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Fontenot HB, Quist KM, Glauberman G, Michel A, Zimet G. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social media utilization, influences related to parental vaccine decision making, and opinions on trustworthy social media vaccination campaigns: A qualitative analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2311476. [PMID: 38356267 PMCID: PMC10878019 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2311476] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a continued need for research to better understand the influence social media has on parental vaccination attitudes and behaviors, especially research capturing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this study was to explore parents' perspectives related to the impact the pandemic had on 1) social media engagement, 2) vaccine messaging on social media, and 3) factors to guide future intervention development. Between February and March 2022, 6 online, synchronous, text-based focus groups were conducted with parents of adolescents aged 11 to 17 years. Participants who all utilized social media were recruited from across the United States. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. A total of 64 parents participated. Average age was 47 years, and participants were predominantly White (71.9%), female (84.3%), and engaged with social media multiple times per day (51.6%). Participants (95.3%) viewed obtaining all recommended vaccines as important or very important; however, overall vaccination rates for their adolescents were varied (50% ≥1 dose HPV; 59.4% MenACWY; 78.1% Tdap; 65.6% Flu; 81.3% COVID-19). Three themes emerged highlighting the pandemic's impact on parent's (1) general patterns of social media use, (2) engagement about vaccines on social media and off-line behaviors related to vaccination, and (3) perspectives for developing a credible and trustworthy social media intervention about vaccination. Participants reported fatigue from contentious vaccine-related content on social media and desired future messaging to be from recognizable health institutions/associations with links to reputable resources. Plus, providers should continue to provide strong vaccine recommendations in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin M. Quist
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gary Glauberman
- School of Nursing, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Alexandra Michel
- School of Nursing, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Gregory Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Olani Kuta A, Dida N. Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy and its predictors among diabetic patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305200. [PMID: 38976683 PMCID: PMC11230570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding and addressing the concerns of vaccine-hesitant individuals, including those with chronic diseases, is key to increasing vaccine acceptance and uptake. However, in Ethiopia, there is limited evidence on the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and predictor variables among diabetic patients. Hence, the study aimed to assess Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Predictor variables among Diabetic Patients on Follow-Up at Public Hospitals in Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia. METHOD Facility based cross sectional study was conducted among 422 diabetic patients attending public hospitals at Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia between January, to February, 2023. Study participants were recruited by systematic random sampling. The data were collected interviewee administered pre-tested structured survey questioner. The collected data were entered and cleaned using Epi-Data software 4.6 version. The cleaned data were analyzed using SPSS. 25.0 Statical software. Descriptive statistics like frequency, mean and percentage, and binary logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy and association between variables were declared at p-value of 0.05. RESULT The overall magnitude of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 15.2% (95% CI: 11.6-18.7). The top three listed reasons for the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were: negative information about the vaccine (32.90%), lack of enough information (21.80%), and vaccine safety concern (19.40%). The hesitancy of the COVID-19 vaccination uptake among diabetes patients was independently influenced by age between 40-49 (Adjusted Odd Ratio [AOR] = 4.52(1.04-19.66)), having vaccine awareness (AOR = 0.029(0.001-0.86)), having a great deal of trust on vaccine development (AOR = 0.028(0.002-0.52)), and a fear amount trust (AOR = 0.05(0.003-0.79)) on the vaccine preparation, vaccinated for COVID-19 (AOR = 0.13(0.04-0.51)), perceived exposure to COVID-19 infection after having the vaccine as strongly agree/agree (AOR = 0.03(0.01-0.17))and neither agree nor disagree (AOR = 0.07(0.02-0.30)). CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among diabetic patients was relatively low. The identified independent predictors were age, vaccine awareness, COVID-19 vaccination history, awareness on vaccine preparation and exposure status to COVID-19 infection. The relevant agency should focus on efforts to translating these high levels of vaccine acceptance into actual uptake, through targeting identifying predictor variables and vaccine availability for a high-risk diabetes patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aberash Olani Kuta
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Rift Valley University, Ambo Campus, Ambo, Ethiopia
- Student Services Unit, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Nagasa Dida
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Rift Valley University, Ambo Campus, Ambo, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Medicine and Health Science College, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
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Huang MF, Yeh YC, Liu TL, Hsiao RC, Chen CS, Yen CF. Factors Related to Caregivers' Intention to Vaccinate Their Elderly Family Members with Major Neurocognitive Disorders against COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:668. [PMID: 38932397 PMCID: PMC11209509 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060668] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination helps reduce the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in elderly individuals with major neurocognitive disorders (MNDs). However, some caregivers are hesitant to have their elderly family members with MNDs vaccinated against COVID-19. This study explored the factors influencing caregivers' intentions to vaccinate elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19. A total of 232 caregivers of elderly family members with MNDs participated in this study. In this survey, data regarding COVID-19 vaccination acceptance, fear, side effects, family members' attitudes toward vaccination, mental health status, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairments were collected from the elderly participants with MNDs. The associations between these variables and the caregivers' intention to vaccinate their elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19 were examined using a multivariable linear regression analysis model. The results revealed that caregivers' perceived familial support for vaccination, the perceived value of vaccination, and autonomy to vaccinate elder family members were positively correlated with caregivers' intention to vaccinate elderly family members with MNDs, whereas elderly family members' age was negatively correlated with caregiver intentions. This study demonstrated that caregiver factors (perceived familial support, value of vaccination, and autonomy) and elderly family members' age were correlated with caregiver intention. These factors should be considered in developing interventions to enhance caregivers' intentions to vaccinate their elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Feng Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80754, Taiwan; (M.-F.H.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Yeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80754, Taiwan; (M.-F.H.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Ling Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80754, Taiwan; (M.-F.H.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ray C. Hsiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Cheng-Sheng Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80754, Taiwan; (M.-F.H.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80754, Taiwan; (M.-F.H.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- College of Professional Studies, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
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Ju I, Chavda BP, Song H. Media Influence on Bystander Intervention for Health Protective Norms: The Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction Perspective. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 29:347-356. [PMID: 38745474 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2024.2352535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Drawing upon the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (IM) and the Bystander Intervention Model, this study investigates the impact of media health information on individuals' intentions to address violations of health norms, specifically noncompliance with mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our survey results (n=1,426) indicate a positive correlation between seeking health information from the media and the intention to confront norm violators regarding mask-wearing. This correlation is mediated through three intermediary pathways: attitudes, normative beliefs, and perceived behavioral control. These discoveries address a previously unexplored area concerning pro-social health behaviors, bystander intervention, and contribute to the field of health communication by linking them to research on media influences. Combining media and peer interventions could lead to more effective health outcomes. The discussion covers both theoretical and practical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilwoo Ju
- Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Bhakti Pankaj Chavda
- Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Hwanseok Song
- Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Al‐Haddad HS, Mossa HAL, Muhammed AA, Jumaah AS, McAllister KA, Yasseen AA. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes at a fertility center in Iraq: A prospective cohort study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2142. [PMID: 38784253 PMCID: PMC11112633 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2142] [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] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major public health problem that requires preventative vaccines. However, there is vaccine hesitancy among women of reproductive age in Iraq. This study aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 vaccination effects on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and related fertility parameters. Methods The study population comprised 54 infertile patients undergoing the ICSI procedure at a fertility clinic: vaccinated (n = 17) and non-vaccinated (n = 37). SARS-CoV-2-IgG/mL was assayed in follicular fluid from patients. Fertility parameters were assessed using oocyte and embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes between study groups, with respect to the time interval from vaccination to ova pick up. Results There were no significant differences between non-vaccinated and vaccinated groups in respect of oocytes quality with regard to the mean number of picked up oocytes (p = 0.564), abnormal oocyte (p = 0.827), oocytes metaphase I and II (p = 0.306; p = 0.165), germinal vesicles (p = 0.076), grade I, II, and III fertilized oocytes (p > 0.05), and for maturation rate (p = 0.13). There were also no significant differences (p > 0.05) in embryo quality parameters with the mean number of grade I, II, and III fertilized oocytes and the fertilization rate, the number of transferred embryo (0.086). There were no significant differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups with respect to follicular fluid SARS-CoV-2-IgG (p = 0.854), and pregnancy outcomes (p = 0.550). Conclusions The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine has no effect on ICSI, fertility parameters, and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alaa Salah Jumaah
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of KufaIraq
| | | | - Akeel Abed Yasseen
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of KufaIraq
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Huang HY, Gerend MA. The role of trust, vaccine information exposure, and Health Belief Model variables in COVID-19 vaccination intentions: Evidence from an HBCU sample. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:621-632. [PMID: 38312019 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241227388] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
African Americans have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines were initially met with hesitancy from the African American community. This study identified predictors of COVID-19 vaccination intentions among students attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) when COVID-19 vaccines first became available. Unvaccinated students (N = 224) completed a survey. Path analysis modeled relationships among exogenous variables (trust, exposure to pro- and anti-vaccine information), proposed mediators (Health Belief Model variables), and COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Students reported low trust in government officials, medical professionals, and the vaccine development process. Direct predictors of vaccination intentions included trust, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. Students with lower trust reported lower benefits, increased concerns about side effects, and were more likely to view COVID-19 vaccination as low priority, and these factors in turn predicted intentions. Findings highlight the urgent need for theory-driven, culturally sensitive, age-relevant messaging to reduce vaccine hesitancy among Black young adults.
