1
|
Ahmed WS, Abu Farha R, Halboup AM, Alshargabi A, Al-mohamadi A, Abu-rish EY, Zawiah M, Al-Ashbat YK, Al-Jamei S. Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practice toward seasonal influenza and its vaccine: A cross-sectional study from a country of conflict. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1030391. [PMID: 36860400 PMCID: PMC9970292 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1030391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The seasonal influenza vaccine is an important preventive measure against influenza and its associated complications. In Yemen, there is no seasonal influenza vaccination policy, and the influenza vaccine is excluded from the national immunization program. Data on vaccination coverage remain scarce with no previous surveillance programs or awareness campaigns implemented in the country. The current study aims to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the public in Yemen toward seasonal influenza and their motivators and perceived barriers to receiving its vaccine. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to eligible participants using convenience sampling. Results A total of 1,396 participants completed the questionnaire. The respondents showed a median knowledge score of influenza of 11.0/15.0, and most of them (70%) were able to recognize its modes of transmission. However, only 11.3% of the participants reported receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine. Physicians were the respondents' most preferred information source for influenza (35.2%), and their recommendation (44.3%) was the most cited reason for taking its vaccine. On the contrary, not knowing about the vaccine's availability (50.1%), concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine (17%), and not considering influenza as a threat (15.9%) were the main reported barriers to getting vaccinated. Conclusion The current study showed a low uptake of influenza vaccines in Yemen. The physician's role in promoting influenza vaccination seems to be essential. Extensive and sustained awareness campaigns would likely increase the awareness of influenza and remove misconceptions and negative attitudes toward its vaccine. Equitable access to the vaccine can be promoted by providing it free of charge to the public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wesam S. Ahmed
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rana Abu Farha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abdulsalam M. Halboup
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Ahmed Al-mohamadi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Eman Y. Abu-rish
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Zawiah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia,Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Hodeidah University, Al Hodeidah, Yemen
| | - Yousf K. Al-Ashbat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Razi University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Sayida Al-Jamei
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Razi University, Sana'a, Yemen,*Correspondence: Sayida Al-Jamei ✉
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
COVID-19—What Price Do Children Pay? An Analysis of Economic and Social Policy Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137604. [PMID: 35805261 PMCID: PMC9265511 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have addressed the indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for children such as social isolation or increases in reported child maltreatment. Research on the economic and sociopolitical consequences is scarce as they can only be evaluated with a time lag. To improve our understanding of future, long-term developments in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we gathered findings from the still unexploited empirical literature on the aftermath of earlier pandemics, epidemics, and other infectious disease outbreaks. On top of this, we scrutinized research on past economic crises to interpret the link between changes in the economy and the health of children. Many of the side effects of battling the spread of the current pandemic, such as school closures, the stigma of infection, or conflicts about vaccines, are not novel and have already been documented in connection with previous infectious disease outbreaks. Results highlight that changes in the financial situation of families and socio-political challenges affect the situation and daily routine of children and youth in the long term. In consequence, the already pronounced socioeconomic inequalities will likely further increase. On top of this, due to reduced revenues, child protective services are likely to face challenges in the availability of human and financial resources.
