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van de Berg S, Coyer L, von Both U, Scheuerer T, Kolberg L, Hoch M, Böhmer MM. Coverage and determinants of COVID-19 child vaccination in Munich, Germany in October 2022-January 2023: Results of the COVIP-Virenwächter study. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05617-0. [PMID: 38850330 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05617-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, in children as well as adults. We studied COVID-19 vaccination coverage among children, parental COVID-19 vaccination intent for their children and determinants of vaccination among children to inform communication strategies. We invited parents of children aged 6 months-11 years in Munich, Germany, to an anonymous online survey between 13.10.2022 and 15.01.2023. Parents reported COVID-19 vaccination status and, for unvaccinated children, vaccination intent per child. We determined vaccination coverage (≥ 1 dose) and parental intent, and subsequently used logistic regression to identify determinants of vaccination, including the 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, collective responsibility). In total, 339 parents reported on 591 children. Vaccination coverage was 7% (6/86) amongst 6-months-4-year-olds and 59% (295/498) amongst 5-11-year-olds. For unvaccinated 6-months-4-year-olds, 31% of parents reported high, 13% medium, 56% low vaccination intent; for 5-11-year-olds 8% reported high, 20% medium, 71% low intent. Positive determinants of vaccination were older child age, child belonging to a clinically vulnerable group, as well as parental COVID-19 vaccination, higher education level, country of birth Germany, and high level of trust in official guidelines; a negative determinant was previous vaccination refusal. For 5-11-year-olds, additional positive determinants were higher confidence and lower complacency. Conclusion: While a substantial proportion of 5-11-year-olds were vaccinated against COVID-19, coverage was low among 6-months-4-year-olds. Parental vaccination intent for unvaccinated children was low. Vaccination communication should take into account parental socio-demographic characteristics and specifically address individual risks and benefits of child vaccination. What is Known: • COVID-19 vaccination lowers severe disease risk in all ages. • Germany recommends vaccination for 5-11-years-olds since December 2021 and for 6 months-4 year-olds since November 2022. What is New: • In Munich, vaccine uptake was high in 5-11-year-olds but parental intent for not yet vaccinated children was low; the opposite was the case for 6-months-4-year-olds; vaccination determinants were eligibility, parental education, birth country and general vaccination hesitancy; psychological antecedents were confidence and complacency. • Tailored interventions should address guidelines, health literacy, cultural sensitivity, and boost confidence in vaccines and institutions while raising awareness of COVID-19 risks for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah van de Berg
- State Institute for Health II, Task Force for Infectious Diseases (GI), Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Lazarettstrasse 67, 80636, Munich, Germany.
- Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Liza Coyer
- State Institute for Health II, Task Force for Infectious Diseases (GI), Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Lazarettstrasse 67, 80636, Munich, Germany
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Scheuerer
- State Institute for Health II, Task Force for Infectious Diseases (GI), Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Lazarettstrasse 67, 80636, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Kolberg
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Hoch
- State Institute for Health II, Task Force for Infectious Diseases (GI), Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Lazarettstrasse 67, 80636, Munich, Germany
| | - Merle M Böhmer
- State Institute for Health II, Task Force for Infectious Diseases (GI), Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Lazarettstrasse 67, 80636, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Hassan MM, Al Yazidi L, Elsidig N, Al Falahi M, Salmi N, Al-Jaffari Y, Al-Amri L, Zeiidan H, Al-Zakwani I. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Parents of Children Younger than 12 Years: Experience from a Tertiary Outpatient Clinic. PHARMACY 2024; 12:85. [PMID: 38921961 PMCID: PMC11207560 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12030085] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explored parents' attitudes towards vaccinating their children against COVID-19 and the rate of vaccine hesitancy in Oman. A cross-sectional, online, self-administered questionnaire, previously validated and administered between June 2021 and May 2022, was used. The questionnaire consisted of nine items. Parents of children younger than 12 years were eligible for participation. A total of 384 participants, including 207 males (54%), completed the questionnaire, resulting in an 86% response rate (384/447). The results showed that 69% of participants were hesitant to vaccinate their children aged 1-11 years. In parents of children aged 1-4 years, vaccination status was significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy (odds ratio [OR], 0.116; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.044-0.306; p = 0.001). Furthermore, after multivariable analysis, compared to the fathers, mothers were significantly less likely to be associated with vaccine hesitancy (OR, 0.451; 95% CI, 0.240-0.848; p = 0.013).
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz Mohamed Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.F.); (N.S.); (Y.A.-J.); (L.A.-A.); (I.A.-Z.)
| | - Laila Al Yazidi
- Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman; (L.A.Y.); (N.E.)
| | - Nagi Elsidig
- Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman; (L.A.Y.); (N.E.)
| | - Mohamed Al Falahi
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.F.); (N.S.); (Y.A.-J.); (L.A.-A.); (I.A.-Z.)
| | - Najah Salmi
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.F.); (N.S.); (Y.A.-J.); (L.A.-A.); (I.A.-Z.)
| | - Yahya Al-Jaffari
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.F.); (N.S.); (Y.A.-J.); (L.A.-A.); (I.A.-Z.)
| | - Labiba Al-Amri
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.F.); (N.S.); (Y.A.-J.); (L.A.-A.); (I.A.-Z.)
