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Murali A, Sojati J, Levochkina M, Pressimone C, Griffith K, Fan E, Dakroub A. A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Community Perceptions of Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines at Turtle Creek Primary Care Center. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2024; 44:439-451. [PMID: 37837451 DOI: 10.1177/2752535x231205665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccination rates are subpar across the US, especially in racial and/or socioeconomic minority groups who are understudied in public health literature. OBJECTIVE The objective of this mixed-methods study was to elucidate attitudes of patients at the Turtle Creek Primary Care Center, a clinic that cares for ∼70% non-white patients, towards flu and COVID-19 vaccines, with the goal of establishing vaccine education gaps and increasing vaccine uptake in minority communities. DESIGN/PATIENTS This study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis. Authors completed 123 patient phone surveys of patients cared for at the Turtle Creek clinic inquiring about flu and COVID-19 infection status and vaccination uptake (August 26-October 10, 2021). APPROACH/KEY RESULTS We found that rates of vaccination were subpar in the Turtle Creek community, with only 54% having received the COVID-19 vaccine and only 44% receiving the flu vaccine regularly. There was a strong association between COVID-19 and flu vaccine acceptance and a notable correlation between vaccine acceptance and age. When assessing how vaccine acceptance was influenced by trusted sources of information, those who cited trusting "medical professionals" and "word of mouth" had higher odds of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance but those who cited trusting "social media" had decreased odds of acceptance. Finally, we uncovered 14 common factors for either vaccine acceptance or refusal that clustered into four overarching themes of trust, need, safety, and availability. CONCLUSION These data highlight the necessity of improved vaccine education and reveal targetable populations and approaches for disseminating vaccine information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Murali
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jorna Sojati
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marina Levochkina
- School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Kobi Griffith
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erica Fan
- School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Allie Dakroub
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Cuesta-Zigorraga A, Arrue M, Labaka A. A Nurse-Led Education Program to Improve COVID-19 Prevention Knowledge Among Adolescent Students. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:1091-1098. [PMID: 37698191 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13392] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents are more susceptible than originally thought to COVID-19, and they could play a significant role in community transmission. We aim to evaluate a health education program on students' declarative knowledge and risk awareness concerning COVID-19-related public health recommendations. METHODS A quasi-experimental pre-post pilot study was conducted. A number of 487 students aged between 12 and 17 years old participated in an educational program. Following Socratic Method, preventive actions were simulated in order to encourage students to seek answers about the correct application of measures. The program covered 3 prevention areas: (1) practice hygienic handwashing; (2) instruction on the appropriate use of masks; and (3) promotion of physical distancing, and was implemented in class by 3 registered nurses. RESULTS Following the educational program, declarative knowledge regarding handwashing and mask use improved along with the students' total score. In the pre-test, students 16 years and older as well as female students obtained higher scores in declarative knowledge. Age-dependent differences between groups vanished in the post-test, but girls still achieved better scores. CONCLUSION This nurse-led health education program proved to be effective to enhance declarative knowledge about COVID-19-related public health recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Arrue
- Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, Department of Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia, Spain
| | - Ainitze Labaka
- Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, Department of Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia, Spain
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Lee S, Tandoc EC, Lee EW. Social media may hinder learning about science; social media's role in learning about COVID-19. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023; 138:107487. [PMID: 36124311 PMCID: PMC9473145 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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A systematic review of worldwide causal and correlational evidence on digital media and democracy. Nat Hum Behav 2023; 7:74-101. [PMID: 36344657 PMCID: PMC9883171 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
One of today's most controversial and consequential issues is whether the global uptake of digital media is causally related to a decline in democracy. We conducted a systematic review of causal and correlational evidence (N = 496 articles) on the link between digital media use and different political variables. Some associations, such as increasing political participation and information consumption, are likely to be beneficial for democracy and were often observed in autocracies and emerging democracies. Other associations, such as declining political trust, increasing populism and growing polarization, are likely to be detrimental to democracy and were more pronounced in established democracies. While the impact of digital media on political systems depends on the specific variable and system in question, several variables show clear directions of associations. The evidence calls for research efforts and vigilance by governments and civil societies to better understand, design and regulate the interplay of digital media and democracy.