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Shahoy S, Du M, Mostafa O, Parker A, Martirano D, Owens MT. Undergraduate-level biology students' application of central dogma to understand COVID mRNA vaccines. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2024; 25:e0016723. [PMID: 38661396 PMCID: PMC11044620 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00167-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the importance of mRNA vaccines. The mechanism for how such vaccines work is related to the core biology topic of the central dogma, which students often misunderstand despite its importance. Therefore, we wanted to know whether students can apply their biology knowledge of central dogma to the real-world issue of how mRNA COVID vaccines work. Accordingly, we asked college biology students of different expertise levels how the COVID vaccine worked. Later, we cued them by telling them the vaccine contains mRNA and asked them what the mRNA does. We used thematic analysis to find common ideas in their responses. In the uncued condition, fewer than half of the students used central dogma-related ideas to explain what was in the vaccine or how the vaccine worked. Inaccurate ideas were present among all groups of biology students, particularly entering biology majors and non-biology majors, including the idea that the COVID vaccines contain a weakened, dead, or variant form of the COVID virus. After students were cued, many more students in all expertise groups expressed central dogma-related themes, showing that students could apply the knowledge of central dogma if prompted. Advanced biology majors were much more likely to state that the vaccines code for a viral protein, indicating their advanced application of central dogma concepts. These results highlight inaccurate ideas common among students and show changes in the ability to apply knowledge with student expertise level, which could inform future interventions to support student learning about vaccines and central dogma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saya Shahoy
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michelle Du
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ola Mostafa
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Aliyah Parker
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Dylan Martirano
- Department of Psychology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Melinda T. Owens
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Program in Mathematics and Science Education, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Tsao SF, Chen H, Butt ZA. Validating part of the social media infodemic listening conceptual framework using structural equation modelling. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102544. [PMID: 38516101 PMCID: PMC10955635 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The literature has identified various factors that promote or hinder people's intentions towards COVID-19 vaccination, and structural equation modelling (SEM) is a common approach to validate these associations. We propose a conceptual framework called social media infodemic listening (SoMeIL) for public health behaviours. Hypothesizing parameters retrieved from social media platforms can be used to infer people's intentions towards vaccination behaviours. This study preliminarily validates several components of the SoMeIL conceptual framework using SEM and Twitter data and examines the feasibility of using Twitter data in SEM research. Methods A total of 2420 English tweets in Toronto or Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, were collected from March 8 to June 30, 2021. Confirmatory factor analysis and SEM were applied to validate the SoMeIL conceptual framework in this cross-sectional study. Findings The results showed that sentiment scores, the log-numbers of favourites and retweets of a tweet, and the log-numbers of a user's favourites, followers, and public lists had significant direct associations with COVID-19 vaccination intention. The sentiment score of a tweet had the strongest relationship, whereas a user's number of followers had the weakest relationship with the intention of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Interpretation The findings preliminarily validate several components of the SoMeIL conceptual framework by testing associations between self-reported COVID-19 vaccination intention and sentiment scores and the log-numbers of a tweet's favourites and retweets as well as users' favourites, followers, and public lists. This study also demonstrates the feasibility of using Twitter data in SEM research. Importantly, this study preliminarily validates the use of these six components as online reaction behaviours in the SoMeIL framework to infer the self-reported COVID-19 vaccination intentions of Canadian Twitter users in two cities. Funding This study was supported by the 2023-24 Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Feng Tsao
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen Chen
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zahid A. Butt
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Sayed AA. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and attitudes of subjects with disability and their carers in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1282581. [PMID: 38481833 PMCID: PMC10933131 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1282581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to countries worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. The fast preventative measures and the mass vaccine enrollment were vital to contain the pandemic in the country. However, vaccine hesitancy was a significant obstacle to taking the vaccine but was not previously explored. One hundred eighty-six subjects with disabilities were enrolled in this study in an attempt to explore their hesitancy and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. Most participants were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and had a close family who was also diagnosed with it. Most of them were willing to be vaccinated but had not received previous vaccinations. Official sources of information, e.g., TV/radio, were an essential factor driving their intention to get vaccinated. Beliefs that drove participants' vaccine acceptance included vaccine safety, sufficient testing before its release, and its ability to protect from infection. The results of this seminal study provide insights to public health policymakers, which should be considered and taken together in light of other studies addressing the population's vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar A. Sayed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
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Zimba O, Gasparyan AY, Qumar AB. Ethics for Disseminating Health-Related Information on YouTube. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e93. [PMID: 38412615 PMCID: PMC10896703 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olena Zimba
- Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine.
| | - Armen Yuri Gasparyan
- Departments of Rheumatology and Research and Development, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching Trust of the University of Birmingham, UK), Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK
| | - Ainur B Qumar
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Gulliford MC, Steves CJ. Access to COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19-related hospital admissions and mortality. Lancet 2024; 403:508-509. [PMID: 38237626 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02622-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Gulliford
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Claire J Steves
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
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Sinuraya RK, Nuwarda RF, Postma MJ, Suwantika AA. Vaccine hesitancy and equity: lessons learned from the past and how they affect the COVID-19 countermeasure in Indonesia. Global Health 2024; 20:11. [PMID: 38321478 PMCID: PMC10845639 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00987-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Indonesia has made progress in increasing vaccine coverage, but equitable access remains challenging, especially in remote areas. Despite including vaccines in the National Immunization Program (NIP), coverage has not met WHO and UNICEF targets, with childhood immunization decreasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination has also experienced hesitancy, slowing efforts to end the pandemic. SCOPE This article addresses the issue of vaccine hesitancy and its impact on vaccination initiatives amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This article utilizes the vaccine hesitancy framework to analyze previous outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and their underlying causes, ultimately providing recommendations for addressing the current situation. The analysis considers the differences between the pre-pandemic circumstances and the present and considers the implementation of basic and advanced strategies. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION Vaccine hesitancy is a significant challenge in the COVID-19 pandemic, and public health campaigns and community engagement efforts are needed to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake. Efforts to address vaccine hesitancy promote trust in healthcare systems and increase the likelihood of individuals seeking preventive health services. Vaccine hesitancy requires a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach that considers local contexts and realities. Strategies should be tailored to specific cultural and societal contexts and monitored and evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rano K Sinuraya
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Ir. Soekarno KM 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, 45363, Indonesia
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Rina F Nuwarda
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Maarten J Postma
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Economics, Econometrics & Finance, Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Auliya A Suwantika
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Ir. Soekarno KM 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, 45363, Indonesia.
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia.
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Yew SQ, Trivedi D, Adanan NIH, Chew BH. Facilitators and barriers of digital health technologies implementation in hospital settings in lower-income and middle-income countries since the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078508. [PMID: 38296272 PMCID: PMC10831434 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The implementation of digital health technologies (DHTs) in hospitals worldwide has been uneven since the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambiguity in defining the landscape of DHTs adds to the complexity of this process. To address these challenges, this scoping review aims to identify the facilitators and barriers of implementing DHTs in hospitals in lower-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) since COVID-19, describe the DHTs that have been adopted in hospital settings in LMIC during this period, and develop a comprehensive classification framework to define the landscape of DHTs implemented in LMIC. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and grey literature. Descriptive statistics will be used to report the characteristics of included studies. The facilitators and barriers to DHTs implementation, gathered from both quantitative and qualitative data, will be synthesised using a parallel-results convergent synthesis design. A thematic analysis, employing an inductive approach, will be conducted to categorise these facilitators and barriers into coherent themes. Additionally, we will identify and categorise all available DHTs based on their equipment types and methods of operation to develop an innovative classification framework. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Formal ethical approval is not required, as primary data collection is not involved in this study. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and meetings with key stakeholders and partners in the field of digital health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Qian Yew
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Fakulti Perubatan, Cheras, Federal Territory of Kual, Malaysia
| | - Daksha Trivedi
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Boon How Chew
- Department of Family Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Makonokaya L, Kapanda L, Maphosa T, Kalitera LU, Machekano R, Nkhoma H, Chamanga R, Zimba SB, Mwale AC, Maida A, Woelk G. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine receipt among mobile phone users in Malawi: Findings from a national mobile-based syndromic surveillance survey, July 2021-April 2022. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002722. [PMID: 38206893 PMCID: PMC10783752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Malawi recommended COVID-19 vaccines for adults aged ≥18 years in March 2021. We assessed factors associated with receiving COVID-19 vaccines in Malawi as part of a telephone-based syndromic surveillance survey. We conducted telephone-based syndromic surveillance surveys with questions on COVID-19 vaccine receipt among adults (≥18 years old) upon verbal consent from July 2021 to April 2022. We used random digit dialing to select mobile phone numbers and employed electronic data collection forms on secure tablets. Survey questions included whether the respondent had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. We used multivariable analysis to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine receipt. Of the 51,577 participants enrolled; 65.7% were male. Males were less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than females (AOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80-0.86). Compared to those aged 18-24 years, older age had increased odds of vaccine receipt: 25-34 years (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.24-1.40), 35-44 years (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.88-2.13), 45-54 years (AOR 3.02, 95% CI 2.82-3.24), 55-64 years (AOR 3.24, 95% CI 2.93-3.57) and 65 years+ (AOR 3.98, 95% CI 3.52-4.49). Respondents without formal education were less likely to receive vaccination compared to those with primary (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14-1.48), secondary (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.55-2.01), and tertiary (AOR 3.37, 95% CI 2.95-3.86) education. Respondents who thought COVID-19 vaccines were unsafe were less likely to receive vaccination than those who thought it was very safe (AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.25-0.28). Residents of the Central and Southern regions had reduced odds of vaccine receipt compared to those in the North (AORs 0.79, (95% CI 0.74-0.84) and 0.55, (95% CI 0.52-0.58) respectively). Radio (72.6%), health facilities (52.1%), and social media (16.0%) were the more common self-reported sources of COVID-19 vaccine information. COVID-19 vaccine receipt is associated with gender, age, education, and residence. It is important to consider these factors when implementing COVID-19 vaccination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lester Kapanda
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Thulani Maphosa
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Rhoderick Machekano
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Harrid Nkhoma
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Rachel Chamanga
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Suzgo B. Zimba
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Alice Maida
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Godfrey Woelk
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
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15
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White BK, Wilhelm E, Ishizumi A, Abeyesekera S, Pereira A, Yau B, Kuzmanovic A, Nguyen T, Briand S, Purnat TD. Informing social media analysis for public health: a cross-sectional survey of professionals. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:1. [PMID: 38167141 PMCID: PMC10759433 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01230-z] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, the field of infodemic management has grown in response to urgent global need. Social listening is the first step in managing the infodemic, and many organizations and health systems have implemented processes. Social media analysis tools have traditionally been developed for commercial purposes, rather than public health, and little is known of the experiences and needs of those professionals using them for infodemic management. METHODS We developed a cross sectional survey and distributed through global infodemic management networks between December 2022 and February 2023. Questions were structured over four sections related to work-practice and user needs and did not collect any personal details from participants. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the study results. Qualitative analysis was used to categorise and understand answers to open-text questions. RESULTS There were 417 participants, 162/417 who completed all survey questions, and 255/417 who completed some, all responses are included in analysis. Respondents came from all global regions and a variety of workplaces. Participants had an average of 4.4 years' experience in the analysis of social media for public health. COVID-19 was the most common health issue people had conducted social media analysis for. Results reveal a range of training, technical capacity, and support needs. CONCLUSIONS This paper is the first we are aware of to seek and describe the needs of those using social media analysis platforms for public health purposes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are key areas for future work and research, including addressing the training, capacity building and leadership needs of those working in this space, and the need to facilitate easier access to better platforms for performing social media analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky K White