| | - Huyam Zeiidan
- Emergency Medical Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Ibrahim Al-Zakwani
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.F.); (N.S.); (Y.A.-J.); (L.A.-A.); (I.A.-Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Alkoudh, Muscat 123, Oman
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Vameghi M, Saatchi M, Bahrami G, Soleimani F, Takaffoli M. How did we protect children against COVID-19 in Iran? Prevalence of COVID-19 and vaccination in the socio-economic context of COVID-19 epidemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303043. [PMID: 38722835 PMCID: PMC11081304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant risks to children worldwide. This study aimed to assess the COVID-19 protection status of children and explored the relationship between household socio-economic status and COVID-19 morbidity and preventive measures, including vaccination and mask-wearing, in two cities in Iran. METHOD A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2022 among 7 to 18-year-old children and their families in Tehran and Karaj. A total of 3,022 samples were selected using stratified multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through interviews with children and adults, using questionnaires and was analyzed with Stata software version 14. RESULTS The analysis focused on 2,878 children with a median age of 12. Over half (54%) reported that the pandemic negatively affected their family's financial status, with 45% describing its impact on children's needs as negative or very negative. Just under 50% of respondents consistently wore masks during the study period, and around 54% had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Reasons for not getting vaccinated included concerns about side effects, ineligibility for the target age group, and overcrowding at vaccination sites. The odds of not getting vaccinated were significantly lower for children aged 15-18, with boys more likely to refuse vaccination than girls. CONCLUSION The financial impact of the pandemic in Iran affected families' ability to meet their children's needs. Moreover, low vaccination acceptance rates increased children's vulnerability to health problems and contributed to COVID-19 infections. Efforts should be made to increase vaccination acceptance, particularly among immigrant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meroe Vameghi
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saatchi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Giti Bahrami
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farin Soleimani
- Paediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Centre, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Takaffoli
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mehta V, Inder D, Kumar P, Raheja A. Descriptive cross-sectional study to evaluate perception, attitude, and practice of parents regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children 10-12 years of age-A step toward prevention of future COVID-19 outbreaks in India. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:2104-2110. [PMID: 38948576 PMCID: PMC11213371 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1710_23] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and all age groups were equally affected. Coronavirus had devastating effects worldwide due to the emergence of new variants till vaccination was adopted to eradicate the transmission of the virus and restore normalcy. However, children were not included in the initial phase of vaccination. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of perception, attitude, and practice among parents toward the COVID-19 vaccination drive in children 10-12 years of age. Design and Study The present research is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey including parents of children aged 10-12 years as participants. The survey was conducted between May 2022 and July 2022 with a sample size of 320. Results A high willingness (80%) among parents was found for getting their children vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines were perceived to be safe by the parents (59%) and efficacious (75%) for their children. Parents (67%) felt that the benefits of getting their children vaccinated against COVID-19 prevail over the risks of the vaccine. Parents 214 (67%) feel the need of getting their child vaccinated for sending them to school followed by availing of daycare facilities after school 54 (17%) among working parents. A significant association (P < 0.05) was seen between the variables of practice being followed by parents and their children as per COVID-19 norms. Parent's negative attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination was associated with availability of no/unclear safety information (36%), fear of adverse effects of vaccine (3%), and false belief of having long-term immunity due to natural infection (32%). The positive attitude of parents was due to trust in positive information/news about the vaccine (42%), belief in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine (5%), acceptability for mild adverse effects (1%), and the necessity of vaccine to send children to schools (1%). Conclusion and Recommendations The awareness of parents regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children was limited, high level of acceptance for vaccination was seen in our study. We recommend to continuing educational programs through mass campaigns to increase increasing awareness among parents for getting COVID-19 vaccination for their children. Vaccine hesitancy including vaccine safety concerns of parents should be addressed by presenting myths and facts related to COVID-19 vaccine using television, radio, and social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Mehta
- Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, FOD, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, India
| | - Deep Inder
- Department of Pharmacology, FOD, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, India
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Additional Commissioner (Family Planning/Maternal Health and Immunization), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, India
| | - Anupma Raheja
- Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Rama Dental College, Kanpur, UP, India
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5
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Al Awaidy S, Khamis F, Al Ghafri T, Badahdah A. Support for Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines for 5- to 11-Year-Old Children: Cross-sectional study of Omani mothers. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2024; 24:229-234. [PMID: 38828250 PMCID: PMC11139360 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.1.2024.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate the variables that influenced a sample of Omani mothers' support for mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for children. The vaccination against COVID-19 averted millions of fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, a considerable number of parents and caregivers opposed mandating COVID-19 vaccines for children. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at several healthcare facilities in Oman using a structured questionnaire between February and March 2022. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Results A total of 700 Omani mothers (response rate = 73.4%) who had children aged 5-11 years old were included. The median age of the mothers was 38 ± 5.19 years. The results of multivariable logistic regression were generally consistent with those of the univariable analysis except for age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-1.93; P = 0.86) and income (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.58-2.03; P = 0.79). Mothers who were vaccine hesitant (OR = 9.82, 95% CI: 5.27-18.28; P <0.001), tested positive for COVID-19 (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.80-5.86; P <0.001) and had one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccines (OR = 5.41, 95% CI: 2.92-10.03; P <0.001) were more likely to refuse mandating COVID-19 vaccines for children 5-11 years old. Conclusion Mothers who were vaccine hesitant, tested positive for COVID-19 and had one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccines were more likely to oppose mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for young children. The findings should aid public health authorities in designing future childhood vaccine literacy programmes with specific attention to some subgroups in Oman to help reduce opposition to vaccines in future pandemics among mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faryal Khamis
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Thamra Al Ghafri
- Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Abdallah Badahdah
- School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies, South Dakota State University, Brookings, USA
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Abu-Farha RK, Khabour OF, Gharaibeh L, Elrahal YM, Alzoubi KH, Nassar R, Harahsheh MM, Binsaleh AY, Shilbayeh SA. Navigating parental attitudes on childhood vaccination in Jordan: a cross-sectional study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38620051 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2342018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated parental attitudes toward childhood vaccination in Jordan, focusing on acceptance, concerns, and perceptions. A cross-sectional survey conducted from January to February 2024 included 939 parents. Findings indicated that 85.4% (n = 802) of respondents received the COVID-19 vaccine, while only 25% (n = 229) vaccinated their children. Concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy were prevalent, with 63.9% (n = 600) expressing worries about side effects and 46.9% (n = 440) trusting immunization programs. Post-pandemic, 34% (n = 319) reported a more negative attitude. Logistic regression showed parents not vaccinating their children against COVID-19 were significantly less likely to exhibit positive attitudes toward childhood vaccination (OR = 0.412, p < 0.001). Older participants were more inclined toward negativity post-pandemic (OR = 1.031, p = 0.007). In conclusion, parental attitudes shifted post-COVID-19, reflecting hesitancy and decreased trust. Addressing concerns and restoring confidence are crucial, especially for children's health. Education through healthcare providers and dispelling social media misinformation are essential. Implementing strategies to enhance post-pandemic vaccine acceptance is imperative for preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana K Abu-Farha