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Fung MY, Lee YH, Lee YTA, Wong ML, Li JTS, Nok Ng EE, Lee VWY. Feasibility of a telephone-delivered educational intervention for knowledge transfer of COVID-19-related information to older adults in Hong Kong: a pre-post-pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:228. [PMID: 36203186 PMCID: PMC9535844 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01169-y] [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: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational interventions have become necessary to prevent the spread of health-related misinformation among Hong Kong older adults. The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a student-led, telephone-delivered intervention to improve COVID-19-related health knowledge among Hong Kong older adults. The secondary objective was to evaluate the impact of the intervention on the student volunteers. Methods Twenty-five participants aged 65 or above who were able to communicate in Cantonese and had no hearing or cognitive impairments were recruited for this longitudinal pre–post-study from a community center in Hong Kong. The pilot telephone-delivered intervention consisted of five telephone call sessions conducted by 25 student volunteers. Each participant was paired with the same volunteer throughout the intervention. The first four sessions included pre-tests that assessed the participants’ understanding of three COVID-19-related themes: medication safety, healthcare voucher scheme, and COVID-19 myth-busting. Standardized explanations of the pre-test questions were offered to participants during the phone calls. In the last session, a post-test on all the themes was conducted. The intervention’s feasibility was assessed based on (a) percentage changes in the participants’ test scores, (b) attrition rate, and (c) the acceptability of the intervention by the participants. The impact of the intervention on the student volunteers was evaluated based on a student feedback survey. There was no control group. Results Significant improvements in the participants’ test scores (out of 100%) for all themes were observed after the intervention: from 76 to 95.2% for medication safety, from 64.0 to 88.8% for the healthcare voucher scheme, and from 78.0 to 93.2% for COVID-19 myth-busting. The average improvement in test scores of the three themes was 18.4% (95% CI 12.2 to 24.6%). Most participants were satisfied with the program. The student feedback survey suggested that the intervention enhanced students’ communication skills and understanding of Hong Kong older adults. Conclusion This pilot study offers initial evidence of the potential and feasibility of student-led, telephone-delivered educational interventions for the transfer of COVID-19-related knowledge to older adults and their benefits for the student volunteers. Future studies should include larger samples and a control group. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01169-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mong Yung Fung
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu Hong Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yan Tung Astor Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mei Ling Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joyce Tik Sze Li
- Center for Learning Enhancement and Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 5/F, Hui Yeung Shing Building, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Enoch E Nok Ng
- Center for Learning Enhancement and Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 5/F, Hui Yeung Shing Building, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vivian Wing Yan Lee
- Center for Learning Enhancement and Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 5/F, Hui Yeung Shing Building, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Xiong Y, Weng X, Snyder B, Ma L, Cong M, Miller EL, Van Scoy LJ, Lennon RP. Perceptions and knowledge regarding the COVID-19 pandemic between U.S. and China: a mixed methods study. Global Health 2022; 18:76. [PMID: 35941625 PMCID: PMC9358088 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00864-y] [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: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus first reported by China on December 31st, 2019, has led to a global health crisis that continues to challenge governments and public health organizations. Understanding COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is key for informing messaging strategies to contain the pandemic. Cross-national studies (e.g.: comparing China to the U.S.) are needed to better understand how trans-cultural differences may drive differences in pandemic response and behaviors. The goal of the study is to compare knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 between adults in China and the U.S. These data will provide insight into challenges these nations may face in coordinating pandemic response. METHODS This is a convergent mixed methods study comparing responses from China and the U.S. to a multinational COVID-19 KAP online survey. The survey included five quantitative constructs and five open-ended questions. Chinese respondents (n = 56) were matched for gender, age, education, perceived social standing, and time of survey completion with a U.S. cohort (n = 57) drawn from 10,620 U.S. RESPONDENTS Quantitative responses were compared using T-test & Fisher-Exact tests. Inductive thematic analysis was applied to open-ended questions. RESULTS Both U.S. and Chinese samples had relatively high intention to follow preventive behaviors overall. Differences in intended compliance with a specific recommendation appear to be driven by the different cultural norms in U.S. and China. Both groups expressed trepidation about the speed of COVID-19 vaccine development, driven by concern for safety among Chinese respondents, and concern for efficacy among U.S. RESPONDENTS The Chinese cohort expressed worries about other countries' passive handling of the pandemic while the U.S. cohort focused on domestic responses from individuals and government. U.S. participants appeared more knowledgeable on some aspects of COVID-19. Different perspectives regarding COVID-19 origins were identified among the two groups. Participants from both samples reported high trust in health professionals and international health organizations. CONCLUSIONS Mixed methods data from this cross-national analysis suggests sociocultural differences likely influence perceptions and knowledge of COVID-19 and its related public health policies. Discovering and addressing these culturally-based differences and perceptions are essential to coordinate a global pandemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutang Xiong