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Wilhelm
- Visiting Scholar, University of Memphis School of Public Health, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Atsuyoshi Ishizumi
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Alhassan Pereira
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brian Yau
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Tim Nguyen
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Briand
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tina D Purnat
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
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16
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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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17
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Hennessy M, Bleakley A, Langbaum JB. Tracking COVID-19 vaccination expectancies and vaccination refusal in the United States. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:297-316. [PMID: 36809232 PMCID: PMC10440367 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2181977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
To identify factors that predict COVID-19 vaccination refusal and show how expectancies affect vaccination acceptance for non-vaccinated adults, we used a monthly repeated cross-sectional sample from June/2021 to October/2021 to collect data on vaccination behaviors and predictor variables for 2,116 US adults over 50 years of age. Selection bias modeling - which is required when data availability is a result of behavioral choice - predicts two outcomes: (1) no vaccination vs. vaccination for the entire sample and (2) the effects of expectancy indices predicting vaccination Refuser vs. vaccination Accepters for the unvaccinated group. Vaccine refusers were younger and less educated, endorsed common misconceptions about the COVID-19 epidemic, and were Black. Vaccination expectancies were related to vaccination refusal in the unvaccinated eligible group: negative expectancies increased vaccine refusal, while positive expectancies decreased it. We conclude that behavior-related expectancies (as opposed to more stable psychological traits) are important to identify because they are often modifiable and provide a point of intervention, not just for COVID-19 vaccination acceptance but also for other positive health behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hennessy
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Amy Bleakley
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
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18
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Hansen RK, Baiju N, Gabarron E. Social Media as an Effective Provider of Quality-Assured and Accurate Information to Increase Vaccine Rates: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e50276. [PMID: 38147375 PMCID: PMC10777282 DOI: 10.2196/50276] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination programs are instrumental in prolonging and improving people's lives by preventing diseases such as measles, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and influenza from escalating into fatal epidemics. Despite the significant impact of these programs, a substantial number of individuals, including 20 million infants annually, lack sufficient access to vaccines. Therefore, it is imperative to raise awareness about vaccination programs. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the potential utilization of social media, assessing its scalability and robustness in delivering accurate and reliable information to individuals who are contemplating vaccination decisions for themselves or on behalf of their children. METHODS The protocol for this review is registered in PROSPERO (identifier CRD42022304229) and is being carried out in compliance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Comprehensive searches have been conducted in databases including MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health), CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Google Scholar. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were deemed eligible for inclusion in this study. The target population encompasses the general public, including adults, children, and adolescents. The defined interventions comprise platforms facilitating 2-way communication for sharing information. These interventions were compared against traditional interventions and teaching methods, referred to as the control group. The outcomes assessed in the included studies encompassed days unvaccinated, vaccine acceptance, and the uptake of vaccines compared with baseline. The studies underwent a risk-of-bias assessment utilizing the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for RCTs, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) assessment. RESULTS This review included 10 studies, detailed in 12 articles published between 2012 and 2022, conducted in the United States, China, Jordan, Australia, and Israel. The studies involved platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and non-general-purpose social media. The outcomes examined in these studies focused on the uptake of vaccines compared with baseline, vaccine acceptance, and the number of days individuals remained unvaccinated. The overall sample size for this review was 26,286, with individual studies ranging from 58 to 21,592 participants. The effect direction plot derived from articles of good and fair quality indicated a nonsignificant outcome (P=.12). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that, in a real-world scenario, an equal number of positive and negative results may be expected due to the interventions' impact on the acceptance and uptake of vaccines. Nevertheless, there is a rationale for accumulating experience to optimize the use of social media with the aim of enhancing vaccination rates. Social media can serve as a tool with the potential to disseminate information and boost vaccination rates within a population. However, relying solely on social media is not sufficient, given the complex structures at play in vaccine acceptance. Effectiveness hinges on various factors working in tandem. It is crucial that authorized personnel closely monitor and moderate discussions on social media to ensure responsible and accurate information dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita-Kristin Hansen
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nikita Baiju
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Elia Gabarron
- Department of Education, ICT and Learning, Østfold University College, Halden, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, Tromsø, Norway
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19
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Taruvinga T, Chingono RS, Marambire E, Larsson L, Olaru ID, Sibanda S, Nzvere F, Redzo N, Ndhlovu CE, Rusakaniko S, Mujuru H, Sibanda E, Chonzi P, Siamuchembu M, Chikodzore R, Mahomva A, Ferrand RA, Dixon J, Kranzer K. Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe: A mixed methods study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002256. [PMID: 38127934 PMCID: PMC10734954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
With COVID-19 no longer categorized as a public health emergency of international concern, vaccination strategies and priority groups for vaccination have evolved. Africa Centres for Diseases Prevention and Control proposed the '100-100-70%' strategy which aims to vaccinate all healthcare workers, all vulnerable groups, and 70% of the general population. Understanding whether healthcare workers were reached during previous vaccination campaigns and what can be done to address concerns, anxieties, and other influences on vaccine uptake, will be important to optimally plan how to achieve these ambitious targets. In this mixed-methods study, between June 2021 and July 2022 a quantitative survey was conducted with healthcare workers accessing a comprehensive health check in Zimbabwe to determine whether and, if so, when they had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Healthcare workers were categorized as those who had received the vaccine 'early' (before 30.06.2021) and those who had received it 'late' (after 30.06.2021). In addition, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted to understand perceptions and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 3,086 healthcare workers employed at 43 facilities who participated in the study, 2,986 (97%, 95% CI [92%-100%]) reported that they had received at least one vaccine dose. Geographical location, older age, higher educational attainment and having a chronic condition was associated with receiving the vaccine early. Qualitatively, (mis)information, infection risk perception, quasi-mandatory vaccination requirements, and legitimate concerns such as safety and efficacy influenced vaccine uptake. Meeting the proposed 100-100-70 target entails continued emphasis on strong communication while engaging meaningfully with healthcare workers' concerns. Mandatory vaccination may undermine trust and should not be a substitute for sustained engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinotenda Taruvinga
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Africa Centres for Diseases Prevention and Control (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Rudo S. Chingono
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edson Marambire
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Leyla Larsson
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Ioana D. Olaru
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sibusisiwe Sibanda
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Farirai Nzvere
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nicole Redzo
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chiratidzo E. Ndhlovu
- Internal Medicine Unit, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hilda Mujuru
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edwin Sibanda
- Bulawayo City Council Health Department, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Maphios Siamuchembu
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Provincial Medical Directorate, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Rudo Chikodzore
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Department of Epidemiology and Diseases Control, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Agnes Mahomva
- National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Office of the President, and Cabinet, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rashida A. Ferrand
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Dixon
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Khan S, Biswas MR, Shah Z. Longitudinal analysis of behavioral factors and techniques used to identify vaccine hesitancy among Twitter users: Scoping review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2278377. [PMID: 37981842 PMCID: PMC10760397 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2278377] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
While vaccines have played a pivotal role in the fight against infectious diseases, individuals engage in online resources to find vaccine-related support and information. The benefits and consequences of these online peers are unclear and mainly cause a behavioral shift in user sentiment toward vaccination. This scoping review aims to identify the community and individual factors that longitudinally influence public behavior toward vaccination. The secondary aim is to gain insight into techniques and methodologies used to extract these factors from Twitter data. We followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines to search various online repositories. From this search process, a total of 28 most relevant articles out of 705 relevant studies. Three main themes emerged including individual and community factors influencing public attitude toward vaccination, and techniques employed to identify these factors. Anti-vax, Pro-vax, and neutral are the major communities, while misinformation, vaccine campaign, and user demographics are the common individual factors assessed during this reviewing process. Twitter user sentiment (positive, negative, and neutral) and emotions (fear, trust, sadness) were also discussed to identify the intentions to accept or refuse vaccines. SVM, LDA, BERT are the techniques used for topic modeling, while Louvain, NodeXL, and Infomap algorithms are used for community detection. This research is notable for being the first systematic review that emphasizes the dearth of longitudinal studies and the methodological and underlying practical constraints underpinning the lucrative implementation of an explainable and longitudinal behavior analysis system. Moreover, new possible research directions are suggested for the researchers to perform accurate human behavior analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Khan
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Md. Rafiul Biswas
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zubair Shah
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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21
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Park C, Vagoyan Zabala P, Irene Trisnadi A. COVID-19 vaccine or booster hesitancy among children aged 6 month-5 years, 5-11 years, and 12-17 years in the United States: An analytic cross-sectional study. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102436. [PMID: 37822978 PMCID: PMC10562834 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102436] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increased accessibility of COVID-19 vaccine, many households have had concerns when vaccinating children, leading to vaccine hesitancy. This study examined the COVID-19 vaccine and booster hesitancy among children aged 6 months-5 years, 5-11 years, and 12-17 years in the United States. We analyzed data from Phase 3.8 (March 1, 2023 to May 8, 2023) of the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) collected by the U.S. Census Bureau. We conducted survey-weighted multiple logistic regression models in vaccine hesitancy among respondents with children from those three different age groups, controlling for various demographic factors such as COVID-19 vaccination status, COVID-19 positive test results, race/ethnicity, gender at birth, age, region, marital status, educational attainment, household income, health insurance, and children's school type. The percentage of respondents indicating hesitancy towards vaccinating their children (expressing uncertainty, probably not, or definitely not) decreased as their children's age increased. Specifically, the proportion was 57.4% for children aged 6 months-5 years, 43.3% for children aged 5-11 years, and 25.9% for children aged 12-17 years. Concerns about possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine were the most prevalent among respondents who expressed vaccine hesitancy, regardless of the level of hesitancy, while those with strong hesitancy showed higher proportions of not believing their children need a vaccine, lack of trust in COVID-19 vaccines and the government, and parents/guardians not vaccinating their children. This study provide insight into our current situation, aiming to build assurance among households regarding the efficacy and benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for children of all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulwoo Park
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Pyramida Vagoyan Zabala
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Airi Irene Trisnadi
- Department of Psychology, San José State University, San Jose, CA, United States
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22
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Valdez D, Soto-Vásquez AD, Montenegro MS. Geospatial vaccine misinformation risk on social media: Online insights from an English/Spanish natural language processing (NLP) analysis of vaccine-related tweets. Soc Sci Med 2023; 339:116365. [PMID: 37984184 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116365] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Misinformation is known to affect norms, attitudes, and intentions to engage with healthy behaviors. Evidence strongly supports that Spanish speakers may be particularly affected by misinformation and its outcomes, yet current insights into the scope and scale of misinformation is primarily ethnocentric, with greater emphasis on English-language design. OBJECTIVE This study applies Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze a corpus of English/Spanish tweets about vaccines, broadly defined, for misinformation indicators. METHODS We analyzed NEnglish = 247,140 and NSpanish = 104,445 tweets using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic models with Coherence score calculation (model fit) with a Mallet adjustment (topic optimization). We used informal coding to name computer-identified topics and compare misinformation scope and scale between languages. RESULTS The LDA analysis yielded a 12-topic solution for English and a 14-topic solution for Spanish. Both corpora contained overlapping misinformation, including uncertainty of research guiding policy recommendations or standing in support of antivax movements. However, the Spanish data were positioned in a global context, where misinformation was directed at government equity and disparate vaccine distribution. CONCLUSION Our findings support that misinformation is a global issue. However, misinformation may vary depending on culture and language. As such, tailored strategies to combat misinformation in digital planes are strongly encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Valdez
- Indiana University School of Public Health, Department of Applied Health Science, 1025 E 7th Street, 116 F, Bloomington, IN, 47403, USA.
| | - Arthur D Soto-Vásquez
- Texas A&M International University, Department of Psychology and Communication, 5201 University Blvd, Laredo, TX, 78041, USA.
| | - María S Montenegro
- Indiana University, Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies, 355 Eagleson Ave, 2132, Bloomington, IN, 47403, USA.
