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Cénat JM, Moshirian Farahi SMM, Dalexis RD, Caulley L, Xu Y, Beogo I, Pongou R. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust, health literacy, conspiracy theories, and racial discrimination among a representative ethnically diverse sample in Canada: The vulnerability of Arab, Asian, Black, and Indigenous peoples. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29795. [PMID: 39007429 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29795] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Despite increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections and higher rates of COVID-19-related complications, racialized and Indigenous communities in Canada have lower immunization uptake compared to White individuals. However, there is woeful lack of data on predictors of COVID-19 vaccine mistrust (VM) that accounts for diverse social and cultural contexts within specific racialized and Indigenous communities. Therefore, we sought to characterize COVID-19 VM among Arab, Asian, Black, and Indigenous communities in Canada. An online survey was administered to a nationally representative, ethnically diverse panel of participants in October 2023. Arabic, Asian, Indigenous, and Black respondents were enriched in the sampling panel. Data were collected on demographics, COVID-19 VM, experience of racial discrimination, health literacy, and conspiracy beliefs. We used descriptive and regression analyses to determine the extent and predictors of COVID-19 VM among racialized and Indigenous individuals. All racialized respondents had higher VM score compared to White participants. Among 4220 respondents, we observed highest VM among Black individuals (12.18; ±4.24), followed by Arabic (12.12; ±4.60), Indigenous (11.84; ±5.18), Asian (10.61; ±4.28), and White (9.58; ±5.00) participants. In the hierarchical linear regression analyses, Black participants, women, everyday racial discrimination, and major experience of discrimination were positively associated with COVID-19 VM. Effects of racial discrimination were mediated by addition of conspiracy beliefs to the model. Racialized and Indigenous communities experience varying levels of COVID-19 VM and carry specific predictors and mediators to development of VM. This underscores the intricate interaction between race, gender, discrimination, and VM that need to be considered in future vaccination campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Mary Cénat
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Ottawa Research Chair on Black Health, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Rose Darly Dalexis
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Caulley
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Yan Xu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Idrissa Beogo
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Roland Pongou
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Economics, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
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Mundo Ortiz A, Nasri B. Socio-demographic determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Ontario: Exploring differences across the Health Region model. Vaccine 2024; 42:2106-2114. [PMID: 38413281 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.045] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a worldwide public health concern. Although vaccines against this disease were rapidly developed, vaccination uptake has not been equal across all the segments of the population, particularly in the case of underrepresented groups. However, there are also differences in vaccination across geographical areas, which might be important to consider in the development of future public health vaccination policies. In this study, we examined the relationship between vaccination status (having received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine), socio-economic strata, and the Health Regions for individuals in Ontario, Canada. Our results show that between October of 2021 and January of 2022, individuals from underrepresented communities were three times less likely to be vaccinated than White/Caucasian individuals across the province of Ontario, and that in some cases, within these groups, individuals in low-income brackets had significantly higher odds of vaccination when compared to their peers in high income brackets. Finally, we identified significantly lower odds of vaccination in the Central, East and West Health Regions of Ontario within certain underrepresented groups. This study shows that there is an ongoing need to better understand and address differences in vaccination uptake across diverse segments of the population of Ontario that the pandemic has largely impacted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Mundo Ortiz
- Centre de Recherches Mathématiques, Université de Montréal. 2920 Ch de la Tour, Montréal, QC H3T 1N8, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal. 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada; Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal. 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Bouchra Nasri
- Centre de Recherches Mathématiques, Université de Montréal. 2920 Ch de la Tour, Montréal, QC H3T 1N8, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal. 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada; Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal. 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada.