Collapse
|
3
|
Dyda A, King C, Dey A, Leask J, Dunn AG. A systematic review of studies that measure parental vaccine attitudes and beliefs in childhood vaccination. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1253. [PMID: 32807124 PMCID: PMC7433363 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acceptance of vaccines is an important predictor of vaccine uptake. This has public health implications as those who are not vaccinated are at a higher risk of infection from vaccine preventable diseases. We aimed to examine how parental attitudes and beliefs towards childhood vaccination were measured in questionnaires through a systematic review of the literature. Methods We systematically reviewed the literature to identify primary research studies using tools to measure vaccine attitudes and beliefs, published between January 2012 and May 2018. Studies were included if they involved a quantitative survey of the attitudes and beliefs of parents about vaccinations recommended for children. We undertook a synthesis of the results with a focus on evaluating the tools used to measure hesitancy. Results A total of 116 studies met the inclusion criteria, 99 used a cross sectional study design, 5 used a case control study design, 4 used a pre-post study design and 8 used mixed methods study designs. Sample sizes of included studies ranged from 49 to 12,259. The most commonly used tool was the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) Survey (n = 7). The most common theoretical framework used was the Health Belief Model (n = 25). Questions eliciting vaccination attitudes and beliefs varied widely. Conclusions There was heterogeneity in the types of questionnaires used in studies investigating attitudes and beliefs about vaccination in parents. Methods to measure parental attitudes and beliefs about vaccination could be improved with validated and standardised yet flexible instruments. The use of a standard set of questions should be encouraged in this area of study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amalie Dyda
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Department of Health Systems and Populations, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Catherine King
- National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aditi Dey
- National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie Leask
- National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam G Dunn
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Discipline of Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Karafillakis E, Larson HJ. The benefit of the doubt or doubts over benefits? A systematic literature review of perceived risks of vaccines in European populations. Vaccine 2017; 35:4840-4850. [PMID: 28760616 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The success of vaccination strategies depends in part on population perceptions of benefits and risks of vaccines and related confidence in vaccination. Better knowledge of public concerns about vaccines and what is driving them is needed to inform vaccination strategies and communications. This literature reviewer examined studies on vaccine and vaccination risk perceptions and concerns across European populations. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies published between 2004 and 2014 in Europe. A descriptive analysis was performed. FINDINGS A total of 145 articles were selected, most of which were conducted in the UK, the Netherlands and France and studied seasonal influenza, HPV and pandemic influenza vaccination. Across all countries and vaccines, the primary area of concern was vaccine safety, followed by perceptions of low likelihood of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), perceived low severity of VPDs, beliefs that vaccines do not work, and overall lack of information. Concerns were found to be vaccine-, country- and population-specific. CONCLUSION In addition to identifying concerns about vaccination in Europe, this study confirmed the notion that individuals have many safety concerns about vaccination and often believe that the risks of vaccination outweigh their benefits. More research needs to be conducted to explore the impact of different types of communication strategies, which would frame the benefits of vaccination as well as risks of not vaccinating. Strategies to better inform public perceptions of vaccines should include the provision of unbiased, comprehensive information tailored to population information needs, and delivered using multiple and new communication technologies such as social media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Karafillakis
- Vaccine Confidence Project, London School of Hygiene & Tropical medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi J Larson
- Vaccine Confidence Project, London School of Hygiene & Tropical medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schmid P, Rauber D, Betsch C, Lidolt G, Denker ML. Barriers of Influenza Vaccination Intention and Behavior - A Systematic Review of Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy, 2005 - 2016. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170550. [PMID: 28125629 PMCID: PMC5268454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 727] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza vaccine hesitancy is a significant threat to global efforts to reduce the burden of seasonal and pandemic influenza. Potential barriers of influenza vaccination need to be identified to inform interventions to raise awareness, influenza vaccine acceptance and uptake. OBJECTIVE This review aims to (1) identify relevant studies and extract individual barriers of seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccination for risk groups and the general public; and (2) map knowledge gaps in understanding influenza vaccine hesitancy to derive directions for further research and inform interventions in this area. METHODS Thirteen databases covering the areas of Medicine, Bioscience, Psychology, Sociology and Public Health were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between the years 2005 and 2016. Following the PRISMA approach, 470 articles were selected and analyzed for significant barriers to