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23
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Sallam M, Abbasi H, Obeidat RJ, Badayneh R, Alkhashman F, Obeidat A, Oudeh D, Uqba Z, Mahafzah A. Unraveling the association between vaccine attitude, vaccine conspiracies and self-reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination among nurses and physicians in Jordan. Vaccine X 2023; 15:100405. [PMID: 38161986 PMCID: PMC10755110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The negative impact of vaccine conspiracies is linked with negative health behavior. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between attitudes toward booster COVID-19, influenza, and monkeypox (mpox) vaccinations with post-COVID-19 vaccine side effects, vaccine conspiracies, and attitude towards mandatory vaccination among nurses and physicians in Jordan. Methods A structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, COVID-19 history, COVID-19 vaccine type and doses received, self-reported side effects post-COVID-19 vaccination, acceptance of booster COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and mpox vaccinations, attitudes towards mandatory vaccination, and beliefs in vaccine conspiracies. Results The study sample comprised a total of 341 participants. Acceptance of yearly booster COVID-19 vaccination was expressed by 46.6% of the sample, while 73.3% accepted seasonal influenza vaccination, and only 37.0% accepted mpox vaccination. A higher frequency of self-reported side effects following the first COVID-19 vaccine dose was associated with embrace of vaccine conspiracies and vaccine type. For the second vaccine dose, a higher frequency of self-reported side effects was associated with the embrace of vaccine conspiracies, older age, and affiliation to private sector. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, the lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies was associated with lower odds of reporting side effects post-COVID-19 vaccination. The lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies and favorable attitude towards mandatory vaccination were associated with the willingness to get COVID-19, influenza, and mpox vaccinations. Conclusion The study findings highlighted the negative impact of embracing vaccine conspiracies on health-seeking behavior among nurses and physicians. The findings indicated that the willingness to get vaccinated was associated with lower endorsement of vaccine conspiracies. Additionally, the lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies was associated with a lower frequency of self-reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination. These results emphasize the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting accurate information to ensure optimal vaccine uptake and public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hiba Abbasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rawan J. Obeidat
- The Office of Infection Prevention and Control, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Reham Badayneh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Farah Alkhashman
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Aseel Obeidat
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Dana Oudeh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Zena Uqba
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Azmi Mahafzah
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
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Grieve R, Yang Y, Abbott S, Babu GR, Bhattacharyya M, Dean N, Evans S, Jewell N, Langan SM, Lee W, Molenberghs G, Smeeth L, Williamson E, Mukherjee B. The importance of investing in data, models, experiments, team science, and public trust to help policymakers prepare for the next pandemic. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002601. [PMID: 38032861 PMCID: PMC10688710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about valuable insights regarding models, data, and experiments. In this narrative review, we summarised the existing literature on these three themes, exploring the challenges of providing forecasts, the requirement for real-time linkage of health-related datasets, and the role of 'experimentation' in evaluating interventions. This literature review encourages us to broaden our perspective for the future, acknowledging the significance of investing in models, data, and experimentation, but also to invest in areas that are conceptually more abstract: the value of 'team science', the need for public trust in science, and in establishing processes for using science in policy. Policy-makers rely on model forecasts early in a pandemic when there is little data, and it is vital to communicate the assumptions, limitations, and uncertainties (theme 1). Linked routine data can provide critical information, for example, in establishing risk factors for adverse outcomes but are often not available quickly enough to make a real-time impact. The interoperability of data resources internationally is required to facilitate sharing across jurisdictions (theme 2). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provided timely evidence on the efficacy and safety of vaccinations and pharmaceuticals but were largely conducted in higher income countries, restricting generalisability to low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Trials for non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were almost non-existent which was a missed opportunity (theme 3). Building on these themes from the narrative review, we underscore the importance of three other areas that need investment for effective evidence-driven policy-making. The COVID-19 response relied on strong multidisciplinary research infrastructures, but funders and academic institutions need to do more to incentivise team science (4). To enhance public trust in the use of scientific evidence for policy, researchers and policy-makers must work together to clearly communicate uncertainties in current evidence and any need to change policy as evidence evolves (5). Timely policy decisions require an established two-way process between scientists and policy makers to make the best use of evidence (6). For effective preparedness against future pandemics, it is essential to establish models, data, and experiments as fundamental pillars, complemented by efforts in planning and investment towards team science, public trust, and evidence-based policy-making across international communities. The paper concludes with a 'call to actions' for both policy-makers and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Grieve
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health (DASH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Youqi Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sam Abbott
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giridhara R. Babu
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Natalie Dean
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephen Evans
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health (DASH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Jewell
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health (DASH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sinéad M. Langan
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Woojoo Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Universiteit Hasselt & KU Leuven, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Liam Smeeth
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Williamson
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health (DASH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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25
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Lu J, Xiao Y. Heuristic Information Processing as a Mediating Factor in the Process of Exposure to COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Misinformation Sharing on Social Media. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38016931 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2288373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Social media use for risk communication during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable concerns about an overabundance of information, particularly misinformation. However, how exposure to COVID-19 information on social media can lead to subsequent misinformation sharing during the pandemic has received little research attention. This study adopted the social amplification of risk framework to delineate how exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information on social media can be associated with individuals' misinformation sharing through heuristic information processing. The role of social media trust was also examined. Results from an online survey (N = 1488) of Chinese Internet users revealed that exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information on social media was associated with misinformation sharing, mediated by both affect heuristics (i.e., negative affect toward the COVID-19 pandemic in general) and availability heuristics (i.e., perceived misinformation availability). Importantly, both high and low levels of trust in social media strengthened the mediating associations. While a low level of trust strengthened the association between exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information on social media and the affect heuristics, a high level of trust strengthened its association with the availability heuristics, both of which were associated with misinformation sharing. Our findings suggest that heuristic information processing is essential in amplifying the spread of misinformation after exposure to risk information on social media. It is also suggested that individuals should maintain a middle level of trust in social media, being open while critical of risk information on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Lu
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University
| | - Yi Xiao
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University
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26
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Litvinova O, Matin FB, Matin M, Zima-Kulisiewicz B, Tomasik C, Siddiquea BN, Stoyanov J, Atanasov AG, Willschke H. Patient safety discourse in a pandemic: a Twitter hashtag analysis study on #PatientSafety. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1268730. [PMID: 38035302 PMCID: PMC10687459 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1268730] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The digitalization of medicine is becoming a transformative force in modern healthcare systems. This study aims to investigate discussions regarding patient safety, as well as summarize perceived approaches to mitigating risks of adverse events expressed through the #PatientSafety Twitter hashtag during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This research is grounded in the analysis of data extracted from Twitter under the hashtag #PatientSafety between December 1, 2019 and February 1, 2023. Symplur Signals, which represents a tool offering a method to monitor tweets containing hashtags registered with the Symplur Healthcare Hashtag Project, was used for analyzing the tweets shared in the study period. For text analytics of the relevant data, we further used the word cloud generator MonkeyLearn, and VOSviewer. Results The analysis encompasses 358'809 tweets that were shared by 90'079 Twitter users, generating a total of 1'183'384'757 impressions. Physicians contributed to 18.65% of all tweets, followed by other healthcare professionals (14.31%), and health-focused individuals (10.91%). Geographically, more than a third of tweets (60.90%) were published in the United States. Canada and India followed in second and third positions, respectively. Blocks of trending terms of greater interest to the global Twitter community within the hashtag #PatientSafety were determined to be: "Patient," "Practical doctors," and "Health Care Safety Management." The findings demonstrate the engagement of the Twitter community with COVID-19 and problems related to the training, experience of doctors and patients during a pandemic, communication, the vaccine safety and effectiveness, and potential use of off-label drugs. Noteworthy, in the field of pharmacovigilance, Twitter has the possibility of identifying adverse reactions associated with the use of drugs, including vaccines. The issue of medical errors has been also discussed by Twitter users using the hashtag #PatientSafety. Conclusion It is clear that various stakeholders, including students, medical practitioners, health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory bodies, leverage Twitter to rapidly exchange medical information, data on the disease symptoms, and the drug effects. Consequently, there is a need to further integrate Twitter-derived data into the operational routines of healthcare organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Litvinova
- Department of Management and Quality Assurance in Pharmacy, National University of Pharmacy of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Farhan Bin Matin
- Department of Pharmacy, East West University, Aftabnagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maima Matin
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Bogumila Zima-Kulisiewicz
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Cyprian Tomasik
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Bodrun Naher Siddiquea
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Atanas G. Atanasov
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Harald Willschke
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Wie SH, Jung J, Kim WJ. Effective Vaccination and Education Strategies for Emerging Infectious Diseases Such as COVID-19. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e371. [PMID: 37967881 PMCID: PMC10643251 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Social isolation and control owing to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are easing; however, concerns regarding new infectious diseases have not disappeared. Given epidemic experiences such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the influenza pandemic, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and COVID-19, it is necessary to prepare for the outbreak of new infectious diseases and situations in which large-scale vaccinations are required. Although the development of vaccines against COVID-19 has contributed greatly to overcoming the pandemic, concerning vaccine side effects from the general public, including medical personnel, and decreased confidence in vaccine efficacy and side effects, present many challenges in promoting and educating vaccinations for new infectious diseases in the future. In addition to plans to develop vaccines for the outbreak of new infectious diseases, education and promotion plans are necessary to administer the latest developments of vaccines to the general public. Moreover, efforts are needed to secure the necessity, legitimacy, and evidence for rapid vaccination on a large scale at the national level. It is also necessary to carefully prepare scientific bases and explanatory statements so that the general public can easily understand them. This study aimed to establish vaccine strategies and vaccination education plans for new infectious diseases that may occur in the future. Many ways to promote vaccination to the general public and healthcare workers should be prepared to ensure that the latest vaccines against new infectious diseases are administered safely. Thus, education and promotion of vaccine efficacy and safety based on specific data from clinical studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Heon Wie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jaehun Jung
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Woo Joo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Gianfredi V, Berti A, Stefanizzi P, D’Amico M, De Lorenzo V, Moscara L, Di Lorenzo A, Venerito V, Castaldi S. COVID-19 Vaccine Knowledge, Attitude, Acceptance and Hesitancy among Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Systematic Review of Hospital-Based Studies. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1697. [PMID: 38006029 PMCID: PMC10675759 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111697] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of unfavourable outcomes for SARS-CoV-2 infection is significant during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vaccination is a safe and effective measure to lower this risk. This study aims at reviewing the literature concerning the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine's acceptance/hesitancy among pregnant and breastfeeding women attending hospital facilities. A systematic review of literature was carried out. Hospital-based observational studies related to vaccination acceptance, hesitancy, knowledge and attitude among pregnant and breastfeeding women were included. Determinants of acceptance and hesitancy were investigated in detail. Quality assessment was done via the Johann Briggs Institute quality assessment tools. After literature search, 43 studies were included, 30 of which only focused on pregnant women (total sample 25,862 subjects). Sample size ranged from 109 to 7017 people. Acceptance of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ranged from 16% to 78.52%; vaccine hesitancy ranged between 91.4% and 24.5%. Fear of adverse events for either the woman, the child, or both, was the main driver for hesitancy. Other determinants of hesitancy included religious concerns, socioeconomic factors, inadequate information regarding the vaccine and lack of trust towards institutions. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy in hospitalized pregnant women appears to be significant, and efforts for a more effective communication to these subjects are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Gianfredi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Alessandro Berti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Marilena D’Amico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Viola De Lorenzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Lorenza Moscara
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Vincenzo Venerito
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, Jonic Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Silvana Castaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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29
