COVID-19 vaccination behavior (odds ratio [OR] = 1.157, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.017-1.31; OR = 1.076; 95% CI 1.006-1.150, respectively). Increasing trust in public health experts and primary care physicians and disseminating vaccine information from these sources will help promote vaccination under emergency approval.
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Tomas N, Munangatire T, Nampila S. Undergraduate Students' Knowledge, Attitudes and Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines: A Survey of Convenience Sample in Namibia. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231177565. [PMID: 37250766 PMCID: PMC10214085 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231177565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The global consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overstated. Vaccinations are one of the leading strategies to protect against the virus, and it is likely that students' understanding and desire to be vaccinated can be major factors in helping contain the pandemic. Nonetheless, no studies looked into the vaccine attitude, knowledge and willingness in Namibia. Objectives To assess and describe the association between knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of undergraduate students to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the school of education, nursing and economics and management science at the university campus in Namibia. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive study from 200 undergraduate university students using a convenience sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSSv28 and descriptive statistics were used to depict trends in data while a Pearson's correlation determined the relationship between the study variables. Results The data showed that 54.2% (1.54 ± 0.49) of the participants had adequate knowledge concerning the vaccine, while 57.1% and 58.6% had a negative outlook and were unwilling to get vaccinated. A moderate positive correlation was observed between attitudes and willingness to take COVID-19 vaccines (r = .546, P =<.001), while a negative relation existed between knowledge and attitudes (r = -.017, P =>.001). Conclusions This study has provided valuable insight into the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of undergraduate students to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Despite more than half of the participants having appropriate knowledge, they had an unfavourable outlook toward COVID-19 vaccination. It is recommended that further studies focus on how factors such as incentives, religion and cultural values affect their desires to be vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Tomas
- Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing
and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia
| | - Takaedza Munangatire
- Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing
and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia
| | - Stefanus Nampila
- Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing
and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia
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Song L, Yu Z, He Q. Evolutionary game theory and simulations based on doctor and patient medical malpractice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282434. [PMID: 36989284 PMCID: PMC10057828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Doctors and patients are the two critical players in medical malpractice. The evolutionary game model of doctors and patients is constructed based on information asymmetry and bounded rationality. The strategy selection problem of the two players in the medical malpractice process was studied. With change in different parameters, the evolutionary equilibrium strategy of the model was demonstrated using Vensim simulation. The results show that the weight, penalty amount, benefits of standardized practices, and patient medical alarm cost of strategies of different doctors are the key factors affecting doctor-patient evolutionary game system. Medical malpractice can be reduced by adjusting the weight of different strategy choices, increasing the penalties for illegal practices, and standardizing medical malpractice costs based on doctors' standardized practice income. Measures to effectively resolve medical malpractice are proposed by introducing a third-party normative system, establishing a doctor-patient information management system, and improving doctors' reward and punishment mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Song
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenlei Yu
- Information Ministry of Library, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang He
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Vaithilingam S, Hwang LA, Nair M, Ng JWJ, Ahmed P, Musa KI. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its drivers: An empirical study of the vaccine hesitant group in Malaysia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282520. [PMID: 36920970 PMCID: PMC10016727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 remain a threat to public healthcare, especially if vaccination levels do not improve. As Malaysia begins its transition into the endemic phase, it is essential to identify the key determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention amongst the pockets of the population who are still hesitant. Therefore, focusing on a sample of individuals who did not register for the COVID-19 vaccination, the current study integrated two widely used frameworks in the public health domain-the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA)-to examine the inter-relationships of the predictors of vaccination intention amongst these individuals. METHODOLOGY Primary data from 117 respondents who did not register for the COVID-19 vaccination were collected using self-administered questionnaires to capture predictors of vaccination intention amongst individuals in a Malaysian context. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Subjective norms and attitude play key mediating roles between the HBM factors and vaccination intention amongst the unregistered respondents. In particular, subjective norms mediate the relationship between cues to action and vaccination intention, highlighting the significance of important others to influence unregistered individuals who are already exposed to information from mass media and interpersonal discussions regarding vaccines. Trust, perceived susceptibility, and perceived benefits indirectly influence vaccination intention through attitude, indicating that one's attitude is vital in promoting behavioral change. CONCLUSION This study showed that the behavioral factors could help understand the reasons for vaccine refusal or acceptance, and shape and improve health interventions, particularly among the vaccine-hesitant group in a developing country. Therefore, policymakers and key stakeholders can develop effective strategies or interventions to encourage vaccination amongst the unvaccinated for future health pandemics by targeting subjective norms and attitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santha Vaithilingam
- Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Li-Ann Hwang
- Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics, School of Business, Monash University, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Mahendhiran Nair
- Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jason Wei Jian Ng
- Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematical Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pervaiz Ahmed
- Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kamarul Imran Musa
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Zuluaga-Arias HP, Alkhakany M, Younus MM, Sefiani H, Caro-Rojas A, Al-Zubiedi S, Albalawi WF, Alshammari TM. Impact of risk communication on patient's safety during the pandemic. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2023; 14:20420986231159752. [PMID: 36949767 PMCID: PMC10026095 DOI: 10.1177/20420986231159752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 2 years has passed since the pandemic was declared in 2019 due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was later declared to be the pathogen causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During this time, many healthcare systems faced numerous challenges to control the high morbidity and mortality of the disease. Unlike previous pandemics, the actions against this pandemic started quickly on both the global and country levels. These actions were, scientifically, to study the virus as well as transmission process and to develop medications and vaccines against it. Also, we had to protect people from transmission by knowing how best to apply precautionary methods. However, there were some unexpected negative consequences of the pandemic and one of those the World Health Organization (WHO) called 'infodemic'. This term infodemic refers to the manipulation of a population's behavior in the assessment of information (or, more accurately, lack of assessment) related to the use of medications, particularly vaccines. Unfortunately, even with positive development in science, there was limited and often contradictory amount of information on the safety and efficacy profile of drugs and vaccines. Therefore, this made it harder for public health agencies to determine the impact of the incidence of adverse reactions and events associated with interventions such as vaccines. Hence, risk communication needs to be emphasized during any pandemic, as ignoring risk communications to different stakeholders could undermine all well-intended therapeutic interventions. Given this, it is important that the different stakeholders involved (health authorities, societies, healthcare professionals, etc.) assess the different behavioral patterns within their respective populations and propose appropriate strategies to act. Such an approach complement having risk management and communication plans for this and future pandemics. The aim of this article is to explore how information management, risk management, and risk communication during the pandemic can provide valuable lessons for the future. Plain language summary Impact of risk communication on patient's safety during the pandemic More than 2 years have gone by since the pandemic was declared in 2019 due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many challenges have been confronted by the healthcare system during this time to control the high impact of this disease. This pandemic, unlike others that humanity has faced, is characterized by a special feature: today, we have an enormous amount of information only a click away. This situation has been of great benefit to humanity and has allowed the development of science; nevertheless, misinformation (infodemics) has been a major problem, which has revealed the behavior of the population regarding the evaluation of information (or better, lack of assessment) related to the use of medications and particularly of vaccines. Given this, it is important that the different people involved (health authorities, societies, healthcare professionals, etc.) assess the behavior and propose appropriate strategies to act and have plans for this and future pandemics. This article intends to explore from the authors' perspective how information management, risk management, and risk communication during the pandemic can provide valuable lessons for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyde-Patricia Zuluaga-Arias
- Colombian Association of Pharmacovigilance,
Bogotá, Colombia
- International Society of Pharmacovigilance –
LATAM Chapter, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mayada Alkhakany
- Boehringer Ingelheim; International Society of
Pharmacovigilance Patient Engagement SIG, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manal M. Younus
- Iraqi Pharmacovigilance Center, Ministry of
Health, Baghdad, Iraq
- International Society of Pharmacovigilance –
Middle East Chapter Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Houda Sefiani
- International Society of Pharmacovigilance –
Middle East Chapter Rabat, Morocco
- CAPM, Moroccan Pharmacovigilance Centre, Rabat
WHO Collaborating Centre, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | - Sameh Al-Zubiedi
- International Society of Pharmacovigilance –
Middle East Chapter, Amman, Jordan
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan,
Amman, Jordan
| | - Wafi F. Albalawi
- Community Health Sciences, College of Applied
Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Purasram M, Bangalee V, Oosthuizen F, Moodley R. Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of a patient population on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Health SA 2022; 27:1845. [PMID: 36570088 PMCID: PMC9772648 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v27i0.1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had dire effects on South Africa. Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are critical in the fight against COVID-19. This study is necessary to optimise vaccine acceptance. Aim To determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of a patient population in South Africa on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Setting This study was conducted via a retail pharmacy in Merebank, Wentworth and Bluff (Ward 68), which is in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Methods A quantitative study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire between April 2021 to September 2021. There were a total of 430 participants. Data were collected on Google Forms, recorded in Microsoft Excel and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Knowledge of COVID-19 in the population was 81.86%. A total of 65% of participants stated that they would definitely take the COVID-19 vaccine, and 33.7% stated that they were hesitant to receive the vaccine. Reasons for hesitancies included concerns surrounding side effects of the vaccines, its safety and efficacy and the fast-tracking of the vaccine. Conclusion Education campaigns need to be customised to provide the population with reliable and vetted vaccine information and address specific concerns or hesitancies present. Health care workers and the government need to work with religious leaders to improve public trust and confidence in the vaccine. To reach herd immunity and prevent increased morbidity rates, there needs to be a rise in vaccine acceptance across South Africa and globally. Contribution With the intention of ensuring a successful COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy in South Africa, it is of great importance to address the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and to determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the population on the COVID-19 vaccines. This study will therefore aid in developing strategies aimed at improving vaccine education and awareness, thereby resulting in a greater uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine by the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makaira Purasram
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Varsha Bangalee
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Frasia Oosthuizen
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajatheran Moodley
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Zheng H, Jiang S. Linking the Pathway from Exposure to Online Vaccine Information to Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2022; 25:625-633. [PMID: 36037024 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cyberchondria describes excessive health information seeking on the Internet is associated with escalating concerns and anxiety. Drawing upon the stimulus-organism-response model, this study proposes a moderated mediation model to explore how people develop cyberchondria when they search for COVID-19 vaccine-related information on the Internet. To test the proposed model, an online survey was conducted in China. Results showed that there was a direct and positive relationship between exposure to online vaccine information and cyberchondria. This relationship was also partially mediated by perceived information overload. Moreover, e-health literacy negatively moderated the indirect relationship between exposure to online vaccine information and cyberchondria through perceived information overload. The results from this study can advance our knowledge on the development of cyberchondria during public health crises, and inform health professionals and social media operators on developing evidence-based interventions to manage this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zheng
- School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shaohai Jiang
- Department of Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Chen X, Liu Y, Yu G. Exploring factors that influence COVID-19 vaccination intention in China: Media use preference, knowledge level and risk perception. Front Psychol 2022; 13:954073. [PMID: 36172238 PMCID: PMC9511104 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.954073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine is one of the most effective means to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries, but vaccine hesitancy has been always widespread among people due to individual differences in access to vaccine information. This research aims to empirically investigate the relationship between media use preference (video-based and text-based), knowledge level, risk perception and willingness to vaccinate among Chinese residents. A cross-sectional survey of a Chinese sample (N = 885) was carried out to explore factors that influence the COVID-19 vaccination intention of Chinese residents. The empirical results show that the knowledge level and risk perception of Chinese residents positively contribute to vaccination intention. People with video-usage preference have lower levels of knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine than those with text-usage preference. People’s risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic is not influenced by their media use preference or knowledge level, as COVID-19 is a global pandemic and a significant social risk. The current study yields health-related implications for the role of media use preference in vaccination intention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Chen
- Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience and Communication, School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhan Liu
- Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience and Communication, School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoming Yu
- Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience and Communication, School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Media Convergence Production Technology and Systems, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Guoming Yu,
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Fact boxes that inform individual decisions may contribute to a more positive evaluation of COVID-19 vaccinations at the population level. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274186. [PMID: 36095020 PMCID: PMC9467356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective
For an effective control of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with vaccines, most people in a population need to be vaccinated. It is thus important to know how to inform the public with reference to individual preferences–while also acknowledging the societal preference to encourage vaccinations. According to the health care standard of informed decision-making, a comparison of the benefits and harms of (not) having the vaccination would be required to inform undecided and skeptical people. To test evidence-based fact boxes, an established risk communication format, and to inform their development, we investigated their contribution to knowledge and evaluations of COVID-19 vaccines.