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Marfo EA, Manca T, Cha E, Aylsworth L, Driedger SM, Meyer SB, Pelletier C, Dubé È, MacDonald SE. Intersecting Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccination: A Discourse Analysis of Information Use and Decision-Making Among Ethnically Diverse Parents in Canada. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01940-2. [PMID: 38409490 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01940-2] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how intersecting social privilege and disadvantage contribute to inequities in COVID-19 information use and vaccine access. This study explored how social inequities intersect to shape access to and use of COVID-19 information and vaccines among parents in Canada. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews on COVID-19 vaccination information use with ethnically diverse parents of children ages 11 to 18 years from April to August 2022. We purposefully invited parents from respondents to a national online survey to ensure representation across diverse intersecting social identities. Five researchers coded transcripts in NVivo using a discourse analysis approach informed by intersectionality. Our analysis focused on use of vaccine information and intersecting privileges and oppressions, including identifying with equity-denied group(s). RESULTS Interview participants (N = 48) identified as ethnically diverse non-Indigenous (n = 40) and Indigenous (n = 8) Peoples from seven Canadian provinces. Racialized minority or Indigenous participants reflected on historical and contemporary events of racism from government and medical institutions as barriers to trust and access to COVID-19 information, vaccines, and the Canadian healthcare system. Participants with privileged social locations showed greater comfort in resisting public health measures. Despite the urgency to receive COVID-19 vaccines, information gaps and transportation barriers delayed vaccination among some participants living with chronic medical conditions. CONCLUSION Historicization of colonialism and ongoing events of racism are a major barrier to trusting public health information. Fostering partnerships with trusted leaders and/or healthcare workers from racialized communities may help rebuild trust. Healthcare systems need to continuously implement strategies to restore trust with Indigenous and racialized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terra Manca
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada
| | - Eunah Cha
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Laura Aylsworth
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - S Michelle Driedger
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Samantha B Meyer
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine Pelletier
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Quebec- Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ève Dubé
- Department of Anthropology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Barceló MA, Perafita X, Saez M. Spatiotemporal variability in socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 vaccination in Catalonia, Spain. Public Health 2024; 227:9-15. [PMID: 38101317 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Socioeconomic inequalities have played a significant role in the unequal coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Catalonia, Spain; (2) analyse the spatial variation over time of these inequalities; and (3) assess variations in time and space in the effect of vaccination on inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes. STUDY DESIGN A mixed longitudinal ecological study design was used. METHODS Catalonia is divided in to 373 Basic Health Areas. Weekly data from these Basic Health Areas were obtained from the last week of December 2020 until the first week of March of 2022. A joint spatio-temporal model was used with the dependent variables of vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes, which were estimated using a Bayesian approach. The study controlled for observed confounders, unobserved heterogeneity, and spatial and temporal dependencies. The study allowed the effect of the explanatory variables on the dependent variables to vary in space and in time. RESULTS Areas with lower socioeconomic level were those with the lowest vaccination rates and the highest risk of COVID-19 outcomes. In general, individuals in areas that were located in the upper two quartiles of average net income per person and in the lower two quartiles of unemployment rate (i.e., the least economically disadvantaged) had a higher propensity to be vaccinated than those in the most economically disadvantaged areas. In the same sense, the greater the percentage of the population aged ≥65 years, the higher the propensity to be vaccinated, while areas located in the two upper quartiles of population density and areas with a high percentage of poor housing had a lower propensity to be vaccinated. Higher vaccination rates reduced the risk of COVID-19 outcomes, while COVID-19 outcomes did not influence the propensity to be vaccinated. The effects of the explanatory variables were not the same in all areas or between the different waves of the pandemic, and clusters of excess risk of low vaccination in the most disadvantaged areas were detected. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 vaccination inequalities in the most disadvantaged areas could be a result of structural barriers, such as the lack of access to information about the vaccination process, and/or logistical challenges, such as the lack of transportation, limited Internet access or difficulty in scheduling appointments. Public health strategies should be developed to mitigate these barriers and reduce vaccination inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Barceló
- Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - X Perafita
- Observatori-Organisme Autònom de Salut Pública de la Diputació de Girona (Dipsalut), Girona, Spain; Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Spain
| | - M Saez
- Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. http://www.udg.edu/grecs.htm
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Leese J, Therrien S, Ramachandran S, Backman CL, Ma JK, Koehn CL, Hoens AM, English K, Davidson E, McQuitty S, Gavin J, Adams J, Li LC. Decision-Making Around COVID-19 Public Health Measures and Implications for Self-Care Activities: Experiences of Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:140-152. [PMID: 37870115 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to advance understanding of how persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience decision-making about adopting public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Persons living with RA partnered throughout this nested qualitative study. One-to-one semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with participants with RA between December 2020 and December 2021. They were strategically sampled from a randomized controlled trial that was underway to test a physical activity counseling intervention. Analysis was guided by reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirty-nine participants (aged 26-86 years; 36 women) in British Columbia, Canada were interviewed. We developed three themes. Participants described how their decision-making about public health measures related to 1) "upholding moral values of togetherness" because decisions were intertwined with moral values of neighborliness and reciprocity. Some adapted their self-care routines to uphold these moral values; 2) "relational autonomy-supports and challenges," because they sometimes felt supported and undermined in different relational settings (eg, by family, local community, or provincial government); and 3) "differing trust in information sources," in which decisions were shaped by the degree of faith they had in various information sources, including their rheumatologists. CONCLUSION Across themes, experiences of decision-making about public health measures during the pandemic were embedded with moral concepts of solidarity, autonomy, and trust, with implications for how persons with RA chose and sustained their self-care activities. Insights gained help sensitize researchers and clinicians to moral issues experienced by persons with RA, which may inform support for self-care activities during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Leese
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Smruthi Ramachandran
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catherine L Backman
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jasmin K Ma
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia and International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Koehn
- Arthritis Consumer Experts, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alison M Hoens
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kelly English
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eileen Davidson
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shanon McQuitty
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Jo Adams
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Linda C Li
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Guay M, Maquiling A, Chen R, Lavergne V, Baysac DJ, Dubé È, MacDonald SE, Driedger SM, Gilbert NL. Racial disparities in COVID-19 vaccination in Canada: results from the cross-sectional Canadian Community Health Survey. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E1075-E1082. [PMID: 37989513 PMCID: PMC10681669 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20230026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage have been observed in Canada and in other countries. We aimed to compare vaccination coverage for at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine between First Nations people living off reserve and Métis, Black, Arab, Chinese, South Asian and White people. METHODS We used data collected between June 2021 and June 2022 by Statistics Canada's Canadian Community Health Survey, a large, nationally representative cross-sectional study. The analysis included 64 722 participants aged 18 years or older from the 10 provinces. We used a multiple logistic regression model to determine associations between vaccination status and race, controlling for collection period, region of residence, age, gender and education. RESULTS Nonvaccination against COVID-19 was more frequent in off-reserve First Nations people (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.7) and Black people (adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6), and less frequent among South Asian people (adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.7) compared to White people. INTERPRETATION This analysis showed significant inequalities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake between racial/ethnic populations in Canada. Further research is needed to understand the sociocultural, structural and systemic facilitators of and barriers to vaccination across racial groups, and to identify strategies that may improve vaccination uptake among First Nations and Black people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Guay
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.