influenza vaccine uptake or intention. The barriers for different risk groups and flu types were clustered according to a conceptual framework based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and discussed using the 4C model of reasons for non-vaccination. RESULTS Most studies were conducted in the American and European region. Health care personnel (HCP) and the general public were the most studied populations, while parental decisions for children at high risk were under-represented. This study also identifies understudied concepts. A lack of confidence, inconvenience, calculation and complacency were identified to different extents as barriers to influenza vaccine uptake in risk groups. CONCLUSION Many different psychological, contextual, sociodemographic and physical barriers that are specific to certain risk groups were identified. While most sociodemographic and physical variables may be significantly related to influenza vaccine hesitancy, they cannot be used to explain its emergence or intensity. Psychological determinants were meaningfully related to uptake and should therefore be measured in a valid and comparable way. A compendium of measurements for future use is suggested as supporting information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schmid
- Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Department of Media and Communication Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Dorothee Rauber
- Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Department of Media and Communication Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Cornelia Betsch
- Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Department of Media and Communication Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Gianni Lidolt
- Department of Media and Communication Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Marie-Luisa Denker
- Department of Media and Communication Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abu-Rish EY, Elayeh ER, Mousa LA, Butanji YK, Albsoul-Younes AM. Knowledge, awareness and practices towards seasonal influenza and its vaccine: implications for future vaccination campaigns in Jordan. Fam Pract 2016; 33:690-697. [PMID: 27567011 PMCID: PMC7188315 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmw086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is an underestimated contributor to morbidity and mortality. Population knowledge regarding influenza and its vaccination has a key role in enhancing vaccination coverage. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the gaps of knowledge among Jordanian population towards influenza and its vaccine, and to identify the major determinants of accepting seasonal influenza vaccine in adults and children in Jordan. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 941 randomly selected adults in Amman, Jordan. A four-section questionnaire was used which included questions about the sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about influenza and the factors that affect seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance and refusal. RESULTS Only 47.3% of the participants were considered knowledgeable. About half of the participants (51.9%) correctly identified the main influenza preventative measures. Lack of knowledge about the important role of seasonal influenza vaccine in disease prevention was observed. Low vaccination rate (20% of adults) was reported. The most critical barrier against vaccination in adults and children was the concern about the safety and the efficacy of the vaccine, while the most important predictors for future vaccination in adults and children were physician recommendation and government role. In children, the inclusion of the vaccine within the national immunization program was an important determinant of vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSION Formulating new strategies to improve the population's level of knowledge, assuring the population about the safety and the efficacy of the vaccine and the inclusion of the vaccine within the national immunization program are the essential factors to enhance vaccination coverage in Jordan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman Y Abu-Rish
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan and
| | - Eman R Elayeh
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan and
| | - Lubabah A Mousa
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan and
| | - Yasser K Butanji
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan and
| | - Abla M Albsoul-Younes
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan and.,Hamdi Mango Center for Scientific Research, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yitshak-Sade M, Davidovitch N, Novack L, Grotto I. Ethnicity and immunization coverage among schools in Israel. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2016; 21:439-451. [PMID: 26304468 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2015.1068281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent years have seen a global trend of declining immunization rates of recommended vaccines that is more pronounced among school-age children. Ethnic disparities in child immunization rates have been reported in several countries. We investigated an effect of ethnicity on the vaccination rates of immunizations routinely administered within schools in Israel. DESIGN Data were collected from the Ministry of Health database regarding immunization coverage for all registered Israeli schools (3736) in the years 2009-2011. Negative binomial regression was used to assess the association between school ethnicity and immunization coverage while controlling for school characteristics. RESULTS The lowest immunization coverage was found in Bedouin schools (median values of 75.1%, 81.5% and 0% for the first, second and eighth grades, respectively) in 2011. During this year, vaccination coverage in the first and second grades in Jewish schools was 1.51 and 1.35 times higher, respectively, compared to Bedouin schools. In the years 2009 and 2010, no significant increase in risk for lower vaccination rate was observed in Bedouin schools, and children in Arab and Druze schools were more likely to have been vaccinated. CONCLUSION The lower vaccination refusal rate found in Bedouin schools supports the hypothesis that difficulties related to accessibility constitute the main problem rather than noncompliance with the recommended vaccination protocol for school-age children, featuring higher socio-economic status groups. Our study emphasizes the importance of identifying, beyond the national-level data, subpopulation groups at risk for non-vaccination. This knowledge is essential to administrative-level policy-makers for the allocation of resources and the planning of intervention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Yitshak-Sade