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Omar F Khabour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Lobna Gharaibeh
- Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Yusra M Elrahal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Razan Nassar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Meaad M Harahsheh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ammena Y Binsaleh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sireen A Shilbayeh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Aldridge SJ, Agrawal U, Murphy S, Millington T, Akbari A, Almaghrabi F, Anand SN, Bedston S, Goudie R, Griffiths R, Joy M, Lowthian E, de Lusignan S, Patterson L, Robertson C, Rudan I, Bradley DT, Lyons RA, Sheikh A, Owen RK. Uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations amongst 3,433,483 children and young people: meta-analysis of UK prospective cohorts. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2363. [PMID: 38491011 PMCID: PMC10943015 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46451-0] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and young people (CYP) can lead to life-threatening COVID-19, transmission within households and schools, and the development of long COVID. Using linked health and administrative data, we investigated vaccine uptake among 3,433,483 CYP aged 5-17 years across all UK nations between 4th August 2021 and 31st May 2022. We constructed national cohorts and undertook multi-state modelling and meta-analysis to identify associations between demographic variables and vaccine uptake. We found that uptake of the first COVID-19 vaccine among CYP was low across all four nations compared to other age groups and diminished with subsequent doses. Age and vaccination status of adults living in the same household were identified as important risk factors associated with vaccine uptake in CYP. For example, 5-11 year-olds were less likely to receive their first vaccine compared to 16-17 year-olds (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR]: 0.10 (95%CI: 0.06-0.19)), and CYP in unvaccinated households were less likely to receive their first vaccine compared to CYP in partially vaccinated households (aHR: 0.19, 95%CI 0.13-0.29).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Aldridge
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
| | - Utkarsh Agrawal
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Siobhán Murphy
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Ashley Akbari
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Sneha N Anand
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart Bedston
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rosalind Goudie
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rowena Griffiths
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Joy
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emily Lowthian
- Department of Education and Childhood Studies, School of Social Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lynsey Patterson
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - Chris Robertson
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK and Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Igor Rudan
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Declan T Bradley
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rhiannon K Owen
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
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Chen J, Wang Q, Jiang N, Zhang Y, Wang T, Cao H, Liu Y, Yang Y, Wang J. The effect of perceived social support and health literacy on parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitation in preschool children: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3215. [PMID: 38332186 PMCID: PMC10853209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53806-6] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Children are generally susceptible to COVID-19, and infection with COVID-19 may cause serious harm to children. COVID-19 vaccination is an effective way to prevent infection at present, and many factors affect children's COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to explore the effects of perceived social support and health literacy on hesitancy towards first and second vaccine dose. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Minhang District of Shanghai, China, in October 2022. A total of 1150 parents of preschool children from 10 kindergartens participated. The survey encompassed four sections, capturing data on sociodemographic attributes, health literacy, perceived social support, and parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Health literacy was measured using a self-designed questionnaire consisting of four dimensions. Perceived social support was assessed using the MSPSS questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between the independent variables and parental hesitancy towards the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Parental hesitancy rate for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was 69.6%, and for the second dose, it was 33.1%. The final integrated model showed that parental hesitancy towards the first and the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine was associated with parental educational level, allergy in children, information decision-making and information comprehension ability, perceived social support from family and friends. Health literacy and perceived social support are influence factors for parental hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccine for preschool children. The findings will provide insights for future intervention studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and inform the development of vaccination policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Chen
- Huacao Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Quqing Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - He Cao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yongyi Liu
- The Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University in the City of New York, 1130 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Yonghui Yang
- Huacao Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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McKinley CJ, Limbu Y. Promoter or barrier? Assessing how social media predicts Covid-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy: A systematic review of primary series and booster vaccine investigations. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116378. [PMID: 38042027 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116378] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Prior research indicates that social media is primarily a negative contributor to Covid-19 vaccine outcomes. OBJECTIVE The current systematic review of Covid-19 primary series and booster vaccine investigations provides a more nuanced and comprehensive assessment of this association by exploring a) how distinct social media judgments and actions predict different vaccine-related outcomes - perceptions and intentions/uptake, b) both primary series and booster findings, c) types of social media, and d) comparisons across different populations. METHOD We conducted a systematic review of published research examining the link between social media and COVID-19 vaccine outcomes - judgments, intentions, and uptake. Overall, we identified 113 published articles. RESULTS The findings reveal complex associations between distinct social media predictors and these outcomes. The most consistent negative relationships emerge within studies looking at 'social media as an information source,' 'trust', and 'general social media use/passive exposure' as predictors of less favorable vaccine judgments and intentions/uptake. Conversely, studies focused on 'information seeking' indicate more mixed results. Among the few booster investigations, there are more positive than negative associations between social media predictors and Covid-19 vaccine intentions. Across different social media platforms and sample populations, social media was a less robust/consistent negative predictor of COVID-19 judgments and intentions. CONCLUSIONS While social media can contribute to more negative COVID-19 vaccine judgments and motivations, the consistency of this relationship may vary across populations, the platforms users access, and the nature of exposure. Overall, social media campaigns promoting COVID-19 vaccines should employ distinct strategies to target those individuals that value social media as an information resource.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yam Limbu
- School of Business at Montclair State University, USA