| | - Aubrey Maquiling
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Ruoke Chen
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Valérie Lavergne
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Donalyne-Joy Baysac
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Ève Dubé
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Shannon E MacDonald
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - S Michelle Driedger
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Nicolas L Gilbert
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
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Reddon H, Barker B, Bartlett S, Márquez AC, Sekirov I, Jassem A, Morshed M, Clemens A, Beck McGreevy P, Hayashi K, DeBeck K, Krajden M, Milloy MJ, Socías ME. Uptake of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among structurally-marginalized people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17930. [PMID: 37863999 PMCID: PMC10589278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44069-8] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We sought to evaluate the rates and predictors of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among members of a structurally-marginalized population of people who use drugs (PWUD) during a targeted, community-wide, vaccination campaign in Vancouver, Canada. Interviewer-administered data were collected from study participants between June 2021 and March 2022. Generalized estimating equation analysis was used to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake, ascertained through a province-wide vaccine registry. Among 223 PWUD, 107 (48.0%) reported receipt of at least two SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses at baseline and this increased to 151 (67.7%) by the end of the study period. Using social media as a source of vaccine information was negatively associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.81) and HIV seropositivity (AOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.12-6.39) and older age (AOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07-1.51) were positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake. These findings suggest that the targeted vaccination campaign in Vancouver may be an effective model to promote SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in other jurisdictions. However, using social media as a source of vaccine information likely reduced SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake in PWUD arguing for further efforts to promote accessible and evidence-based vaccine information among marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson Reddon
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
- Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel St., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| | - Brittany Barker
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel St., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Sofia Bartlett
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Ana Citlali Márquez
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Inna Sekirov
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Agatha Jassem
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Muhammad Morshed
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Ari Clemens
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | | | - Kanna Hayashi
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel St., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Maria Eugenia Socías
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel St., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
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8
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Wong E, Sutton B, McLaughlin T, McGrath C, Baptista M, Stripp A, Stuart RL. Achieving COVID-19 vaccination equity in South Eastern Metropolitan Victoria, Australia: a population-based study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 39:100900. [PMID: 37928002 PMCID: PMC10625028 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background We describe COVID-19 first and second vaccine uptake across Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Victoria using southeast metropolitan Melbourne catchment as a case study. We explore key policy and implementation strategies that contributed to equitable uptake. Methods Population level data within the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU) was used to compare trends in COVID-19 vaccination first and second dose uptake for each of the 11 LGAs in year 2021. Changes in vaccination uptake over the year were reviewed against social and public health measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria and strategies in the SEPHU vaccination program. Findings By September 2021, 57% of the eligible population in the least disadvantaged LGA, Bayside, had received their second dose vaccination compared to 32% in the most disadvantaged LGA, Greater Dandenong. By end of 2021, the gap had narrowed with 95% in Bayside and 92% in Greater Dandenong having received their second dose. The increase in vaccination uptake for both LGAs was bimodal. Government policies on vaccine eligibility and the opening of mass vaccination sites preceded the first peak in vaccination uptake. Strong community engagement, addressing misinformation, providing culturally appropriate vaccination services and mass outbreaks preceded the second peak in vaccination uptake. Interpretation Vaccine equity across culturally and economically diverse populations can be achieved through a combination of robust, targeted community engagement, mass deployment of appropriate workforce, vaccination services tailored to cultural needs and sensitivities and accessibility to mass vaccination sites on a backdrop of state-wide policies that incentivise vaccination. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Wong
- Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brett Sutton
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Health, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Mohana Baptista
- Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Stripp
- Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhonda L. Stuart
- Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Okpani AI, Lockhart K, Grant JM, Barker S, Srigley JA, Yassi A. Vaccination, time lost from work, and COVID-19 infections: a Canadian healthcare worker retrospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1214093. [PMID: 37608982 PMCID: PMC10440376 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1214093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted hurdles for healthcare delivery and personnel globally. Vaccination has been an important tool for preventing severe illness and death in healthcare workers (HCWs) as well as the public at large. However, vaccination has resulted in some HCWs requiring time off work post-vaccination to recover from adverse events. We aimed to understand which HCWs needed to take time off work post-vaccination, for which vaccine types and sequence, and how post-vaccination absence impacted uptake of booster doses in a cohort of 26,267 Canadian HCWs. By March 31, 2022, more than 98% had received at least two doses of the approved COVID-19 vaccines, following a two-dose mandate. We found that recent vaccination and longer intervals between doses were associated with significantly higher odds of time-loss, whereas being a medical resident and receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine were associated with lower odds. A history of lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with lower odds of receiving a booster dose compared with no documented infection, aOR 0.61 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.68). Similarly, taking sick time following the first or second dose was associated with lower odds of receiving a booster dose, aOR 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.90). As SARS-CoV-2 becomes endemic, the number and timing of additional doses for HCWs requires consideration of prevention of illness as well as service disruption from post-vaccination time-loss. Care should be taken to ensure adequate staffing if many HCWs are being vaccinated, especially for coverage for those who are more likely to need time off to recover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold I. Okpani