- Department of Research Methods and Statistics, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, 1999 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO, USA. .,The Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, 2201 S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Xingran Weng
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Bethany Snyder
- Center for Community Health Integration, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 11000 Cedar Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Research Methods and Statistics, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, 1999 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Menglong Cong
- Department of Research Methods and Statistics, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, 1999 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Erin L Miller
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Jodi Van Scoy
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Robert P Lennon
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, USA
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Funkhouser CJ, Klemballa DM, Shankman SA. Using what we know about threat reactivity models to understand mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Behav Res Ther 2022; 153:104082. [PMID: 35378405 PMCID: PMC8949844 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by unprecedented levels of stress and threats in a variety of domains (e.g., health, livelihood). Individual differences in threat reactivity may explain why some individuals are at elevated risk for the development or maintenance of psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article describes several prominent models, mechanisms, and components of threat reactivity (e.g., appraisals, intolerance of uncertainty, avoidance) and discusses how they might help improve understanding of changes in psychopathology during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter J. Funkhouser
- Northwestern University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL, 60607, USA,Corresponding author. University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - David M. Klemballa
- Northwestern University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Stewart A. Shankman
- Northwestern University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Sahile AT, Mulugeta B, Hadush S, Fikre EM. COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and its Predictors among College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:255-263. [PMID: 35136350 PMCID: PMC8817737 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s348132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease pandemic disrupted the normal social and economic activities of the people resulting in over 3 million deaths worldwide. Piece of literature depicted that predictors of vaccine acceptance are complex, multiple, and vary depending on the type of vaccine involved. OBJECTIVE The study aimed at assessing the COVID-19 acceptance and its predictors among college students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS A multi-center-institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 participants from three institutions in Addis Ababa selected based on a simple random sampling method from May 01 to July 30, 2021. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data, after which informed consent was obtained from all the included study participants. Descriptive statistics was used for the summarization of the data. Binary (bivariate and multivariate) logistic regression was applied for the identification predictors of vaccine acceptance with their respective 95% confidence interval and less than 5% p-value for the ascertainment of presence of association. RESULTS The level of vaccine acceptance was 39.8% (95% CI: 35.0-44.7%). Being male (AOR: 0.463, 95% CI: 0.284-0.755, P < 0.001), living with children under the age of five (AOR: 2.295; 95% CI: 1.416-3.721, P < 0.05), living with an elderly (AOR: 1.609, 95% CI: 1.016-2.548, P < 0.05) and having had poor knowledge (AOR: 2.187, 95% CI: 1.391-3.438, P < 0.001) were predictors significantly associated with an increased level of vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION The level of vaccine acceptance among college students in Ethiopia was lower than necessary to achieve herd immunity. Sex, living with under-five children, and elderly, and knowledge were predictors of COVID-19 acceptance. Concerned bodies were suggested to work over the identified predictors of vaccine acceptance in the study settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Betesida Mulugeta
- Department of Public Health, Universal Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Semhal Hadush
- Department of Public Health, Universal Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Endashew Mulate Fikre
- Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Addis Ababa City Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Rodrigues DL. Regulatory focus and perceived safety with casual partners: implications for perceived risk and casual sex intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2021.2018355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David L. Rodrigues
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Iscte–Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