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Karmakar T, Sain S, Dey SP, Sarkar AP, Biswas A. Perception of beneficiaries on motivating factors and challenges of COVID-19 vaccination: An institute-based study. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:2916-2921. [PMID: 38186813 PMCID: PMC10771184 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_687_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a newly discovered SARS-CoV-2, led to COVID-19 pandemic across the world. Vaccination played an important role in reduction in morbidity and mortality concerning the current pandemic, but there was a lack of awareness and motivation to get vaccinated during the pandemic. Objective This study was aimed at assessing the motivating factors and finding out the challenges perceived among the beneficiaries receiving the vaccine at the COVID-19 immunization center of Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital (BSMCH). Materials and Methods This institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to October 2021 at the COVID-19 Vaccination Centre of Bankura Sammilani Medical College, West Bengal, among 158 beneficiaries. The study population was selected through a systematic random sampling method, and data were collected by interview with a predesigned, pretested structured questionnaire. To identify the predictor (s), variables that were found statistically significant in binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multiple logistic regression. Results Motivation for vaccination was significantly (P < 0.05) higher among participants who were educated up to the secondary level. Challenges perceived were significantly (P < 0.05) higher among participants aged less than 60 years and the participants who were coming from a distance of more than or equal to three kilometers. Conclusion Awareness generation program, frequent Information, education and communication (IEC) activities, etc., may alleviate these challenges and can improve vaccination coverage in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanushree Karmakar
- Department of Community Medicine, Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, West Bengal, India
| | - Sonali Sain
- Department of Community Medicine, Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, West Bengal, India
| | - Surya Prakash Dey
- Department of Community Medicine, Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, West Bengal, India
| | - Aditya P. Sarkar
- Department of Community Medicine, Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, West Bengal, India
| | - Atanu Biswas
- Department of Community Medicine, Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, West Bengal, India
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Barakat M, Abdaljaleel M, Atawneh N, Alkhazaleh R, Aburumman D, Hamed E, Sallam M. Pervasive Parental Hesitancy and Resistance towards Measles Rubella Vaccination in Jordan. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1672. [PMID: 38006004 PMCID: PMC10674877 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111672] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Measles remains a highly contagious and potentially severe infectious disease, necessitating high vaccine coverage. However, misinformation and measles vaccine hesitancy/resistance have posed significant challenges to achieving this goal. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, leading to a measles outbreak in Jordan in 2023. This study aimed to investigate the acceptance of the measles rubella (MR) vaccine among parents in Jordan and to identify its associated determinants. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted using a previously Arabic-validated version of the Parental Attitudes towards Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey instrument. Data collection took place in October 2023, and the final study sample comprised a total of 391 parents, with mothers representing 69.8% of the participants (n = 273). The majority of participating parents expressed either resistance (n = 169, 43.2%) or hesitancy (n = 168, 43.0%) towards MR vaccination, while only 54 participants (13.8%) expressed MR vaccine acceptance. Multivariate analysis revealed that trust in vaccine safety/efficacy, behavior, and having fewer offspring were significantly associated with MR vaccine acceptance. The current study revealed a concerning level of MR vaccine hesitancy/resistance among parents in Jordan, which could signal a public health alarm in the country. Urgent and targeted interventions are strongly recommended to address this issue, including mass campaigns aimed at building trust in the MR vaccine's safety/efficacy. Additionally, there is an urgent need for effective public health initiatives to ensure sufficient measles vaccine coverage to prevent future outbreaks of this serious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan;
- MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | - Maram Abdaljaleel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Nada Atawneh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Rawan Alkhazaleh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Dana Aburumman
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Eman Hamed
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
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31
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Arillotta D, Floresta G, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Catalani V, Martinotti G, Sensi SL, Schifano F. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Related Mental Health Issues; Insights from a Range of Social Media Platforms Using a Mixed-Methods Approach. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1503. [PMID: 38002464 PMCID: PMC10669484 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111503] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs; semaglutide and others) now promises effective, non-invasive treatment of obesity for individuals with and without diabetes. Social media platforms' users started promoting semaglutide/Ozempic as a weight-loss treatment, and the associated increase in demand has contributed to an ongoing worldwide shortage of the drug associated with levels of non-prescribed semaglutide intake. Furthermore, recent reports emphasized some GLP-1 RA-associated risks of triggering depression and suicidal thoughts. Consistent with the above, we aimed to assess the possible impact of GLP-1 RAs on mental health as being perceived and discussed in popular open platforms with the help of a mixed-methods approach. Reddit posts yielded 12,136 comments, YouTube videos 14,515, and TikTok videos 17,059, respectively. Out of these posts/entries, most represented matches related to sleep-related issues, including insomnia (n = 620 matches); anxiety (n = 353); depression (n = 204); and mental health issues in general (n = 165). After the initiation of GLP-1 RAs, losing weight was associated with either a marked improvement or, in some cases, a deterioration, in mood; increase/decrease in anxiety/insomnia; and better control of a range of addictive behaviors. The challenges of accessing these medications were a hot topic as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study documenting if and how GLP-1 RAs are perceived as affecting mood, mental health, and behaviors. Establishing a clear cause-and-effect link between metabolic diseases, depression and medications is difficult because of their possible reciprocal relationship, shared underlying mechanisms and individual differences. Further research is needed to better understand the safety profile of these molecules and their putative impact on behavioral and non-behavioral addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Arillotta
- School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
- Pharmacy, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Valeria Catalani
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Stefano L. Sensi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Institute of Advanced Biomedical Technology (ITAB), University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 21, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (G.F.); (A.G.); (J.M.C.); (V.C.); (G.M.)
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Gandhi S, Glaman R, Jordan A, DiChristofaro D, Clark K, Gandhi V, Smith J. Identifying Barriers to Basic Needs, Academic Success, and the Vaccination Pattern among College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6924. [PMID: 37887661 PMCID: PMC10606919 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
College students face significant challenges during large-scale disease outbreaks that potentially compromise their basic needs, vaccine confidence, and academic success. Using a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling, we examined the impact of COVID-19 among college students (N = 828). The survey was administered using the Qualtrics survey platform to collect data on multiple demographic and health behaviors of students in the summer semester (2021). Our study demonstrated that the most common financial shock experienced by the study participants was job loss, with less remarkable changes in food and housing insecurities. Academically, students had the most difficulty learning online compared to other modalities (face-to-face, Hyflex, etc.) and struggled with staying motivated. They also struggled with group work and finding appropriate learning spaces. However, many did not use university support systems such as career and tutoring services. Exploring the COVID-19 vaccination attitudes, we found that only age, ethnicity, classification, and health insurance status were associated with getting vaccinated (p < 0.05). When the learning environment was assessed for various modalities, only college attendance was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the accessible platforms (online, Hyflex, face-to-face, and others); however, nearly 40% of students reported difficulty learning on an online learning platform compared other categories that had much lower proportions. Our findings underscore an immediate need for universities to take measures to improve their preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the negative effects of future large-scale public health emergencies among students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subi Gandhi
- Department of Medical Lab Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science, Tarleton State University, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA; (K.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Ryan Glaman
- Department of Educational Leadership & Technology, E.J. Howell Building 404, College of Education, Tarleton State University, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA;
| | - Alexandra Jordan
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, & Environmental Science, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Dylan DiChristofaro
- Department of Counseling, Tarleton State University, 10850 Texan Rider Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76036, USA;
| | - Katelyn Clark
- Department of Medical Lab Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science, Tarleton State University, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA; (K.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Viraj Gandhi
- Robbins College of Health and Human Services, Baylor University, Hankamer Academic Center, 1428 S 5th Street, Waco, TX 76706, USA;
| | - Jade Smith
- Department of Medical Lab Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science, Tarleton State University, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA; (K.C.); (J.S.)
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Brand T, Gerstmann M, Samkange-Zeeb F, Zeeb H. Involving trained community health mediators in COVID-19 prevention measures. A process evaluation from Bremen, Germany. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1266684. [PMID: 37886670 PMCID: PMC10598750 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1266684] [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] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective was to assess the feasibility of incorporating trained community health mediators in COVID-19 prevention in a multicultural and disadvantaged setting in Bremen, Germany. Specifically, we aimed to develop and implement measures corresponding to the needs of the residents and to analyse the role of digital communication tools and sustainability factors of the health mediator approach. Methods A comprehensive process evaluation using 41 qualitative interviews with residents, mediator short surveys and group discussions, work documentation sheets, and a stakeholder workshop was carried out. Results Uncertainties due to changing regulations, a lack of trust and fear of potential side effects were major themes identified in the needs assessment. The eight mediators documented more than 1,600 contacts. Digital communication via Facebook was a useful tool, but personal contacts remained crucial for communicating with residents. The participatory approach, multilingualism and the flexibility to react to dynamic situations were identified as relevant factors for the success and sustainability of the health mediator approach. Conclusion Multilingual health mediators can facilitate contact with and dissemination of health information to different communities and also can play an important role in pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Brand
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (LG), Bremen, Germany
| | - Marieke Gerstmann
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (LG), Bremen, Germany
| | - Florence Samkange-Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (LG), Bremen, Germany
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (LG), Bremen, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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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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Tanner JP, Takats C, Lathan HS, Kwan A, Wormer R, Romero D, Jones HE. Approaches to Research Ethics in Health Research on YouTube: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43060. [PMID: 37792443 PMCID: PMC10585438 DOI: 10.2196/43060] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND YouTube has become a popular source of health care information, reaching an estimated 81% of adults in 2021; approximately 35% of adults in the United States have used the internet to self-diagnose a condition. Public health researchers are therefore incorporating YouTube data into their research, but guidelines for best practices around research ethics using social media data, such as YouTube, are unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe approaches to research ethics for public health research implemented using YouTube data. METHODS We implemented a systematic review of articles found in PubMed, SocINDEX, Web of Science, and PsycINFO following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. To be eligible to be included, studies needed to be published in peer-reviewed journals in English between January 1, 2006, and October 31, 2019, and include analyses on publicly available YouTube data on health or public health topics; studies using primary data collection, such as using YouTube for study recruitment, interventions, or dissemination evaluations, were not included. We extracted data on the presence of user identifying information, institutional review board (IRB) review, and informed consent processes, as well as research topic and methodology. RESULTS This review includes 119 articles from 88 journals. The most common health and public health topics studied were in the categories of chronic diseases (44/119, 37%), mental health and substance use (26/119, 21.8%), and infectious diseases (20/119, 16.8%). The majority (82/119, 68.9%) of articles made no mention of ethical considerations or stated that the study did not meet the definition of human participant research (16/119, 13.4%). Of those that sought IRB review (15/119, 12.6%), 12 out of 15 (80%) were determined to not meet the definition of human participant research and were therefore exempt from IRB review, and 3 out of 15 (20%) received IRB approval. None of the 3 IRB-approved studies contained identifying information; one was explicitly told not to include identifying information by their ethics committee. Only 1 study sought informed consent from YouTube users. Of 119 articles, 33 (27.7%) contained identifying information about content creators or video commenters, one of which attempted to anonymize direct quotes by not including user information. CONCLUSIONS Given the variation in practice, concrete guidelines on research ethics for social media research are needed, especially around anonymizing and seeking consent when using identifying information. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020148170; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=148170.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Tanner
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
| | - Courtney Takats
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hannah Stuart Lathan
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amy Kwan
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rachel Wormer
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diana Romero
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
| | - Heidi E Jones
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
- CUNY Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, United States
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Pyne JM, Seal KH, Manuel JK, DeRonne B, Oliver KA, Bertenthal D, Esserman D, Purcell N, Petrakis BA, Elwy AR. Developing and testing a COVID-19 vaccination acceptance intervention: A pragmatic trial comparing vaccine acceptance intervention vs usual care - Rationale, methods, and implementation. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 133:107325. [PMID: 37652356 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107325] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has resulted in significant disability and loss of life. COVID-19 vaccines effectively prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Nevertheless, many people remain hesitant to accept vaccination. Veterans perceive healthcare providers (HCP) and staff as trusted vaccine information sources and thereby are well suited to initiate vaccine discussions. The overall objective of this study is to implement and test a virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Intervention (VAI) training that is informed by motivational interviewing (MI) techniques. METHODS The VAI training is being delivered to VA HCPs and staff within a Hybrid Type 2 pragmatic implementation-effectiveness trial using Implementation Facilitation as the implementation strategy. The implementation team includes external facilitators paired with VA Healthcare System (VAHCS)-level internal facilitators. The trial has three aims: 1) Examine the effectiveness of the VAI versus usual care on unvaccinated veterans' vaccination rates in a one-year cluster randomized controlled trial, with randomization at the level of VAHCS. 2) Determine factors associated with veterans' decisions to accept or decline primary COVID-19 vaccination, and better understand how these factors influence vaccination decisions, through survey and qualitative data; and 3) Use qualitative interviews with HCPs and staff from clinics with high and low vaccination rates to learn what was helpful and not helpful about the VAI and implementation strategies. CONCLUSION This is the first multisite randomized controlled trial to test an MI-informed vaccine acceptance intervention to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Information gained can be used to inform healthcare systems' approaches to improve future vaccination and other public health campaigns. CLINICALTRIALS gov Identifier: NCT05027464.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Pyne
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, North Little Rock, AR, United States of America; South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, North Little Rock, AR, United States of America; Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America.