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Medical Practitioners Occupational Safety and Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen Lockhart
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer M. Grant
- Medical Practitioners Occupational Safety and Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephen Barker
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jocelyn A. Srigley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annalee Yassi
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Medical Practitioners Occupational Safety and Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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10
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Pouliasi II, Hadjikou A, Kouvari K, Heraclides A. Socioeconomic Inequalities in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Greece and Cyprus during the Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1301. [PMID: 37631869 PMCID: PMC10459981 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081301] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the rigorous investigation of the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy and refusal during the COVID-19 pandemic, the socioeconomic determinants of this phenomenon remain poorly investigated on a global scale. Following proportional quota sampling, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study. We recruited participants on-site and online from different settings, regions, and socioeconomic strata in two Eastern Mediterranean populations, Greece and Cyprus. Our approach provided a nationwide sample (n = 576) approaching the adult population structure of the two countries, with a slight underrepresentation of men and older people. Our results indicate clear socioeconomic differences in vaccine hesitancy and vaccination coverage, consistent with wider social inequalities in health. In particular, we reveal a clear socioeconomic gradient characterized by lower vaccine hesitancy and higher vaccination coverage, with increasing educational attainment and income. Additionally, participants residing in semi-urban areas show higher vaccine hesitancy and have lower vaccination coverage than those residing in urban and rural areas. Our results could inform Public Health approaches aiming to tackle the alarming phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy by enabling the targeting of population groups who are particularly vaccine-hesitant, rendering such approaches more targeted and effective while at the same time reducing inequalities in the control and prevention of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexandros Heraclides
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenis Str., 2404 Engomi, P.O. Box 22006, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus; (I.I.P.); (A.H.); (K.K.)
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11
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Hernández-Vásquez A, Vargas-Fernández R, Rojas-Roque C. Geographic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Full Coverage COVID-19 Vaccination in Peru: Findings from a National Population-Based Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1195. [PMID: 37515011 PMCID: PMC10385209 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071195] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that vaccination coverage against COVID-19 has made great progress in Peru, there is still a quarter of the population that has not been fully vaccinated. This study aims to determine the factors associated with complete vaccination in Peruvian adults. An analysis of the National Household Survey 2022 in Peru was performed. Prevalence ratios with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated to assess the factors associated with vaccination with three or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 58,471 participants were included in the study and 75.8% of the surveyed population were found to have received full vaccination. Significant differences in complete coverage were observed according to sex, age, educational level, ethnicity, poverty status, and geographic location. In the adjusted analysis, individuals aged 60 years or older, those with higher educational attainment, the non-poor, and those living in urban areas were more likely to be fully vaccinated. Native individuals and people who live in households without media are less likely to be fully covered. These results highlight the importance of considering demographic and socioeconomic factors when analyzing COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Additional strategies are needed to address vaccination gaps and ensure better vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Hernández-Vásquez
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima 15024, Peru
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12
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Liu H, Nowak GR, Wang J, Luo Z. A National Study of Marital Status Differences in Early Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine among Older Americans. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 8:69. [PMID: 37489317 PMCID: PMC10366868 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics8040069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We provide one of the first nationally representative studies to examine COVID-19 vaccine uptake differences by marital status within the first year after the vaccine was recommended among older Americans. Data were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2021). The study sample included 3180 participants aged 65 and older with 1846 women and 1334 men. Results from logistic regression models suggest that divorced/separated older adults were less likely to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 than their married counterparts, especially among women and individuals with higher education. Widowed and never married respondents were generally not significantly different from married respondents in COVID-19 vaccination status, with only one exception: less-educated never-married respondents were more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination than their less-educated married counterparts. Our study highlights divorce/separation as a significant social factor associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among older adults in the U.S. These findings suggest that divorced/separated older adults are the most vulnerable population segment at risk of low COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Future efforts to improve vaccine equity and uptake should target this group specifically, with tailored interventions to increase their access and uptake of the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, 509 E. Circle Drive 316, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (G.R.N.III); (J.W.)
| | - Gerald Roman Nowak
- Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, 509 E. Circle Drive 316, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (G.R.N.III); (J.W.)
| | - Juwen Wang
- Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, 509 E. Circle Drive 316, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (G.R.N.III); (J.W.)