Methods
We conducted four studies (1, 2, and 4 were population-wide surveys with N = 1,942 to N = 6,056): Study 1 assessed the relationship between vaccination knowledge and intentions in Germany over three months. Study 2 assessed respective information gaps and needs of the population in Germany. In parallel, an experiment (Study 3) with a mixed design (presentation formats; pre-post-comparison) assessed the effect of fact boxes on risk perceptions and fear, using a convenience sample (N = 719). Study 4 examined how effective two fact box formats are for informing vaccination intentions, with a mixed experimental design: between-subjects (presentation formats) and within-subjects (pre-post-comparison).
Results
Study 1 showed that vaccination knowledge and vaccination intentions increased between November 2020 and February 2021. Study 2 revealed objective information requirements and subjective information needs. Study 3 showed that the fact box format is effective in adjusting risk perceptions concerning COVID-19. Based on those results, fact boxes were revised and implemented with the help of a national health authority in Germany. Study 4 showed that simple fact boxes increase vaccination knowledge and positive evaluations in skeptics and undecideds.
Conclusion
Fact boxes can inform COVID-19 vaccination intentions of undecided and skeptical people without threatening societal vaccination goals of the population.
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Moreno Ramírez D, Gutenkunst S, Honan J, Ingram M, Quijada C, Chaires M, Sneed SJ, Sandoval F, Spitz R, Carvajal S, Billheimer D, Wolf AM, Beamer PI. Thinking on your feet: Beauty and auto small businesses maneuver the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:921704. [PMID: 36106169 PMCID: PMC9465998 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.921704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared SARS-CoV-2 a pandemic, and governments and health institutions enacted various public health measures to decrease its transmission rate. The COVID-19 pandemic made occupational health disparities for small businesses more visible and created an unprecedented financial burden, particularly for those located in communities of color. In part, communities of color experienced disproportionate mortality and morbidity rates from COVID-19 due to their increased exposure. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the public to reflect on risks daily. Risk perception is a critical factor influencing how risk gets communicated and perceived by individuals, groups, and communities. This study explores competing risk perceptions regarding COVID-19, economic impacts, vaccination, and disinfectant exposures of workers at beauty salons and auto shops in Tucson, Arizona, using a perceived risk score measured on a scale of 1-10, with higher scores indicating more perceived risk. The primary differences between respondents at beauty salons and auto shops regarding their perceived risks of COVID-19 vaccination were between the vaccinated and unvaccinated. For every group except the unvaccinated, the perceived risk score of getting the COVID-19 vaccine was low, and the score of not getting the COVID-19 vaccine was high. Study participants in different demographic groups ranked economic risk the highest compared to the other five categories: getting the COVID-19 vaccine, not getting the COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19, disinfection, and general. A meaningful increase of four points in the perceived risk score of not getting the COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a 227% (95% CI: 27%, 740%) increase in the odds of being vaccinated. Analyzing these data collected during the coronavirus pandemic may provide insight into how to promote the health-protective behavior of high-risk workers and employers in the service sector during times of new novel threats (such as a future pandemic or crisis) and how they process competing risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Moreno Ramírez
- Community, Environment and Policy Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Jenna Honan
- Community, Environment and Policy Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Maia Ingram
- Health Promotion Sciences Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Carolina Quijada
- Community, Environment and Policy Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Marvin Chaires
- Community, Environment and Policy Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Sam J. Sneed
- Community, Environment and Policy Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Flor Sandoval
- Sonora Environmental Research Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rachel Spitz
- Sonora Environmental Research Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Scott Carvajal
- Health Promotion Sciences Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Dean Billheimer
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Ann Marie Wolf
- Sonora Environmental Research Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Paloma I. Beamer
- Community, Environment and Policy Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,*Correspondence: Paloma I. Beamer
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Opt-out policy and its improvements promote COVID-19 vaccinations. Soc Sci Med 2022; 307:115120. [PMID: 35792410 PMCID: PMC9217684 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rationale Vaccination uptake is a major strategy to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 and curb the transmission of COVID-19. However, many people remain unwilling to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Objective Using default nudges, the present study examines (a) whether opt-out policy and its improvements could increase intention and attitude to get vaccinated and (b) whether these default effects differ across diverse risk-perception groups. Method An online experiment with 1926 unvaccinated Chinese respondents was conducted in February 2021. We measured willingness to be vaccinated after informing opt-in policy, standard opt-out policy, and its five improvements (opt-out education, opt-out opportunity, opt-out social norm, opt-out feedback, and opt-out opportunity). Risk perception of the pandemic of COVID-19 and vaccination were also measured. Results (a) Opt-out policy and its improvement (except the opt-out transparency) increased intentions to be vaccinated. Policies with a vaccination default did not weaken people's attitude toward policy and policymakers compared with the opt-in policy, but participants in the transparent improvement group reported lower freedom of choice than those in the opt-out group. (b) Further latent profile analysis revealed four classes underlying risk perception: risk exaggerators, risk deniers, disease-specific risk perceivers, and vaccine-specific risk perceivers. But there was no conclusive evidence that the effect of risk perception differs as a function of defaults. Conclusions These findings provide new psychological evidence for formulating more targeted vaccination policies and highlight the importance of risk perception to understand vaccination intentions.