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel
- b Clinical Research Center , Soroka University Medical Center , Beer-Sheva , Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- c Department of Health Systems Management , Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel
| | - Lena Novack
- d Department of Public Health , Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel
| | - Itamar Grotto
- d Department of Public Health , Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel
- e Ministry of Health , Jerusalem , Israel
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He L, Liao QY, Huang YQ, Feng S, Zhuang XM. Parents' perception and their decision on their children's vaccination against seasonal influenza in Guangzhou. Chin Med J (Engl) 2015; 128:327-41. [PMID: 25635428 PMCID: PMC4837863 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.150099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal influenza epidemic occurs every year in Guangzhou, which can affect all age groups. Young children are the most susceptible targets. Parents can decide whether to vaccinate their children or not based on their own consideration in China. The aim of this study was to identify factors that are important for parental decisions on vaccinating their children against seasonal influenza based on a modified health belief model (HBM). METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China. A total of 335 parents who had at least on child aged between 6 months and 3 years were recruited from women and children's hospital in Guangzhou, China. Each eligible subject was invited for a face-to-face interview based on a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS Uptake of seasonal influenza within the preceding 12 months among the target children who aged between 6 months and 36 months was 47.7%. Around 62.4% parents indicated as being "likely/very likely" to take their children for seasonal influenza vaccination in the next 12 months. The hierarchical logistic regression model showed that children's age (odds ratio [OR] =2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-4.68), social norm (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.06-4.06) and perceived control (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.60-5.50) were significantly and positively associated with children's vaccination uptake within the preceding 12 months; children with a history of taking seasonal influenza vaccine (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.31-4.76), perceived children's health status (OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.68-6.74), worry/anxious about their children influenza infection (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.19-4.48) and perceived control (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.65-6.22) were positively association with parental intention to vaccinate their children in the future 12 months. However, anticipated more regret about taking children for the vaccination was associated with less likely to vaccinate children within the preceding 12 months (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.08-0.52). CONCLUSIONS The modified HBM provided a good theoretical basic for understanding factors associated with parents' decisions on their children's vaccination against seasonal influenza.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiu-Yan Liao
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wada K, Smith DR. Influenza vaccination uptake among the working age population of Japan: results from a national cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59272. [PMID: 23555010 PMCID: PMC3595249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza vaccination rates among Japanese people of working age (20–69 years) is currently suboptimal, and the reasons for this have not been clearly elucidated. This study examined factors associated with vaccination intention among the working age population in Japan during September 2011, one-month prior to influenza vaccination becoming available. Methodology/Principal Findings A web-based survey of intention to be vaccinated against influenza in the coming season was undertaken among 3,129 Japanese aged 20 to 69 years. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations between vaccination intent and other variables. Influenza vaccination intent was associated with having been vaccinated in the previous year (Odds Ratio (OR): 3.81; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.75–3.86), the number of children per household (one compared with zero; OR: 1.37; 95%CI: 1.11–1.65), and household income ($50,000 to <$100,000 compared with $0 to <$50,000; OR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.07–1.54). Smoking was inversely associated with influenza vaccine uptake (current smokers compared with non-smokers; OR: 0.79; 95%CI: 0.61–0.98). A history of either the survey respondent or a household member having being medically diagnosed with influenza in the previous year was not statistically associated with future influenza vaccination intent. Conclusions/Significance Overall, this suggests that intention to be vaccinated among working age Japanese is associated with a past history of influenza vaccination, having children, and the household's income. As such, consideration of these factors should now form the cornerstone of strategies to encourage increased uptake of vaccination against influenza in future years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Wada
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan.
| | | |
Collapse
|