| | - Zhehui Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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13
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Boing AF, Boing AC, Barberia L, Borges ME, Subramanian SV. Uncovering inequities in Covid-19 vaccine coverage for adults and elderly in Brazil: A multilevel study of 2021-2022 data. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00569-8. [PMID: 37221119 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.05.030] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is crucial for reducing severe COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, vaccine access disparities within countries, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, may leave disadvantaged regions and populations behind. This study aimed to investigate potential inequalities in vaccine coverage among Brazilian aged 18 years and older based on demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics at the municipal level. A total of 389 million vaccination records from the National Immunization Program Information System were analyzed to calculate vaccine coverage rates for the first, second, and booster doses among adults (18-59 years) and elderly (60 + years) vaccinated between January 2021 and December 2022. We analyzed the data by gender and used a three-level (municipalities, states, regions) multilevel regression analysis to assess the association between vaccine coverage and municipal characteristics. Vaccination coverage was higher among the elderly than among adults, particularly for the second and booster doses. Adult women showed higher coverage rates than men (ranging from 118 % to 25 % higher along the analyzed period). Significant inequalities were observed when analyzing the evolution of vaccination coverage by sociodemographic characteristics of municipalities. In the early stages of the vaccination campaign, municipalities with higher per capita Gross Domestic Product (pGDP), educational level, and fewer Black residents reached higher population coverages earlier. In December 2022, adult and elderly booster vaccine coverage was 43 % and 19 %, respectively, higher in municipalities in the highest quintile of educational level. Higher vaccine uptake was also observed in municipalities with fewer Black residents and higher pGDP. Municipalities accounted for most of the variance in vaccine coverage (59.7 %-90.4 % depending on the dose and age group). This study emphasizes the inadequate booster coverage and the presence of socioeconomic and demographic disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates. These issues must be addressed through equitable interventions to avoid potential disparities in morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fernando Boing
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Eng. Agronômico Andrei Cristian Ferreira Street, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Crispim Boing
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Eng. Agronômico Andrei Cristian Ferreira Street, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Lorena Barberia
- University of Sao Paulo, 1280 Prof. Almeida Prado Avenue, São Paulo, SP 05508-070, Brazil
| | | | - S V Subramanian
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Society, Human Development and Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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The effect of vaccine mandate announcements on vaccine uptake in Canada: An interrupted time series analysis. Vaccine 2023; 41:2932-2940. [PMID: 37019696 PMCID: PMC10068515 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction In 2021, the ten provinces in Canada enacted COVID-19 vaccine mandates that restricted access to non-essential businesses and services to those that could provide proof of full vaccination to decrease the risk of transmission and provide an incentive for vaccination. This analysis aims to examine the effects of vaccine mandate announcements on vaccine uptake over time by age group and province. Methods Aggregated data from the Canadian COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Surveillance System (CCVCSS) were used to measure vaccine uptake (defined as the weekly proportion of individuals who received at least one dose) among those 12 years and older following the announcement of vaccination requirements. We performed an interrupted time series analysis using a quasi-binomial autoregressive model adjusted for the weekly number of new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths to model the effect of mandate announcements on vaccine uptake. Additionally, counterfactuals were produced for each province and age group to estimate vaccine uptake without mandate implementation. Results The times series models demonstrated significant increases in vaccine uptake following mandate announcement in BC, AB, SK, MB, NS, and NL. No trends in the effect of mandate announcements were observed by age group. In AB and SK, counterfactual analysis showed that announcement were followed by 8 % and 7 % (310,890 and 71,711 people, respectively) increases in vaccination coverage over the following 10 weeks. In MB, NS, and NL, there was at least a 5 % (63,936, 44,054, and 29,814 people, respectively) increase in coverage. Lastly, BC announcements were followed by a 4 % (203,300 people) increase in coverage. Conclusion Vaccine mandate announcements could have increased vaccine uptake. However, it is difficult to interpret this effect within the larger epidemiological context. Effectiveness of the mandates can be affected by pre-existing levels of uptake, hesitancy, timing of announcements and local COVID-19 activity.
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