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Wang B, McDonough J, Chen G, Ong JJ, Marshall H. Sociodemographic factors and attitudes associated with Australian parental acceptance of paediatric COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine 2023; 41:7608-7617. [PMID: 37996291 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.11.024] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 vaccine coverage among children in countries where COVID-19 vaccines are recommended has been suboptimal. Conflicting information in the media leads to parental anxiety and confusion around COVID-19 vaccination in children. The scepticism expressed by certain experts regarding the importance of COVID-19 vaccines in children has also had a negative impact on parental attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to understand parental concerns and preferences for paediatric COVID-19 vaccination, and identify potential vaccination promotion ("nudge") interventions to optimise paediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake. METHODS Mixed methods including Focus Group Discussions and a Discrete Choice Experiment survey were used. The Discrete Choice Experiment survey design was based on a literature review and the findings of Focus Group Discussions. The study was conducted on a nationally representative sample of parents in Australia. RESULTS In total, 1039 parents participated in the study. Parents showed strong preferences for a COVID-19 vaccine with lower risk of serious side effects and longer protection duration, followed by higher vaccine effectiveness and delivery via oral tablets. Promotion strategies were similarly preferred by parents. Latent class logit analysis identified three groups, interpretable as COVID-19 vaccine "accepters (35.3%)", "deliberators (31.7%)", and "rejecters (33.1%)". The "deliberators" composed of more parents, residing in metropolitan areas, having concerns about vaccine effectiveness, and believing that disease risks outweigh vaccine benefits than the "accepters". The "rejecters" were more likely to not be vaccinated themselves, and generally have less trust in vaccines than the "accepters". The "deliberators" and "rejecters" were less likely to be parents aged ≥25 years and complete final year of high school than the "accepters". CONCLUSIONS Parents' sociodemographic factors and vaccine perceptions were associated with different levels of acceptance toward paediatric COVID-19 vaccination, which may help to better understand how to "nudge" vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Joshua McDonough
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gang Chen
- Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Marshall
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Feghaly E, Hanna V, Mohamad NK, Assaf MA, Sebastian J, El Khatib S, Karam R, Zeitoun A, Berry A, Samaha H, Shouman M, Obeid S, Hallit S, Malaeb D. Trust in pharmaceuticals and vaccine hesitancy: exploring factors influencing COVID-19 immunization among Lebanese children aged 1 to 11 years. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:570. [PMID: 37974145 PMCID: PMC10652549 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04394-3] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat to everyone's health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that vaccines are very effective in preventing COVID-19-related severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Children's vaccination exerts its protecting effect by preventing the spread of the virus. The purpose of this study was to analyze the rate of COVID-19 immunization among Lebanese children aged 1 to 11 years and assess parental factors that affect immunization rates. METHODS An online cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023. The online survey was distributed across all social media channels, including the Ministry of Public Health website. RESULTS A total of 390 parents filled the survey (mean age = 37.48 ± 8.39 years; 50.5% mothers; 70% with a university level of education). Mothers compared to fathers, having a history of bad reaction to a vaccine vs. not, and higher vaccine hesitancy were significantly associated with less willingness to administer the vaccine to the child. Trusting pharmaceutical companies was significantly associated with more willingness to administer the vaccine to the child. CONCLUSION The results of this study show that the factors associated with parents' decisions to vaccinate their children may vary. Our findings conclude that vaccine acceptance is being highly associated with parental concerns, trust, and information regarding the vaccine safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Feghaly
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Venise Hanna
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | | | - Mohamad Ali Assaf
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Juny Sebastian
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB), Gulf University for Science and Technology, Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Kuwait
| | - Rita Karam
- Quality Assurance of Pharmaceutical Products Department, National Pharmacovigilance Program, Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abeer Zeitoun
- Quality Assurance of Pharmaceutical Products Department, National Pharmacovigilance Program, Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Atika Berry
- Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hajar Samaha
- Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwa Shouman
- Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Majzoub RA, Alrofaie OH, Almotreb LK, Alateeq SK, Bin Obaid FR. Parental Hesitancy and Attitude Concerning COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Side Effects in Saudi Arabia, Eastern Region. Cureus 2023; 15:e48776. [PMID: 38024028 PMCID: PMC10644232 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine hesitancy poses a substantial challenge to the field of public health. There are various factors that influence the willingness of parents to vaccinate their children. Addressing the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy within the community has the potential to facilitate the development of more effective approaches for global vaccination initiatives. This study aims to assess parents' perspectives regarding the immunization of children aged five to 12 against COVID-19, including their experiences with adverse effects, as well as the factors that influence their hesitancy or acceptance of the vaccine in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods A web-based, cross-sectional study utilized an independently administered online questionnaire. The validated questionnaire was distributed to study participants through social networking platforms in order to recruit individuals from various locations in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, such as Dammam, Al-Hassa, Al-Jubail, Ras Tanura, Dhahran, Al-Khobar, and Al-Qatif. Results The study encompassed a total of 399 participants. The most commonly reported adverse effects among the first and second children were pain at the injection site (1st child: 267 (66.70%), second child: 263 (66.20%)) and fever (1st child: 171 (43.10%), second child: 187 (47.50%)). A significant proportion of the participants, specifically 139 individuals (35%), expressed apprehension regarding immunization. This concern stemmed from various factors, including the fear of experiencing adverse effects, skepticism regarding the vaccine's efficacy, and exposure to potentially harmful information about the vaccine. Ninety-nine participants, accounting for 25% of the sample, indicated their agreement with the safety of COVID-19. Additionally, 104 participants, constituting 26% of the sample, held the belief that receiving vaccination aids in the prevention of severe illnesses caused by COVID-19. Notably, the most prevalent reason for vaccine hesitancy among participants was the fear of experiencing adverse effects. A total of 132 individuals, accounting for 33% of the participants, identified healthcare providers, including physicians and scientists, as reliable and trustworthy sources of vaccine information. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the demographic variables of the participants and their acceptance of the vaccine. Conclusion The study observed an acceptable vaccination rate among children aged five to 12 for the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on the investigation results, the primary apprehension expressed by parents regarding the immunization of their offspring pertained to the potential negative consequences associated with the vaccine. Nonetheless, it was observed that adverse effects were reported in less than fifty percent of vaccinated children. Addressing the concerns pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccination can enhance global participation in the immunization program aimed at mitigating future pandemics.
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Güneysu ST, Güleryüz OD, Karakaş NM, Çağlar AA, Çolak Ö. What do children aged 12-18 think about COVID-19 vaccines? Arch Pediatr 2023; 30:586-590. [PMID: 37777350 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.09.003] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vaccines are crucial for preventing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and controlling its effects. We aimed to determine the desire of children aged 12-18 to be vaccinated with the current vaccines, the reasons for wanting or not wanting to be vaccinated, where they had learned about the vaccine, how many of the children with a history of chronic disease want to be vaccinated, and which factors affect them. METHODS A questionnaire form was completed for children aged 12-18 years who applied to Gazi University Pediatric Emergency Department and the Child Health and Diseases Polyclinic between April 1, 2022, and September 30, 2022. RESULTS A total of 924 children participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 14.64±1.77 years. The willingness to be vaccinated was 83.1%. Being older, living in the city, having a mother, father, or sibling who was vaccinated, information about vaccines obtained from health personnel, a completed national vaccination program, and the presence of a first-degree relative in the healthcare field significantly increased the probability of the child being vaccinated. The most important factors affecting the desire to be vaccinated in children were the vaccination status of the mother, father, or sibling and the completed national vaccination program. CONCLUSION We found that the immunization status of the parents is the most important factor guiding the child's desire to be vaccinated and that the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy is the side effects of the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songül Tomar Güneysu
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Emergency, Ankara, Turkey.