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Wen LM, Xu H, Jawad D, Buchanan L, Rissel C, Phongsavan P, Baur LA, Taki S. Ethnicity matters in perceived impacts and information sources of COVID-19 among mothers with young children in Australia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050557. [PMID: 34824114 PMCID: PMC8627368 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate perceived impacts, ways of communication with professionals and information sources related to COVID-19, and explore whether these impacts or information sources were associated with ethnicity that is, language spoken at home. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Sydney, Australia during the period from March to October 2020. PARTICIPANTS Mothers of young children participating in an existing trial. OUTCOME MEASURES Mothers were asked to respond to a set of survey questions related to COVID-19 via telephone. The questions included a mental health scale, and how they communicated with health professionals and their information sources related to COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Of 537 mothers who completed the survey (81% response rate), 45% reported they spoke a language other than English at home. Overall, 136 (26%) reported experiencing mental distress. 234 (44%) reported that COVID-19 affected the way they receive and communicate health-related information with health professionals, especially for those from non-English speaking backgrounds with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.58 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.27). They were less likely to use a face-to-face service (AOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.80) and more likely to use social media (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.40 to 3.17) for health-related information. Regarding sources of COVID-19-related information, mothers from non-English-speaking backgrounds were more likely to rely on family members (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.19) and social media (AOR 3.34, 95% CI 2.05 to 5.43). CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has significantly impacted mothers with young children in regard to their mental health, means of communication with health professionals and sources of health information. Mothers from non-English-speaking communities were less likely to use a face-to-face service, and more likely to seek information from family members and social media. Appropriate health support for non-English-speaking community needs to take these factors into account. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ANZCTR:12618001571268.they.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ming Wen
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Huilan Xu
- Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danielle Jawad
- Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Limin Buchanan
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philayrath Phongsavan
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise A Baur
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Taki
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Nohl A, Ben Abdallah H, Weichert V, Zeiger S, Ohmann T, Dudda M. A Local Survey of COVID-19: Vaccine Potential Acceptance Rate among Personnel in a Level 1 Trauma Center without Severe COVID-19 Cases. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9121616. [PMID: 34946342 PMCID: PMC8701334 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9121616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) in hospitals are at high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers' infection risk could be amplified during the ongoing pandemic due to various factors, including continuous exposure to patients and inadequate infection control training. Despite the risk healthcare workers face, vaccine hesitancy remains a global challenge. Differences in acceptance rates have ranged from less than 55% (in Russia) to nearly 90% (in China). In order to improve our knowledge of vaccine acceptance and its variation in rates, an evaluation is warranted. A survey was thus administered to healthcare workers. METHODS This survey aimed to address vaccination acceptance among employees in an urban level 1 trauma hospital. It was conducted through a developed and structured questionnaire that was randomly distributed online among the staff (age ≥18 years) to receive their feedback. RESULTS Among 285 participants (out of 995 employees), 69% were female, and 83.5% were overaged more than 30 years of age. The two largest groups were nurses (32%) and doctors (22%). The majority of respondents reported that they would "like to be vaccinated" (77.4%) and that they trusted the COVID-19 vaccine (62%). Moreover, 67.8% also reported that they felt the vaccination was effective. They reported that vaccination was a method to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (85.15%) and was a way to protect individuals with weak immune systems (78.2%). More importantly, the participants were concerned about other people (80.1%) and believed the vaccine would protect others. On the other hand, the result showed that the majority of participants (95.3%) chose to be vaccinated once everyone else was vaccinated, "I don't need to get vaccinated". Results showed that the majority of participants that chose "I don't need to get vaccinated" did so after everyone else was vaccinated. Our results show that COVID-19 vaccination intention in a level 1 trauma hospital was associated with older age males who are more confident, and also share a collective responsibility, are less complacent, and have fewer constraints. CONCLUSION Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is relatively low among healthcare workers (HCWs). Differences in vaccine acceptance have been noted between different categories of HCWs and genders. Therefore, addressing barriers to vaccination acceptance among these HCWs is essential to avoid reluctance to receive the vaccination, but it will be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Nohl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, BG Klinikum Duisburg, 47249 Duisburg, Germany;
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), 47249 Duisburg, Germany;
- Emergency Medical Services, Fire Brigade Oberhausen, 46047 Oberhausen, Germany
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.N.); (M.D.)
| | - Heithem Ben Abdallah
- Research Department, BG Klinikum Duisburg, 47249 Duisburg, Germany; (H.B.A.); (T.O.)