| | - Karen H Seal
- Integrative Health Service, San Francisco VA Healthcare System, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K Manuel
- Integrative Health Service, San Francisco VA Healthcare System, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, 675 18th Street San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Beth DeRonne
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, 5445 Minnehaha Avenue South, Building 9, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Karen Anderson Oliver
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, North Little Rock, AR, United States of America
| | - Dan Bertenthal
- Integrative Health Service, San Francisco VA Healthcare System, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Denise Esserman
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Natalie Purcell
- Integrative Health Service, San Francisco VA Healthcare System, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, 490 Illinois St., San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA, United States of America
| | - A Rani Elwy
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box G-BH, Providence, RI, United States of America
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Zhao X, Horoszko UA, Murphy A, Taylor BG, Lamuda PA, Pollack HA, Schneider JA, Taxman FS. Openness to change among COVID misinformation endorsers: Associations with social demographic characteristics and information source usage. Soc Sci Med 2023; 335:116233. [PMID: 37716186 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116233] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Misinformation is a major concern for public health, with its presence and impact strongly felt in the COVID-19 pandemic. Misinformation correction has drawn strong research interest. In contrast, relatively little attention has been given to the likelihood of favorable behavioral change post correction (i.e., openness to change). OBJECTIVE This study seeks to identify the characteristics of COVID misinformation endorsers who are open to adopt more self-protective behaviors after misinformation correction. METHODS COVID misinformation endorsers (N = 1991) in a large, nationally representative survey (fielded in October and November 2021) were asked how likely they would adopt self-protective behaviors if a source they trusted debunked their prior misperceptions. Multiple linear regression estimated the relationships between openness to change and socio-demographics, health-related factors, and health information source usage patterns. RESULTS Less than half of the misinformation endorsers in the sample (41.3%) indicated any openness to change. Openness to change was positively associated with minority status and negatively associated with leaning Republican in political affiliation, higher income, being currently unvaccinated or unsure about vaccination status, better health, and a greater number of misinformation items endorsed. Past-month use of government, community, and personal sources for health information positively predicted openness. The use of online media was negatively associated with openness. CONCLUSIONS Openness to change is not guaranteed after misinformation correction. Targeted interventions based on openness to change are needed to enhance the public health impact of misinformation correction efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoquan Zhao
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
| | | | - Amy Murphy
- Schar School of Public Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Harold A Pollack
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John A Schneider
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Faye S Taxman
- Schar School of Public Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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Ali-Saleh O, Khatib M, Hadid S, Dahamsheh K, Basis F. Factors Related to the Compliance of Arab Parents in Israel to the Vaccination of Children and Adolescents against COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1540. [PMID: 37896945 PMCID: PMC10610611 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101540] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Arab minority consists of 20% of the Israeli population. Most of the Arab minority live in rural villages, mostly in closed communities, with specific psycho-social and sociodemographic characteristics. Previous studies showed different attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination among Arab adults. OBJECTIVES To examine the influence of factors on the willingness of parents to vaccinate their young and adolescent children and if there is a difference between parents' attitudes to both groups. METHODS AND MATERIALS The survey examined correlations between variables and attitudes toward the vaccine and the pandemic and was disseminated anonymously to parents of children between the ages of 5 and 18 in the Arab population of Israel through social media networks, using the snowball method. Statistical analyses included the Pearson correlation, MANCOVA, and logistic regression tests. RESULTS In total, 361 Arab Israeli parents participated. As mentioned above, 130 parents had both children and adolescents. Overall, 48 parents (36.9%) chose not to vaccinate both their children and adolescents, 52 parents (40.0%) chose to vaccinate only their adolescents, only 1 parent (0.8%) chose to vaccinate only the child, and 29 parents (22.3%) vaccinated both their children and adolescents. Significant correlations were found among a higher age of parents and socioeconomic status, attitudes toward COVID vaccination, subjective norms, perceived severity of the disease, perceived benefits of vaccination, and trust in formal sources. DISCUSSION There is a difference between parents' decision to be vaccinated and their willingness to vaccinate their children. There is a difference between their decision to vaccinate their adolescents and their young children. Different factors positively or negatively influenced parents' decisions. Addressing these factors by authorities may increase compliance of Arab minorities with instructions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Ali-Saleh
- The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezrael 1930600, Israel;
| | - Mohammad Khatib
- The Galilee Society, Zefat Academic College, University of Haifa, Zefat 13206, Israel;
- Zefat Academic College, Safed 1320611, Israel
| | - Salam Hadid
- Nazareth Academic School of Nursing, Nazareth 16100, Israel; (S.H.); (K.D.)
| | - Kamal Dahamsheh
- Nazareth Academic School of Nursing, Nazareth 16100, Israel; (S.H.); (K.D.)
| | - Fuad Basis
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
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Winters M, Christie S, Lepage C, Malik AA, Bokemper S, Abeyesekera S, Boye B, Moini M, Jamil Z, Tariq T, Beresh T, Kazymyrova G, Palamar L, Paintsil E, Faller A, Seusan A, Bonnevie E, Smyser J, Khan K, Gulaid M, Francis S, Warren JL, Thomson A, Omer SB. Persuasive COVID-19 vaccination campaigns on Facebook and nationwide vaccination coverage in Ukraine, India, and Pakistan. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002357. [PMID: 37756298 PMCID: PMC10529538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Social media platforms have a wide and influential reach, and as such provide an opportunity to increase vaccine uptake. To date, there is no large-scale, robust evidence on the offline effects of online messaging campaigns. We aimed to test whether pre-tested, persuasive messaging campaigns from UNICEF, disseminated on Facebook, influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Ukraine, India, and Pakistan. In Ukraine, we deployed a stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial (RCT). Half of the 24 oblasts (provinces) received five weeks of the intervention, the other half ten weeks of the intervention. In India, an RCT with an augmented synthetic control was conducted in five states (Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan), whereby 40 out of 174 districts were randomized to receive six weeks of intervention. In Pakistan we deployed a pre-post design, whereby 25 city districts received six weeks of the intervention. Weekly COVID-19 vaccination data was sourced through government databases. Using Poisson regression models, the association between the intervention and vaccine uptake was estimated. In Ukraine we conducted a survey among Facebook users at three time points during the RCT, to ascertain vaccination intentions and trust in vaccines. The campaigns reached more than 110 million Facebook users and garnered 2.9 million clicks. In Ukraine, we found that the intervention did not affect oblast-level vaccination coverage (Relative Risk (RR): 0.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.86-1.01). Similarly, in India and Pakistan we found no effect of our intervention (India: RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70-1.04; Pakistan: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.01-29.9). The survey among Facebook users in Ukraine showed that trust in vaccines and information sources was an important predictor of vaccination status and intention to get vaccinated. Our campaigns on Facebook had a wide reach, which did not translate in shifting behaviours. Timing and external events may have limited the effectiveness of our interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Winters
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sarah Christie
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Amyn A. Malik
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Scott Bokemper
- Institution for Social and Policy Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Center for the Study of American Politics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Brian Boye
- UNICEF Country Office India, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Zara Jamil
- UNICEF Country Office, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Taha Tariq
- UNICEF Country Office, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Elliott Paintsil
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Faller
- The Public Good Projects, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Andreea Seusan
- The Public Good Projects, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Erika Bonnevie
- The Public Good Projects, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Joe Smyser
- The Public Good Projects, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kadeem Khan
- Meta Platforms Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Gulaid
- Meta Platforms Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah Francis
- Team Upswell, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Saad B. Omer
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
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Nah S, Williamson LD, Kahlor LA, Atkinson L, Ntang-Beb JL, Upshaw SJ. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Cameroon: The Role of Medical Mistrust and Social Media Use. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:619-632. [PMID: 37622325 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2250287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Most African countries report low COVID-19 vaccination rates (Msellati et al., 2022; WHO Africa; 2020). This study focuses on factors associated with vaccine hesitancy specifically in the country of Cameroon. Social media use and medical mistrust have been suggested as key variables that may increase vaccine hesitancy. Adopting the information-related perspective guided by the risk information seeking and processing model, the current research explored how social media use and medical mistrust are related to vaccine hesitancy among Cameroonians. Survey results from a sample of 1,000 Cameroonians fielded in early 2022 showed that social media use and medical mistrust were positively associated with belief in misinformation related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Belief in misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine was negatively associated with perceived information insufficiency. A positive relationship between perceived information insufficiency and information seeking, as well as a negative relationship between information seeking and vaccine hesitancy were also found. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soya Nah