| | | | - Nazmi Mutlu Karakaş
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayla Akca Çağlar
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Emergency, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Çolak
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Emergency, Ankara, Turkey
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Iqbal MS, Khan MN, Qamer S, Khan SUD. Parents' Concerns, Behavior, Perception, and Hesitancy Regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children in Central Saudi Arabia. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1566. [PMID: 37896968 PMCID: PMC10611308 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101566] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has implemented strict rules to ensure COVID-19 vaccination uptake by the general public. However, there is hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccination among parents for their children worldwide. We aimed to determine the concerns, behaviors, perceptions, and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccination among parents for their children in Saudi Arabia. Parents of children aged 5-11 years were included in this cross-sectional study. A total of 1507 responses were obtained using the convenience sampling technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the parents who responded, 74.5% believed that the COVID-19 vaccination could affect the genes of children, and 72.8% believed that the COVID-19 vaccination could have a greater number of positive impacts on the overall health of children. In total, 87% of the parents were satisfied with the vaccination services and effective policies of the MoH, Saudi Arabia. This study concluded that there is a greater need to increase public awareness regarding the beneficial impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the overall health of children. Effective awareness campaigns are also required to provide empirical information to the public that COVID-19 vaccination for children is safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Naved Khan
- College of Administrative and Financial Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shafqat Qamer
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salah-Ud-Din Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia
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Mudenda S, Meyer JC, Fadare JO, Ogunleye OO, Saleem Z, Matafwali SK, Daka V, Chabalenge B, Chama J, Mukosha M, Skosana P, Witika BA, Kalungia AC, Hamachila A, Mufwambi W, Godman B. COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among adolescents and youths: Findings and implications for future vaccination programmes. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002385. [PMID: 37729153 PMCID: PMC10511127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents and youths are a key part of the population that needs to be protected against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is because they are more likely to spread the virus to vulnerable individuals. In view of these concerns, this study investigated the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and associated factors among adolescents and youths attending secondary schools in Zambia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1500 school-going adolescents in Lusaka from September 2022 to November 2022. Overall, 1409 participants took part giving a response rate of 94%. Only 29.2% (n = 411) of the participants were vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of the study. Compared to their unvaccinated counterparts, vaccinated adolescents and youths scored higher for knowledge (66.2% vs 57.8%) and attitudes (76.7% vs 39.4%) regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare workers, family/friends and social media were key sources of information regarding the vaccine. Factors associated with increased vaccine uptake were positive attitudes (AOR = 33.62, 95% CI: 19.92-56.73), indicating it was stressful to follow COVID-19 preventive measures (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09-1.99), participants in Grade 12 (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.94-5.91), Grade 11 (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.94-5.91), Grade 10 (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.98-6.11) and Grade 9 (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.74-5.32) compared to Grade 8. This study found a relatively low uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among adolescents and youths in Zambia. There is a need to provide adequate strategies to address knowledge and attitude gaps regarding COVID-19 vaccines to improve uptake and reduce future morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joseph O. Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka O. Ogunleye
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Zikria Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Scott K. Matafwali
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Daka
- Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Billy Chabalenge
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jacob Chama
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moses Mukosha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- HIV and Women’s Health Research Group, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Phumzile Skosana
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bwalya A. Witika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Aubrey C. Kalungia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Audrey Hamachila
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Webrod Mufwambi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Mubarak S, A'aqoulah A, AlGhawrie H, Albalas S, Innab N. Assessing the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine and its booster dose. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e950. [PMID: 37773710 PMCID: PMC10521373 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.950] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations are essential to control the pandemic and prevent severe COVID-19 infections. This study aims to assess the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and the factors that impact the intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine and its booster dose. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The study used a self-administered web-based survey (questionnaire) for data collection that was distributed via social media platforms from May 2022 to July 2022. RESULTS In this study, among 518 participants, 54.4% had already received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and out of the participants who didn't receive the booster dose, 19.9% declared a definite willingness to receive it, while 42% had already taken a booster dose, which indicated good acceptance. After adjustment for significant background characteristics, a significant association between the country and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, the intention to get the vaccine, and infection with COVID-19 were found, in addition to a significant association between the country and the participants' opinion that electronic applications helped them to follow their vaccine schedule were found (p < .001). Also, the results showed that participants' attitudes were significantly associated with educational level and age groups (p ≤ .001, p = .032, respectively). There was a significant association between the intention to receive the vaccine booster dose and the country (p < .001). The Saudi participants were willing to get the booster dose seven times more than the Jordanians, furthermore, there was a significant association between taking the vaccine booster dose in the country, as well as age group, working in the medical field, previous COVID-19 infection, and the intention to vaccinate the children (p < .001, p = .030, .031, .025, < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION Overall, our results emphasize a positive response and a positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, define the groups to be targeted with effective communication regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and its booster dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Mubarak
- Infection Control Program, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ashraf A'aqoulah
- Department of Health Systems Management, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeel AlGhawrie
- Infection Control Program, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Samir Albalas
- Department of Health Services Administration, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nisreen Innab
- Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Saudi Arabia
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Yang Y, Lv J, He C, Shen C, Xu S, Guo Y, Ding Y, Zheng Z, Zhu J, Wang S, Ding M, Wang S. Predictors and prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with focal epilepsy following resection surgery. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109344. [PMID: 37459719 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination has emerged as the primary and most effective solution. The aim of this study was to examine compliance rates of vaccination and explore the factors that predict vaccine uptake among patients with epilepsy (PWE) who have undergone resection surgery. METHOD To examine the variations in vaccination coverage, safety concerns, and factors influencing vaccination hesitancy among PWE who have undergone resection surgery, this study recruited patients with at least one-year follow-up. We utilized questionnaires to gather clinical characteristics and obtain information regarding COVID-19 vaccines. RESULTS Among the 303 patients included in the study, a majority of 229 (75.58%) achieved a seizure-free outcome (Engel Ia). Of these patients, 178 (58.75%) received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and the vaccination rate has remained relatively consistent over the past six months. Nearly 94.95% of those who received the vaccine completed the full vaccination regimen, with the majority (n = 174, 97.75%) opting for an inactivated vaccine. Only three patients reported side effects unrelated to epilepsy, and one patient experienced a worsening of typical aura seizures within one month after vaccination. Notably, significant positive associations were observed between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and adulthood (age 18 years or older) (OR = 1.820, 95% CI = 1.018-3.252, p = 0.043) as well as achieving a seizure-free outcome (OR = 2.823, 95% CI = 1.619-4.921, p < 0.001). Regarding the unvaccinated patients, approximately one-fifth expressed willingness to receive a future COVID-19 vaccine, while the remainder were hesitant (41.60%) or unsure (39.20%) about vaccination. These reservations mainly stemmed from concerns about the potential worsening of seizures and vaccine safety. CONCLUSIONS Inactivated vaccines can be considered safe for individuals with epilepsy who have undergone resection surgery. The likelihood of being vaccinated was found to be comparatively higher among the cohort with seizure-free status or adults. To promote COVID-19 vaccination among children, it is crucial to implement comprehensive education and public awareness campaigns that emphasize the safety of vaccines. These efforts will help encourage widespread acceptance of vaccination and ensure the well-being of individuals with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Yang