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Chekol Abebe E, Ayalew Tiruneh G, Asmare Adela G, Mengie Ayele T, Tilahun Muche Z, Behaile T/Mariam A, Tilahun Mulu A, Abebe Zewde E, Dagnaw Baye N, Asmamaw Dejenie T. COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Debre Tabor public health institutions: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:919494. [PMID: 35928488 PMCID: PMC9343782 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.919494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundVaccination is the best means of reducing the increased risk of severe COVID-19 during pregnancy. Data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Ethiopia is scarce. Thus, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among pregnant women.MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 634 pregnant women attending antenatal care in Debre Tabor public health institutions from March 14 to 30, 2022. Participants were recruited using a multistage sampling technique and data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Stata version 16.0 software was used for data analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake, with a p-value< 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultOnly 14.4% (95% CI: 11.7%-17.3%) of participants had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines. The main reasons for declining vaccination were fear that the COVID-19 vaccine may have harmful side effects on the fetus or the mother. Being 45 or older (AOR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.01–2.95), being married (AOR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.12, 2.96), having good knowledge (AOR:3.52, 95%CI:1.83–3.87), and a positive attitude (AOR:4.81, 95% CI: 1.42–7.33) were positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. But attaining a college or university education (AOR: 0.43, 95%CI: 0.12–0.69) was found to be a barrier to vaccine uptake by pregnant women.ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women was substantially low. Old age, being married, low education, good knowledge, and a positive attitude were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. To enhance the COVID-19 vaccine uptake, the government should improve the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women toward the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endeshaw Chekol Abebe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | | | - Getachew Asmare Adela
- Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Woliata Sodo University, Woliata Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Teklie Mengie Ayele
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Tilahun Muche
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Awgichew Behaile T/Mariam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Anemut Tilahun Mulu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Edgeit Abebe Zewde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Nega Dagnaw Baye
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Barattucci M, Pagliaro S, Ballone C, Teresi M, Consoli C, Garofalo A, De Giorgio A, Ramaci T. Trust in Science as a Possible Mediator between Different Antecedents and COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Intention: An Integration of Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071099. [PMID: 35891265 PMCID: PMC9320855 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As the literature highlights, many health behavior theories try to explain both social and psychological variables influencing an individual’s health behavior. This study integrates insights relative to the antecedents of getting vaccinated from health behavior theories, particularly including the health belief model (HBM), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and the different socio-demographic factors. Furthermore, we considered the possible mechanism of impact of distrust in science on individuals’ hesitance and resistance to taking up SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in subjects living in Italy. A correlational study of 1095 subjects enrolled when the national vaccination campaign for the third dose was launched. A questionnaire was used to measure: Italian Risk Perception; subjective norm; trust in science, trust in the vaccine; fear of COVID-19; fear of the vaccine; perceived knowledge about SARS-CoV-2; booster vaccination intention. Principal results show that: (i) the positive relationship provided by HBM theory between perceptions of SARS-CoV-2 risk (vulnerability and severity) and intention to have the vaccine, through fear of COVID-19; (ii) the positive relationship between subjective norms and both trust in science and vaccination intention; (iii) that trust in science plays a crucial role in predicting vaccination intention. Finally, the results provided indications about a positive relationship between subjective norms and fear of COVID-19, and a full mediation role of trust in science in the relationships between determinants of both TPA and HBM, fear of COVID-19, and vaccination intention. In conclusion, an individual’s intention (not) to get vaccinated requires the consideration of a plethora of socio-psychological factors. However, overall, trust in science appears to be a key determinant of vaccination intention. Additional strategies promoting healthy behavior are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Barattucci
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24129 Bergamo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Pagliaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Studies ‘Gabriele d’Annunzio’, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.P.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Chiara Ballone
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Studies ‘Gabriele d’Annunzio’, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.P.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Manuel Teresi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Studies ‘Gabriele d’Annunzio’, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.P.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Carlo Consoli
- Koinè, Interdisciplinary Center for Psychology and Educational Sciences, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alice Garofalo
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy; (A.G.); (T.R.)
| | | | - Tiziana Ramaci
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy; (A.G.); (T.R.)
