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Paschoalotto MAC, Cima J, Costa E, Valente de Almeida S, Gomes da Costa J, Santos JV, Passador CS, Passador JL, Barros PP. Politics and confidence toward the COVID-19 vaccination: A Brazilian cross-sectional study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2318139. [PMID: 38407171 PMCID: PMC10900266 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2318139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study has the aim of assessing the Brazilian perceptions, influencing factors and political positioning on the confidence concerning COVID-19 vaccination. To achieve the objective, the methods rely on a cross-sectional survey of Brazilian citizens, distributed through different social networks. The sample is composed of 1,670 valid responses, collected from almost all Brazilian states and state capitals. To analyze the data and give a clear view of the variables' relationship, the study used bivariate and comparative graphs. Results show a higher level of confidence in vaccines from Pfizer and AstraZeneca, while the lower level of confidence is associated with vaccines from Sinopharm and Sputinik5. Vaccine efficacy is the most significant influencing factor that helps in the decision to get vaccinated. Also, individuals are less willing to get vaccinated if their political preferences are related to the right-wing. The results led to three main health and social implications: i) the vaccination strategy campaigns should take in count vaccine efficacy and political aspects; ii) the vaccination process should be adapted to regions with different political positions; and iii) a reinforcement in the educational policies of the vaccine's importance to the public health, to avoid the politization of a health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antonio Catussi Paschoalotto
- School of Economics and Management, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Research Center in Political Science (CICP), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Cima
- Centre for Research in Economics and Management (NIPE), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Costa
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Joana Gomes da Costa
- Center for Economics and Finance; School of Economics and Management, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vasco Santos
- MEDCIDS - Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Public Health Unit, ACES Grande Porto VIII - Espinho/Gaia, ARS Norte, Porto, Portugal
| | - Claudia Souza Passador
- School of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Luiz Passador
- School of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pedro Pita Barros
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Kopilaš V, Nasadiuk K, Martinelli L, Lhotska L, Todorovic Z, Vidmar M, Machado H, Svalastog AL, Gajović S. Perspectives on the COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout in 17 Countries: Reflexive Thematic and Frequency Analysis Based on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Framework. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e44258. [PMID: 38373020 PMCID: PMC10896317 DOI: 10.2196/44258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the SARS-CoV-2 virus created a global pandemic and rapidly became an imminent threat to the health and lives of people worldwide, the need for a vaccine and its quick distribution among the population was evident. Due to the urgency, and on the back of international collaboration, vaccines were developed rapidly. However, vaccination rollouts showed different success rates in different countries and some also led to increased vaccine hesitancy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the role of information sharing and context sensitivity in various vaccination programs throughout the initial COVID-19 vaccination rollout in different countries. Moreover, we aimed to identify factors in national vaccination programs related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, safety, and effectiveness. Toward this end, multidisciplinary and multinational opinions from members of the Navigating Knowledge Landscape (NKL) network were analyzed. METHODS From May to July 2021, 25 completed questionnaires from 27 NKL network members were collected. These contributors were from 17 different countries. The responses reflected the contributors' subjective viewpoints on the status and details of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in their countries. Contributors were asked to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (ie, SWOT) of the respective vaccination programs. The responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, followed by frequency analysis of identified themes according to the represented countries. RESULTS The perspectives of NKL network members showed a link between organizational elements of the vaccination rollout and the accompanying societal response, both of which were related to strengths and weaknesses of the process. External sociocultural variables, improved public communication around vaccination-related issues, ethical controversies, and the spread of disinformation were the dominant themes related to opportunities and challenges. In the SWOT 2×2 matrix, Availability and Barriers emerged as internal categories, whereas Transparent communication and promotion and Societal divide emerged as key external categories. CONCLUSIONS Inventory of themes and categories inspired by elements of the SWOT framework provides an informative multidisciplinary perspective for effective implementation of public health strategies in the battle against COVID-19 or any future pandemics of a similar nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Kopilaš
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Khrystyna Nasadiuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | | | - Lenka Lhotska
- Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zoran Todorovic
- University Hospital Medical Center "Bežanijska kosa", Belgrade,
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade,
| | - Matjaz Vidmar
- Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Machado
- Institute for Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Anna Lydia Svalastog
- Østfold University College, Halden, Norway
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Srećko Gajović
- BIMIS-Biomedical Research Center Šalata, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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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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Alam Z, Mohamed S, Nauman J, Al-Rifai RH, Ahmed LA, Elbarazi I. Hesitancy toward vaccination against COVID-19: A scoping review of prevalence and associated factors in the Arab world. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2245720. [PMID: 37594508 PMCID: PMC10443971 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2245720] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite widespread availability of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), its uptake in many Arab countries is relatively low. This literature review aimed to scope evidence on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH) in the Arab world. A total of 134 articles reporting prevalence of COVID-19 VH and associated factors, conducted in any of the 22 Arab League countries, were reviewed. COVID-19 VH prevalence ranged from 5.4% to 83.0%. Female gender, young age, low education level and lack of previous influenza vaccine uptake were most commonly reported to be associated with COVID-19 VH. The most-reported personal concerns contributing toward VH were related to the rapid development, safety and side effects of vaccine, as well as an overall lack of trust in government policies toward pandemic control and widespread conspiracy theories. Tailored interventions to enable the distribution of trusted information and enhance public acceptance of immunization are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zufishan Alam
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salma Mohamed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Javaid Nauman
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL-PIVOT) Network, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Luai A. Ahmed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Sakr R, Helou M, Hamieh C, Estephan M, Chrabieh R, Salameh P, Khazen G, Kolanjian H, Jabbour E, Husni R. Perception of the Lebanese Adults about Vaccination: A Survey. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030621. [PMID: 36992205 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: With the continuous spread and emergence of transmissible diseases, focusing on preventive measures is essential to decrease their incidence and spread. In addition to behavioral measures, vaccination is an optimal way to protect the population and eradicate infectious diseases. The majority are aware of children’s vaccinations, while many might not know that adult vaccinations are also essential. Objectives: This study aims to understand the perception of Lebanese adults towards vaccination and their knowledge and awareness of its importance. This is a national cross-sectional study, conducted between January 2020 and January 2021. Results: the data were collected from 1023 subjects, the majority being Lebanese, previously healthy, and with a graduate or post-graduate level of education. Out of these participants, 44.9% were advised to take vaccines, half of them by healthcare workers. The most common vaccine received during adult life is the Flu vaccine. Overall, 25.6% of the participants were unaware that they needed vaccines and 27.9% thought it is not indicated. Participants’ knowledge about vaccination is variable. In total, 39.4% agree or are uncertain whether vaccines contain harmful chemicals and 48.4% believe that vaccines will trigger diseases. The level of education and occupation significantly enhances knowledge about vaccination. Some participants 27.3% are concerned about the vaccine’s side effects. The group of young participants, graduates, and nonsmokers think that the vaccine is a necessity and had a positive attitude towards vaccination. Conclusions: Many Lebanese lack knowledge about adult vaccination protection and its benefits in the community. It is essential that the country’s health ministry department collaborate with the healthcare system to launch awareness campaigns about adult vaccination in the country to overcome the barriers and ensure better coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Sakr
- Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Division of Family Medicine, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mariana Helou
- Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Division of Emergency Medicine, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Cima Hamieh
- Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Division of Family Medicine, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Michelle Estephan
- Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Division of Emergency Medicine, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Remie Chrabieh
- Department of Dermatology, Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Georges Khazen
- Computer Science and Mathematics Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Harout Kolanjian
- Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Elsy Jabbour
- Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Division of Emergency Medicine, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Rola Husni
- Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
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