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Lv
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenmin He
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunhong Shen
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sha Xu
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Ding
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Zheng
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junming Zhu
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meiping Ding
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shan Wang
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Wang Q, Chen J, Jiang N, Zhang Y, Wang T, Cao H, Liu Y, Yang Y, Chen L, Wang J. Parents' intention to vaccinate their preschool children against COVID-19: Combining the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2261171. [PMID: 37806670 PMCID: PMC10644801 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2261171] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaccination rate of COVID-19 in preschool children is low, and parents' intention to vaccinate their children is also low due to multiple factors. This study aimed to establish an integrated model based on the Health Belief Model (HBM)and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), to explore the factors influencing parents' intention to vaccinate their preschool children with the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 1264 parents of preschool children from 10 kindergartens participated in this study. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the intention separately. For the integrated model with the first dose of vaccine of COVID-19, introducing the HBM variable in model 1 explained 33.98% of the variance (F = 398.71, p < .001), then upon adding the TPB variable in model 2, the explanation of variance increased to 41.93% (F = 491.94, p < .001) and parents' intention were associated with their perceived barriers, cues to action, and subjective norms. For the integrated model with the second dose of vaccine of COVID-19, introducing the HBM variable in Model 1 explained 23.76% of the variance (F = 68.82, p < .001), then upon adding the TPB variable in model 2, the explanation of variance increased to 26.67% (F = 77.24, p < .001), and parents' intention was associated with cues to action and subjective norms. The combination of the two theories improves the explanatory power of parents' intention to vaccinate their preschool children against COVID-19, and provides a basis for the development of effective interventions for vaccination of COVID-19 for preschool children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quqing Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayue Chen
- Huacao Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Cao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyi Liu
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yonghui Yang
- Huacao Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Linli Chen
- Minhang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Al Saad AJ, Alhassan GM, Albedaiwi MS, Alqattan FF, Aleisa FA, Alabdulmuhsin HW. Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among parents of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1235. [PMID: 37365523 PMCID: PMC10294403 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16127-3] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination was noticed to be less common among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This study aimed to explore the beliefs and willingness of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders about COVID-19 vaccine and understand how certain factors influencing the vaccine decision-making process differ between them and other parents' groups. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between August to November 2021. An Arabic online survey was distributed in August 2021 to collect the study's data. 400 parents from all the major regions in Saudi Arabia participated in and shared their beliefs about the new COVID-19 vaccination for their children. RESULTS Out of 400 participants, 381 of them were eligible to answer the survey (95.2%). The total number of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorder was 158 (41.5%), was compared to responses of parents of heathy children 223 (58.5%). 85 (53.8%) of them were ready to vaccinate their children with COVID-19 vaccine. While 36 (22.8%) were hesitant, the rest 37 (23.4%) did not want to vaccinate their children at all. Only a small number 16 (10.1%) have beliefs of vaccines as a cause of their child's neurodevelopmental disorder. A total of 79 out of 131 responses were received from both parents' groups. Fear of long-term side-effects was the most common reason reported by 41 responders out of 64 (64.06%) from parents of healthy children and 38 responders out of 67 (56.71%) from parents of diagnosed children. Another reason reported by parents of younger children in both groups was the child's age. Having a healthcare relative worker was significantly associated with the vaccine decision making (p < .001). CONCLUSION The acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders was low compared to the parents of healthy children in Saudi Arabia. Authorities can benefit from this study results to offer more accessible information about the vaccine importance and safety to the targeted population.
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Liu S, Chu H. Parents' COVID-19, HPV, and Monkeypox vaccination intention: A multilevel structural equation model of risk, benefit, barrier, and efficacy perceptions and individual characteristics. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 114:107842. [PMID: 37301013 PMCID: PMC10246936 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study seeks to comparatively examine parents' intention to vaccinate their children for three infectious diseases, including COVID-19, HPV, and monkeypox. METHODS Utilizing a mixed-design survey and multilevel structural equation models, we investigated if perception of the diseases and vaccines explained the variance in parents' vaccine-specific decision-making and population difference in vaccination intention. RESULTS Compared with the COVID-19 vaccine, parents were more willing to get an HPV vaccine for their children due to greater perceived benefit and lower perceived barrier. Concerns about vaccine safety and lower disease risk perception were associated with lower intention to get a monkeypox vaccine. Parents of color, less educated, and lower-income parents were less willing to get vaccines for their children due to low benefit perception and high perceived barriers. CONCLUSION Parents were motivated by different social and psychological factors when deciding whether to get a COVID-19, HPV, and monkeypox vaccine for their children. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Vaccine promotion should be tailored to the characteristics of the target population and the vaccines. Underprivileged communities may be better approached with information about vaccine benefit and barriers, and vaccines for unfamiliar diseases may be better communicated with disease risk information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixiao Liu
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Haoran Chu
- Department of Public Relations, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
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21
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Daoust JF. How can governments generate compliance in times of crisis? A review of the COVID-19 pandemic. FRENCH POLITICS 2023; 21:179-194. [PMCID: PMC10007662 DOI: 10.1057/s41253-023-00206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