- The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Lillie D Williamson
- Department of Communication Arts, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lee Ann Kahlor
- The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Lucy Atkinson
- The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Ntang-Beb
- Advanced School of Mass Communication, University of Yaounde 2, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Sean J Upshaw
- The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Ng JY, Liu S, Maini I, Pereira W, Cramer H, Moher D. Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine-specific COVID-19 misinformation on social media: A scoping review. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:100975. [PMID: 37646043 PMCID: PMC10460953 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2023.100975] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The sharing of health-related information has become increasingly popular on social media. Unregulated information sharing has led to the spread of misinformation, especially regarding complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM). This scoping review synthesized evidence surrounding the spread of CAIM-related misinformation on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This review was informed by a modified version of the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework. AMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO and MEDLINE databases were searched systematically from inception to January 2022. Eligible articles explored COVID-19 misinformation on social media and contained sufficient information on CAIM therapies. Common themes were identified using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Results Twenty-eight articles were included. The following themes were synthesized: 1) misinformation prompts unsafe and harmful behaviours, 2) misinformation can be separated into different categories, 3) individuals are capable of identifying and refuting CAIM misinformation, and 4) studies argue governments and social media companies have a responsibility to resolve the spread of COVID-19 misinformation. Conclusions Misinformation can spread more easily when shared on social media. Our review suggests that misinformation about COVID-19 related to CAIM that is disseminated online contributes to unsafe health behaviours, however, this may be remedied via public education initiatives and stricter media guidelines. The results of this scoping review are crucial to understanding the behavioural impacts of the spread of COVID-19 misinformation about CAIM therapies, and can inform the development of public health policies to mitigate these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Y. Ng
- Centre for Journalology, Ottawa Methods Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Shawn Liu
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ishana Maini
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Will Pereira
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holger Cramer
- Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - David Moher
- Centre for Journalology, Ottawa Methods Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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White BK, Gombert A, Nguyen T, Yau B, Ishizumi A, Kirchner L, León A, Wilson H, Jaramillo-Gutierrez G, Cerquides J, D'Agostino M, Salvi C, Sreenath RS, Rambaud K, Samhouri D, Briand S, Purnat TD. Using Machine Learning Technology (Early Artificial Intelligence-Supported Response With Social Listening Platform) to Enhance Digital Social Understanding for the COVID-19 Infodemic: Development and Implementation Study. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:e47317. [PMID: 37422854 PMCID: PMC10477919 DOI: 10.2196/47317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a need for rapid social understanding to inform infodemic management and response. Although social media analysis platforms have traditionally been designed for commercial brands for marketing and sales purposes, they have been underused and adapted for a comprehensive understanding of social dynamics in areas such as public health. Traditional systems have challenges for public health use, and new tools and innovative methods are required. The World Health Organization Early Artificial Intelligence-Supported Response with Social Listening (EARS) platform was developed to overcome some of these challenges. OBJECTIVE This paper describes the development of the EARS platform, including data sourcing, development, and validation of a machine learning categorization approach, as well as the results from the pilot study. METHODS Data for EARS are collected daily from web-based conversations in publicly available sources in 9 languages. Public health and social media experts developed a taxonomy to categorize COVID-19 narratives into 5 relevant main categories and 41 subcategories. We developed a semisupervised machine learning algorithm to categorize social media posts into categories and various filters. To validate the results obtained by the machine learning-based approach, we compared it to a search-filter approach, applying Boolean queries with the same amount of information and measured the recall and precision. Hotelling T2 was used to determine the effect of the classification method on the combined variables. RESULTS The EARS platform was developed, validated, and applied to characterize conversations regarding COVID-19 since December 2020. A total of 215,469,045 social posts were collected for processing from December 2020 to February 2022. The machine learning algorithm outperformed the Boolean search filters method for precision and recall in both English and Spanish languages (P<.001). Demographic and other filters provided useful insights on data, and the gender split of users in the platform was largely consistent with population-level data on social media use. CONCLUSIONS The EARS platform was developed to address the changing needs of public health analysts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application of public health taxonomy and artificial intelligence technology to a user-friendly social listening platform, accessible directly by analysts, is a significant step in better enabling understanding of global narratives. The platform was designed for scalability; iterations and new countries and languages have been added. This research has shown that a machine learning approach is more accurate than using only keywords and has the benefit of categorizing and understanding large amounts of digital social data during an infodemic. Further technical developments are needed and planned for continuous improvements, to meet the challenges in the generation of infodemic insights from social media for infodemic managers and public health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky K White
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Tim Nguyen
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brian Yau
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Atsuyoshi Ishizumi
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Jesus Cerquides
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Marcelo D'Agostino
- Information Systems for Health, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health, Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas, Washington DC, DC, United States
| | - Cristiana Salvi
- Risk Communication and Community Engagement Unit, Health Emergencies Division, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ravi Shankar Sreenath
- Risk Communication and Community Engagement Unit, Health Emergencies Division, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kimberly Rambaud
- Risk Communication and Community Engagement Unit, Health Emergencies Division, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dalia Samhouri
- Country Health Emergency Preparedness and International Health Regulations (2005), World Health Organization Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sylvie Briand
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tina D Purnat
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Mgongo MB, Manongi RN, Mboya IB, Ngocho JS, Amour C, Mtei M, Bilakwate JS, Nyaki AY, George JM, Leyaro BJ, Farah A, Kengia JT, Tinuga F, Bakari AH, Kirakoya FB, Araya A, Kapologwe NA, Msuya SE. A Qualitative Study on Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Community Members in Tanzania. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1366. [PMID: 37631934 PMCID: PMC10458528 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081366] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of vaccines is one of the key tools in reversing the COVID-19 pandemic; however, various reports reported the low uptake of the vaccines. This study explored the barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among community members in Tanzania. A qualitative explorative study was conducted in December 2021 and April 2022 in eight regions of Tanzania. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were the methods of data collection. A total of 48 FGDs and 32 IDIs were conducted. Participants were aware of the COVID-19 disease and vaccines. The barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine non-uptake included receiving contradicting statements from top government leaders, vaccine preceded the education, myths towards vaccines, the presence of different types of vaccines, the process of getting the vaccine, the influence of social media and random people from the community, and vaccine conflicting religious beliefs. Despite being aware of the vaccine, the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is still low. Interventions that focus on increasing community knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and addressing myths about the vaccines are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Bernard Mgongo
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
| | - Rachel N. Manongi
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
| | - Innocent B. Mboya
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, 214 28 Malmo, Sweden
| | - James S. Ngocho
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
| | - Caroline Amour
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
| | - Monica Mtei
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WCIE 7HT, UK
| | - Julieth S. Bilakwate
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
| | - Ahmed Yusuph Nyaki
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
| | - Johnston M. George
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
| | - Beatrice J. Leyaro
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
| | - Amina Farah
- Joint Malaria Program, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi P.O. Box 3010, Tanzania
| | - James T. Kengia
- President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government, Dodoma P.O. Box 1923, Tanzania; (J.T.K.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Florian Tinuga
- Immunization and Vaccine Development Program, Ministry of Health, Dodoma P.O. Box 743, Tanzania;
| | - Abdalla H. Bakari
- School of Natural Science, The State University of Zanzibar, Tunguu P.O. Box 146, Tanzania;
| | - Fatimata B. Kirakoya
- United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 4076, Tanzania; (F.B.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Awet Araya
- United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 4076, Tanzania; (F.B.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Ntuli A. Kapologwe
- President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government, Dodoma P.O. Box 1923, Tanzania; (J.T.K.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Sia E. Msuya
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi P.O. Box 2240, Tanzania; (R.N.M.); (I.B.M.); (J.S.N.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (J.S.B.); (A.Y.N.); (J.M.G.); (B.J.L.); (S.E.M.)