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Engelbrecht M, Heunis C, Kigozi G. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in South Africa: Lessons for Future Pandemics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116694. [PMID: 35682278 PMCID: PMC9180246 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy, long considered a global health threat, poses a major barrier to effective roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination. With less than half (45%) of adult South Africans currently fully vaccinated, we identified factors affecting non-uptake of vaccination and vaccine hesitancy in order to identify key groups to be targeted when embarking upon COVID-19 vaccine promotion campaigns. A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was undertaken among the South African adult population in September 2021. Our research identified race, interactive–critical vaccine literacy, trust in the government’s ability to roll out the COVID-19 vaccination programme, flu vaccination status and risk perception for COVID-19 infection as key factors influencing the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. Respondents who did not trust in the government’s ability to roll out vaccination were almost 13 times more likely to be vaccine-hesitant compared to those respondents who did trust the government. Reliable, easy-to-understand information regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines is needed, but it is also important that vaccination promotion and communication strategies include broader trust-building measures to enhance South Africans’ trust in the government’s ability to roll out vaccination effectively and safely. This may also be the case in other countries where distrust in governments’ ability prevails.
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Street RL, Finset A. Two years with COVID-19: New - and old - challenges for health communication research. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:261-264. [PMID: 35120714 PMCID: PMC8805952 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Street
- Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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Wang Y, Liu Y. Multilevel determinants of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in the United States: A rapid systematic review. Prev Med Rep 2022; 25:101673. [PMID: 34934611 PMCID: PMC8675390 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy is a challenge for the success and optimal implementation of COVID-19 immunization programs in the US. The objective of this study was to summarize multilevel determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention in the US to inform future intervention opportunities. To this end, we conducted a rapid systematic review by searching published articles via PubMed published by October 5, 2021, following the PRISMA guidelines. One hundred and six articles were included. According to nationally representative studies, the overall COVID-19 acceptance rate ranges from 53.6% to 84.4%. Individual (demographics, health history, behaviors and health beliefs), interpersonal (having a close friend/family member impacted by COVID-19), healthcare and societal level factors (healthcare provider recommendations, source/credential of COVID-19 related information, and COVID-19 related conspiracy theories) all contributed to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the US. This study demonstrates that the acceptance to COVID-19 vaccines is influenced by various factors, particularly the role of healthcare providers in enhancing public intent to vaccination. Potential interventions to mitigate people's concerns over the vaccines and address vaccine-related conspiracy/misinformation from social media are also critical to encourage vaccine uptake in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 265 Crittenden Blvd, BOX 420644, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 265 Crittenden Blvd, BOX 420644, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Su L, Du J, Du Z. Government Communication, Perceptions of COVID-19, and Vaccination Intention: A Multi-Group Comparison in China. Front Psychol 2022; 12:783374. [PMID: 35126238 PMCID: PMC8814357 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.783374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Government communication has been playing an important role in mass vaccination to conduct the largest vaccination campaign of the world for COVID-19 and to counter vaccine hesitancy. This study employs the health belief model to examine the association between government communication and the COVID-19 vaccination intention. A survey of Chinese adults (N = 557) was conducted in March 2021, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to estimate the multi-construct relationships. The findings indicate that government communication has both direct positive association with vaccination intention and indirect association with vaccination intention through the mediation of perceived severity, benefits, and barriers. Multi-group comparisons suggest that individuals from private sectors are more easily mobilized to receive COVID-19 vaccination by government communication than those from public sectors. Similarly, the correlation between government communication and the vaccination intention of individuals with a good health status was stronger than that of those with a poor health status. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsen Su
- School of Language and Communication, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Juana Du
- School of Communication and culture, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Zhitao Du
- School of Journalism and Communication, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS), Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhitao Du,
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