| | - Veronika Weichert
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), 47249 Duisburg, Germany;
- Department of Trauma Surgery, BG Klinikum Duisburg, 47249 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Zeiger
- Department of Emergency Medicine, BG Klinikum Duisburg, 47249 Duisburg, Germany;
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), 47249 Duisburg, Germany;
- Emergency Medical Services, Fire Brigade Duisburg, 47058 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Ohmann
- Research Department, BG Klinikum Duisburg, 47249 Duisburg, Germany; (H.B.A.); (T.O.)
| | - Marcel Dudda
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), 47249 Duisburg, Germany;
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Trauma Surgery, BG Klinikum Duisburg, 47249 Duisburg, Germany
- Emergency Medical Services, Fire Brigade Essen, 45139 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.N.); (M.D.)
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Beca-Martínez MT, Romay-Barja M, Falcón-Romero M, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Benito-Llanes A, Forjaz MJ. Compliance with the main preventive measures of COVID-19 in Spain: The role of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e871-e882. [PMID: 34730277 PMCID: PMC8661801 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In epidemics such as COVID‐19, major changes need to be made to the population's behavior to prevent infection and stop disease transmission. The three most recommended preventive measures are wearing a mask, washing hands with soap or hydroalcoholic gel, and watching an interpersonal distance of at least two meters (3W) from other people. This study aimed to assess adherence to these COVID‐19‐related three preventive measures and its association with knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and practices in Spain. The COSMO‐Spain survey, based on the WHO Behavioral Insights questionnaire on COVID‐19, was conducted in the general Spanish population using an online questionnaire (n = 1,033). Sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception variables were included. A multivariable logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the factors associated with compliance with the three preventive measures. Half of the respondents (49.8%) were women with a median age of 45 (Inter‐quartile Range, IR = 21) years. In the logistic regression, the factors associated with 3W compliance were being over 45 years; knowing about how COVID‐19 spreads and wearing masks properly; appropriate attitudes towards COVID‐19 (greater agreement with mandatory mask use); high risk perception (feeling that the coronavirus is spreading rapidly, being concerned about non‐mask wearers), and adherence to other preventive measures against COVID‐19, such as staying at home. Adequate knowledge, attitudes and risk perception are determinants of 3W compliance. Developing effective health education programs and frequent communication strategies are necessary, particularly for those who adhere less to preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez
- Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, Spain.,Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - María João Forjaz
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas, Madrid, Spain
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Binsaleh NK, Bazaid AS, Aldarhami A, Sherwani S, Althomali OW. Awareness and Practice of COVID-19 Precautionary Measures Among Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1553-1560. [PMID: 34188482 PMCID: PMC8235946 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s317908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the backbone of the healthcare system and a skilled and healthy workforce is vital during a health crisis, such as the present coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of exposure to and transmission of the severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, HCWs should possess good knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 to protect not only themselves but also their colleagues, families and the larger community. Thus, the current study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of protective measures by HCWs in Saudi Arabia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify awareness of the disease, potential trends and associated predictors. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among HCWs about knowledge related to COVID-19 and practice of protective measures, such as social distancing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. A Fisher exact test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to investigate the level of association among variables. Results A total of 674 HCWs were recruited in the study (51.8% male, 42.7% aged 28–37 years old and 52% specialists). The Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) was the main source of knowledge for most of the HCWs (89%) followed by the WHO (44.5%) and social media (42.3%). Washing hands before touching the face was the most selected choice (97.9%) as a precautionary method to limit SARS-CoV2 transmission. Most of the HCWs (74.6%) scored low for staying at home while the majority (71.2%) showed a high practice of personal protective methods, with pharmacists and general physicians scoring the highest. Conclusion Saudi HCWs showed high knowledge and practice of protective measures for COVID-19. Good knowledge correlates with adoption of appropriate practices to prevent spread of infection. The current findings highlight the importance of interventions such as tailored education and training courses for those with low scores to improve overall knowledge and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif K Binsaleh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman S Bazaid
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdu Aldarhami
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Qunfudah Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Qunfudah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Subuhi Sherwani
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar W Althomali
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
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