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Marzo RR, Chakraborty R, Soh SY, Thew HZ, Chong C, Siau CS, Abdul Wahab KB, Binti Ariffin IA, Chauhan S, Brackstone K, Padhi BK, Heidler P. Factors influencing parents' hesitancy to vaccinate their children aged 5-11 years old against COVID-19: results from a cross-sectional study in Malaysia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1091015. [PMID: 37261237 PMCID: PMC10228831 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1091015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vaccination programs have been rolled out across the globe to contain and mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 infection. Until recently, such programs were limited to adults and the older population, thereby limiting children from getting vaccinated. Recently, the Malaysian government rolled out vaccination for children aged 5-11 years. However, there are certain factors that might affect vaccination uptake among children. This study explores factors influencing parents' hesitancy to vaccinate children in Malaysia. Method A nationwide online cross-sectional convenience sampling survey from April 21, 2022 to June 3, 2022 was conducted. The study used descriptive statistics to inform about vaccine hesitancy among parents. Cross-tabulation was performed to calculate the frequency and percentage of vaccine hesitancy, quality of life, e-health literacy, and the 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination among parents with children 5-11 years in Malaysia. Graphical methods were used to portray the levels of e-health literacy and levels of 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination. The study used both bi-variate and multivariate analysis to understand the relationship between vaccine hesitancy and the socio-demo-economic factors, quality of life, e-health literacy and 5C psychological antecedents. Results Of 382 participants, almost one-third (33%) of participants reported vaccine hesitancy for their children. For 5C's psychological antecedents of vaccination, around one quarter (26.96%) reported disagreement for confidence in vaccination, almost half (52.36%) reported disagreement for vaccination complacency, three-fifths (60.99%) reported vaccination constraint, one quarter (25.92%) reported calculation antecedent, and almost one-third reported disagreement over collective responsibility antecedent (25.92%). Chi-square test revealed that gender, employment status, and parents' COVID-19 vaccination status were significantly associated (p<0.05) with vaccine hesitancy among parents. Assessing the influence of transactional e-health literacy, only the communication component contained a significant association (p<0.05). Among the 5C psychological antecedents, confidence, calculation, and collective responsibility were significantly associated (p<0.05) with vaccine hesitancy. Parents with secondary [OR: 8.80; CI: 2.44-31.79, (p<0.05)], post-secondary [OR: 5.21; CI: 2.10-13.41, (p<0.05)], and tertiary education [OR: 6.77; CI: 2.25-20.35, (p<0.05)] had significantly higher likelihood of vaccine hesitancy than those with primary education. Conclusion Highly educated parents are more skeptical and are more likely to perceive the vaccine as unsafe and ineffective for their children. It is critical to disseminate the required information about the vaccine safety to the educated group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Rillera Marzo
- Department of Community Medicine, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
- Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | | | - Shean Yih Soh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Putra Malaysia University, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Hui Zhu Thew
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Putra Malaysia University, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Collins Chong
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khairuddin Bin Abdul Wahab
- Department of Community Medicine, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Indang Ariati Binti Ariffin
- Department of Community Medicine, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shekhar Chauhan
- International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India
| | - Ken Brackstone
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Bijaya Kumar Padhi
- Asian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, India
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Petra Heidler
- Institute International Trade and Sustainable Economy, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Department of Health Sciences, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
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23
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Darisi RD, Buckland AJ, Morales M, Ingram M, Harris E, Holzberg JR. Vaccine hesitancy and the willingness to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine to children in a rural country on the United States-Mexico border. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1127745. [PMID: 37206870 PMCID: PMC10189097 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1127745] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As of October 26, 2022, only 9% of children in the United States aged 6 months to 4 years have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine despite FDA approval since June 17, 2022. Rates are better yet still low for children aged 5 to 11 years as nearly 30% were fully vaccinated as of August 23, 2022. Vaccine hesitancy among adults is one of the major factors affecting low vaccine uptake rates in children against COVID-19, yet most studies examining vaccine hesitancy have targeted school-age and adolescent children. Methods With the aim of assessing the willingness to recommend the COVID-19 vaccination to children under 5 years compared to children 5 to 12 years of age, a county-wide survey was conducted between January 11 and March 7, 2022, among adults on the United States-Mexico border. Results Among the 765 responses, 72.5% were female and 42.3% were Latinx. The most significant factor associated with likelihood to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine to children less than 5 years and 5-12 years of age was adult vaccination status. Ordinal logistic regression also indicated that ethnicity, primary language, being a parent, previous COVID-19 infection, and concern about getting COVID-19 in the future were significantly associated with likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine recommendation to children < 5 years and 5-12 years old. Discussion This study found high consistency among respondents in their willingness to vaccinate children aged < 5 years compared with children aged 5-12 years. Our findings support public health strategies that target adult vaccinations as an avenue to improve childhood vaccinations for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu D. Darisi
- Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc., Douglas, AZ, United States
| | - Audrey J. Buckland
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mario Morales
- Health Behavior Health Promotion, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Maia Ingram
- Arizona Prevention Research Center, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Emily Harris
- Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc., Douglas, AZ, United States
| | - Jeffrey R. Holzberg
- Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc., Douglas, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Jeffrey R. Holzberg,
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Nached Y, Waleed D, Farghaly S, AlOlama F. Assessing Parents' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Vaccinating Children (Five to 15 Years Old) Against COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates. Cureus 2022; 14:e32625. [PMID: 36654580 PMCID: PMC9841881 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32625] [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] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the approval of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine for children in 2021, there had been ongoing debates about the necessity of vaccinating children, owing to the seemingly mild nature of the infection in children, despite causing significant morbidity and mortality in the 5-11 age group in 2020-2021, and its association with complications such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). This sparked the need to evaluate parents' perceptions, knowledge, and the effect of information sources on their decision-making. It is important to understand the various drivers and concerns expressed by parents locally, to shape vaccination campaigns to address such issues. While numerous studies across the world have extensively investigated parental willingness and intention to vaccinate children against COVID-19, it is important to acknowledge that these studies have been conducted before COVID-19 vaccines became approved for children in the respective countries. There is an obvious scarcity of data on the parental knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of the vaccine for children after the respective countries have approved and provided the vaccine. The present study aims to provide data that could reveal possible barriers to vaccine uptake such as deficits in knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practices towards the COVID-19 pandemic, and hence address these factors to make the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign, as well as future childhood vaccination campaigns, more successful. Methods This is a cross-sectional online-based survey targeting parents living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with children aged 5-15 years. Data collected from June 23 to July 20, 2022 were analyzed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) 28 software. The survey included questions concerning parental and children demographics, parents' level and sources of knowledge about COVID-19 infection and vaccine, attitudes of parents about the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines, and finally parental practices concerning pandemic preventive measures and COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Results Out of 437 participants, 212 (48.5%) vaccinated their children against COVID-19, and of those who did not, only 22 (9.8%) intended to vaccinate. The most commonly cited reason by parents for vaccinating their children was to reduce complications. The most frequent concern was the novelty and lack of information, and consequently, getting more information was the most selected driver to vaccinate as well as being advised by a doctor. Significant predictors were acceptance of childhood and influenza vaccines, trust in vaccine safety and trust in information provided by health authority websites, and lastly, exposure to positive information on social media. Conclusion A considerable proportion of parents have vaccinated their children against COVID-19; however, concerns about novelty and lack of information persist, leading to a high level of vaccine hesitancy. It is imperative that public health efforts maintain momentum, and that pediatricians incorporate parental education on the COVID-19 vaccine for children, which could potentially play a major role in combating vaccine hesitancy.