- Community Health Department, KCMC Hospital, Moshi P.O. Box 3010, Tanzania
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El Mikati IK, Hoteit R, Harb T, El Zein O, Piggott T, Melki J, Mustafa RA, Akl EA. Defining Misinformation and Related Terms in Health-Related Literature: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45731. [PMID: 37556184 PMCID: PMC10414029 DOI: 10.2196/45731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Misinformation poses a serious challenge to clinical and policy decision-making in the health field. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified interest in misinformation and related terms and witnessed a proliferation of definitions. OBJECTIVE We aim to assess the definitions of misinformation and related terms used in health-related literature. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of systematic reviews by searching Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Epistemonikos databases for articles published within the last 5 years up till March 2023. Eligible studies were systematic reviews that stated misinformation or related terms as part of their objectives, conducted a systematic search of at least one database, and reported at least 1 definition for misinformation or related terms. We extracted definitions for the terms misinformation, disinformation, fake news, infodemic, and malinformation. Within each definition, we identified concepts and mapped them across misinformation-related terms. RESULTS We included 41 eligible systematic reviews, out of which 32 (78%) reviews addressed the topic of public health emergencies (including the COVID-19 pandemic) and contained 75 definitions for misinformation and related terms. The definitions consisted of 20 for misinformation, 19 for disinformation, 10 for fake news, 24 for infodemic, and 2 for malinformation. "False/inaccurate/incorrect" was mentioned in 15 of 20 definitions of misinformation, 13 of 19 definitions of disinformation, 5 of 10 definitions of fake news, 6 of 24 definitions of infodemic, and 0 of 2 definitions of malinformation. Infodemic had 19 of 24 definitions addressing "information overload" and malinformation had 2 of 2 definitions with "accurate" and 1 definition "used in the wrong context." Out of all the definitions, 56 (75%) were referenced from other sources. CONCLUSIONS While the definitions of misinformation and related terms in the health field had inconstancies and variability, they were largely consistent. Inconstancies related to the intentionality in misinformation definitions (7 definitions mention "unintentional," while 5 definitions have "intentional"). They also related to the content of infodemic (9 definitions mention "valid and invalid info," while 6 definitions have "false/inaccurate/incorrect"). The inclusion of concepts such as "intentional" may be difficult to operationalize as it is difficult to ascertain one's intentions. This scoping review has the strength of using a systematic method for retrieving articles but does not cover all definitions in the extant literature outside the field of health. This scoping review of the health literature identified several definitions for misinformation and related terms, which showed variability and included concepts that are difficult to operationalize. Health practitioners need to exert caution before labeling a piece of information as misinformation or any other related term and only do so after ascertaining accurateness and sometimes intentionality. Additional efforts are needed to allow future consensus around clear and operational definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim K El Mikati
- Outcomes and Implementation Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Reem Hoteit
- Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Harb
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ola El Zein
- University Libraries, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Thomas Piggott
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Queens University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jad Melki
- Institute of Media Research and Training, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Reem A Mustafa
- Outcomes and Implementation Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Elie A Akl
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Liu TL, Hsiao RC, Chen YM, Lin PC, Yen CF. Sources of Information about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Its Associations with Parental Motivation to Have Their Children Vaccinated in Taiwan. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1337. [PMID: 37631905 PMCID: PMC10459469 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081337] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines have been developed to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and subsequent hospitalization in children. Few studies have examined whether different sources of information regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and parents' trust in the information have different effects on parental motivation to have their child vaccinated. No study has examined parental demographic factors related to the sources of information and the trust of parents in these sources. Understanding the sources of information on pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, parents' trust in the information, and related factors can contribute to the development of strategies for promoting the knowledge and acceptance of pediatric vaccination among parents. This study examined the sources of information regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines used by parents, their level of trust in these information sources, the demographic factors that influence this trust, and the associations of such information sources with parental motivation to get their child vaccinated against COVID-19. In total, 550 parents (123 men and 427 women) completed a questionnaire that was used to collect information regarding the information sources and to measure the parents' trust in these information sources. Parental motivation to get their child vaccinated was measured using the Motors of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale for Parents. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to examine two associations, namely the associations of the parents' sources of information and their trust in these sources with their motivation to have their child vaccinated and the associations of the parents' demographic factors with their sources of information and their trust in these sources. For the parents, traditional mass media and medical staff in healthcare settings were the most common sources of information regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines. The parents rated medical staff in healthcare settings as the most trustworthy source of information. Obtaining information from acquaintances through social media and obtaining information from medical staff in healthcare settings were significantly associated with parental motivation to get their child vaccinated against COVID-19. Trust in the information provided by medical staff in healthcare settings and coworkers was significantly associated with the motivation of parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Compared with fathers, mothers were more likely to obtain information from medical staff in healthcare settings and from acquaintances through social media. Parents with a higher education level were more likely to obtain information from medical staff in healthcare settings. Compared with the fathers, the mothers were more trusting of information obtained from coworkers. Health professionals should consider the sources of information used by parents and related factors when establishing strategies to increase parental motivation to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Ling Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ray C. Hsiao
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Yu-Min Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chun Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- College of Professional Studies, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
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Taruvinga T, Chingono RS, Marambire E, Larsson L, Olaru ID, Sibanda S, Nzvere F, Redzo N, Ndhlovu CE, Rusakaniko S, Mujuru H, Sibanda E, Chonzi P, Siamuchembu M, Chikodzore R, Mahomva A, Ferrand RA, Dixon J, Kranzer K. Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe: A mixed methods study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.17.23292791. [PMID: 37503278 PMCID: PMC10371179 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.17.23292791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
With COVID-19 no longer categorized as a public health emergency of international concern, vaccination strategies and priority groups for vaccination have evolved. Africa Centers for Diseases Prevention and Control proposed the '100-100-70%' strategy which aims to vaccinate all healthcare workers, all vulnerable groups, and 70% of the general population. Understanding whether healthcare workers were reached during previous vaccination campaigns and what can be done to address concerns, anxieties, and other influences on vaccine uptake, will be important to optimally plan how to achieve these ambitious targets. In this mixed-methods study, between June 2021 and July 2022 a quantitative survey was conducted with healthcare workers accessing a comprehensive health check in Zimbabwe to determine whether and, if so, when they had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Healthcare workers were categorized as those who had received the vaccine 'early' (before 30.06.2021) and those who had received it 'late' (after 30.06.2021). In addition, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted to understand perceptions and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 2905 healthcare workers employed at 37 facilities who participated in the study, 2818 (97%, 95% CI [92%-102%]) reported that they had received at least one vaccine dose. Geographical location, older age, higher educational attainment and having a chronic condition was associated with receiving the vaccine early. Qualitatively, (mis)information, infection risk perception, quasi-mandatory vaccination requirements, and legitimate concerns such as safety and efficacy influenced vaccine uptake. Meeting the proposed 100-100-70 target entails continued emphasis on strong communication while engaging meaningfully with healthcare workers' concerns. Mandatory vaccination may undermine trust and should not be a substitute for sustained engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinotenda Taruvinga
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Africa Centres for Diseases Prevention and Control (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Rudo S. Chingono
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edson Marambire
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Leyla Larsson
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Ioana D. Olaru
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sibusisiwe Sibanda
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Farirayi Nzvere
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nicole Redzo
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chiratidzo E. Ndhlovu
- Internal Medicine Unit, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hilda Mujuru
- . Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edwin Sibanda
- Bulawayo City Council Health Department, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Maphios Siamuchembu
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Provincial Medical Directorate, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Rudo Chikodzore
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Department of Epidemiology and Diseases Control, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Agnes Mahomva
- National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Office of the President, and Cabinet, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rashida A. Ferrand
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Justin Dixon
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Haß W, Orth B, von Rüden U. [COVID-19 vaccination status, sources of used information and socio-demographic characteristics-results of the CoSiD study]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03736-x. [PMID: 37438645 PMCID: PMC10371914 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03736-x] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccination, too few people in Germany were still considered vaccinated in the summer of 2022. This was explained, among other factors, by socio-demographic differences. The article also analyses this correlation by including the sources of information used on corona vaccination based on the data from the third survey of the "Accompanying research on the communication of corona vaccination in Germany" (CoSiD study, Nov./Dec. 2021; n = 4366 16-year-olds and older). METHODS Bi- and multivariate correlations were analysed between the uptake of vaccination or the intention to vaccinate of the unvaccinated and socio-demographic characteristics as well as sources of information on COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS Of the respondents, 87.7% have been vaccinated at least once. The vaccination rate tends to increase with age, education level and household income and is higher among people in the old federal states and without a migration background. The sources of information on COVID-19 vaccination were mostly discussions among family, friends and colleagues (81.8%) and German TV and radio stations (77.1%). In the multivariate model, higher proportions of people without vaccination intentions were found among respondents who obtained information from TV and radio stations from abroad as well as from social media. DISCUSSION Information offerings for specific target groups must take social inequalities even more into account. One challenge here is that the use of different information sources is related to different vaccination intentions. In particular, people with vaccination intentions and the undecided can be reached with easily understandable, trustworthy information offerings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Haß
- Referat Q3 - Evaluation, Methoden, Forschungsdaten, Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA), Maarweg 149-161, 50825, Köln, Deutschland
- Referat G4 - Forschung und Qualitätssicherung, Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA), 50825, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Boris Orth
- Referat Q3 - Evaluation, Methoden, Forschungsdaten, Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA), Maarweg 149-161, 50825, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Ursula von Rüden
- Referat Q3 - Evaluation, Methoden, Forschungsdaten, Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA), Maarweg 149-161, 50825, Köln, Deutschland.
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Shankar K, Chandrasekaran R, Jeripity Venkata P, Miketinas D. Investigating the Role of Nutrition in Enhancing Immunity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Twitter Text-Mining Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e47328. [PMID: 37428522 PMCID: PMC10366666 DOI: 10.2196/47328] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the spotlight the critical role played by a balanced and healthy diet in bolstering the human immune system. There is burgeoning interest in nutrition-related information on social media platforms like Twitter. There is a critical need to assess and understand public opinion, attitudes, and sentiments toward nutrition-related information shared on Twitter. OBJECTIVE This study uses text mining to analyze nutrition-related messages on Twitter to identify and analyze how the general public perceives various food groups and diets for improving immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. METHODS We gathered 71,178 nutrition-related tweets that were posted between January 01, 2020, and September 30, 2020. The Correlated Explanation text mining algorithm was used to identify frequently discussed topics that users mentioned as contributing to immunity building against SARS-CoV-2. We assessed the relative importance of these topics and performed a sentiment analysis. We also qualitatively examined the tweets to gain a closer understanding of nutrition-related topics and food groups. RESULTS Text-mining yielded 10 topics that users discussed frequently on Twitter, viz proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy-related, spices and herbs, fluids, supplements, avoidable foods, and specialty diets. Supplements were the most frequently discussed topic (23,913/71,178, 33.6%) with a higher proportion (20,935/23,913, 87.75%) exhibiting a positive sentiment with a score of 0.41. Consuming fluids (17,685/71,178, 24.85%) and fruits (14,807/71,178, 20.80%) were the second and third most frequent topics with favorable, positive sentiments. Spices and herbs (8719/71,178, 12.25%) and avoidable foods (8619/71,178, 12.11%) were also frequently discussed. Negative sentiments were observed for a higher proportion of avoidable foods (7627/8619, 84.31%) with a sentiment score of -0.39. CONCLUSIONS This study identified 10 important food groups and associated sentiments that users discussed as a means to improve immunity. Our findings can help dieticians and nutritionists to frame appropriate interventions and diet programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Shankar
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University Institute for Health Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ranganathan Chandrasekaran
- Department of Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Derek Miketinas
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University Institute for Health Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
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Berkowitz HE, Vann JCJ. Strategies to Address COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy Myths. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2023; 48:215-223. [PMID: 36943837 PMCID: PMC10296984 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000926] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses risks to pregnant women and their infants. The spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccination is a barrier to optimizing vaccination rates among women of childbearing age. We conducted an environmental scan to identify misinformation about COVID-19 vaccination, pregnancy, and fertility, and a review to identify evidence to refute misinformation and strategies to correct and prevent the spread of misinformation. Seven identified themes of misinformation are: the vaccine causes female infertility; can cause miscarriage; and can decrease male fertility; mRNA vaccines attack the placenta; pregnant and breastfeeding persons should not get the vaccine; the vaccine can change menstrual cycles; and vaccinated people can spread infertility symptoms to unvaccinated people. Strategies that can be implemented by social media platforms to help prevent misinformation spread and correct existing health misinformation include improving information regulation by modifying community standards, implementing surveillance algorithms, and applying warning labels to potentially misleading posts. Health services organizations and clinicians can implement health misinformation policies, directly recommend vaccinations, provide credible explanations and resources to debunk misinformation, educate patients and populations on spotting misinformation, and apply effective communication strategies. More research is needed to assess longer-term effects of vaccination among women of childbearing age to strengthen the defense against misinformation and to evaluate strategies that aim to prevent and correct misinformation spread about COVID-19 vaccinations.
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Terrell R, Alami A, Krewski D. Interventions for COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6082. [PMID: 37372669 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines effectively protect against COVID-19, but vaccine hesitancy and refusal hinder vaccination rates. This systematic review aimed to (1) review and describe current interventions for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy/refusal and (2) assess whether these interventions are effective for increasing vaccine uptake. The protocol was registered prospectively on PROSPERO and comprehensive search included Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases. Only studies that evaluated the effectiveness of non-financial interventions to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were included, while those focusing intentions or financial incentive were excluded. Risk of bias for all included studies was evaluated using Cochrane risk of bias tools. In total, six articles were included in the review (total participants n = 200,720). A narrative synthesis was performed due to the absence of common quantitative metrics. Except for one randomized controlled trial, all studies reported that interventions were effective, increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates. However, non-randomized studies were subject to confounding biases. Evidence on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy interventions remains limited and further evidence is needed for the development of clear guidance on effective interventions to increase vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Terrell
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Abdallah Alami
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6, Canada
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