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Khemiri H, Ayouni K, Triki H, Haddad-Boubaker S. SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric population before and during the Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants era. Virol J 2022; 19:144. [PMID: 36076271 PMCID: PMC9452867 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01873-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19, the coronavirus disease that emerged in December 2019, caused drastic damage worldwide. At the beginning of the pandemic, available data suggested that the infection occurs more frequently in adults than in infants. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children before and after B.1.617.2 Delta and B.1.1.529 Omicron variants emergence in terms of prevalence, transmission dynamics, clinical manifestations, complications and risk factors. METHODS Our method is based on the literature search on PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. From January 2020 to July 2022, a total of 229 references, relevant for the purpose of this review, were considered. RESULTS The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants was underestimated. Up to the first half of May, most of the infected children presented asymptomatic or mild manifestations. The prevalence of COVID-19 varied from country to another: the highest was reported in the United States (22.5%). COVID-19 can progress and become more severe, especially with the presence of underlying health conditions. It can also progress into Kawasaki or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) manifestations, as a consequence of exacerbating immune response. With the emergence of the B.1.617.2 Delta and B.1.1.529 Omicron variants, it seems that these variants affect a large proportion of the younger population with the appearance of clinical manifestations similar to those presented by adults with important hospitalization rates. CONCLUSION The pediatric population constitutes a vulnerable group that requires particular attention, especially with the emergence of more virulent variants. The increase of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization rate among children highlights the need to extend vaccination to the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Khemiri
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles for the EMR, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13 place Pasteur, BP74 1002 le Belvédère, Tunis, Tunisia
- LR 20 IPT 02 Laboratory of Virus, Host and Vectors, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kaouther Ayouni
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles for the EMR, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13 place Pasteur, BP74 1002 le Belvédère, Tunis, Tunisia
- LR 20 IPT 02 Laboratory of Virus, Host and Vectors, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Henda Triki
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles for the EMR, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13 place Pasteur, BP74 1002 le Belvédère, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sondes Haddad-Boubaker
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles for the EMR, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13 place Pasteur, BP74 1002 le Belvédère, Tunis, Tunisia.
- LR 20 IPT 02 Laboratory of Virus, Host and Vectors, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
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Validation and Cultural Adaptation of the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) Questionnaire in Arabic Language Widely Spoken in a Region with a High Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090234. [PMID: 36136645 PMCID: PMC9504773 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The parents’ attitude toward vaccinating children and adolescents against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains inconsistent and needs further elucidation. The high rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region require intensive research to understand the determinants of this phenomenon. This study aimed to validate a version of the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) tool in Arabic, the most widely spoken language in the MENA. The study objectives included the investigation of Arab-speaking parents’ views regarding COVID-19 vaccination of their children. Parents living in Egypt with at least one child aged 5−18 years were eligible to participate in the study that was conducted through an online survey with 15 PACV items. The PACV tool was translated into Arabic using forward and backward translation. To assess the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of PACV, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) were performed. A total of 223 parents participated in the study: 59.82% aged 30−39 years, 69.20% were females, 46.19% were university-educated, and 40.63% had one child. The overall Cronbach’s alpha for the Arabic version of PACV was 0.799. The EFA of the 15 items showed that three domains were most conceptually equivalent. All items had a positive significant correlation with the mean score of each subscale except for item 4 (r = 0.016, p = 0.811). Regression analyses results indicated that education, previous COVID-19 infection, vaccine status of parents, and PACV score were significantly associated with the intention of the parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. The CFA results showed that most of the factor loadings were statistically significant (p < 0.010) except for items 4 and 7. However, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA = 0.080) and the standardized root mean squared residual (SRMR = 0.080) indicated that the model had a reasonable fit, and the three factors were good in reproducing each correlation. Our study results indicated the validity and reliability of the PACV instrument in Arabic language. Consequently, the PACV can be used to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a majority of MENA countries for better delineation of this highly prevalent phenomenon in the region.
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Khan YH, Rasheed M, Mallhi TH, Salman M, Alzarea AI, Alanazi AS, Alotaibi NH, Khan SUD, Alatawi AD, Butt MH, Alzarea SI, Alharbi KS, Alharthi SS, Algarni MA, Alahmari AK, Almalki ZS, Iqbal MS. Barriers and facilitators of childhood COVID-19 vaccination among parents: A systematic review. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:950406. [PMID: 36507133 PMCID: PMC9731120 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.950406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19 among parents of young children plays a significant role in controlling the current pandemic. A wide range of factors that influence vaccine hesitancy in adults has been reported worldwide, but less attention has been given to COVID-19 vaccination among children. Vaccine hesitancy is considered a major challenge in achieving herd immunity, and it is more challenging among parents as they remain deeply concerned about their child's health. In this context, a systematic review of the current literature is inevitable to assess vaccine hesitancy among parents of young children to ensure a successful ongoing vaccination program. METHOD A systematic search of peer-reviewed English literature indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and Web of science was performed using developed keywords between 1 January 2020 and August 2022. This systematic review included only those studies that focused on parental concerns about COVID-19 vaccines in children up to 12 years without a diagnosis of COVID-19. Following PRISMA guidelines, a total of 108 studies were included. The quality appraisal of the study was performed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS The results of 108 studies depict that vaccine hesitancy rates differed globally with a considerably large number of factors associated with it. The highest vaccine hesitancy rates among parents were reported in a study from the USA (86.1%) and two studies from Saudi Arabia (>85%) and Turkey (89.6%). Conversely, the lowest vaccine hesitancy rates ranging from 0.69 and 2% were found in two studies from South Africa and Switzerland, respectively. The largest study (n = 227,740) was conducted in Switzerland while the smallest sample size (n = 12) was represented by a study conducted in the USA. The most commonly reported barriers to childhood vaccination were mothers' lower education level (N = 46/108, 43%), followed by financial instability (N = 19/108, 18%), low confidence in new vaccines (N = 13/108, 12%), and unmonitored social media platforms (N = 5/108, 4.6%). These factors were significantly associated with vaccine refusal among parents. However, the potential facilitators for vaccine uptake among respondents who intended to have their children vaccinated include higher education level (N = 12/108, 11%), followed by information obtained through healthcare professionals (N = 9/108, 8.3%) and strong confidence in preventive measures taken by the government (N = 5/81, 4.6%). CONCLUSION This review underscores that parents around the globe are hesitant to vaccinate their kids against COVID-19. The spectrum of factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and uptake varies across the globe. There is a dire need to address vaccine hesitancy concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of approved vaccines. Local context is inevitable to take into account while developing programs to reduce vaccine hesitancy. There is a dire need to devise strategies to address vaccine hesitancy among parents through the identification of attributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusra Habib Khan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maria Rasheed
- Institute of Pharmacy, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Salman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Ibrahim Alzarea
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Salah Alanazi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser Hadal Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salah-Ud-Din Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed D Alatawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Hammad Butt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Saad Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Majed Ahmed Algarni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah K Alahmari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyad Saeed Almalki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
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