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Hong JC, Wu TF, Tsai WL. The Motivation for COVID-19 Vaccination and Preventive Behavior. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION (2022) 2024:10.1007/s10935-024-00787-x. [PMID: 38839737 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-024-00787-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19, a viral infection that emerged in late 2019, induces a severe acute respiratory syndrome marked by significant clinical symptoms, and the potential for progressive respiratory failure and death. People facing the threat of COVID-19 not only feared being infected, but were also worried about the side-effects of vaccination. This conflict affected their epidemic prevention behavior. To understand this issue, the present study explored whether infection anxiety affected the psychological avoidance or approach to getting vaccinated and the intention to take epidemic prevention measures. The study implemented a cross-sectional, web-based survey. We created questionnaires using Surveycake, an online e-form questionnaire platform. We used the snowball sampling method via a social media app to recruit participants. If individuals were willing to participate in the research, we emailed the e-form questionnaire link to them to collect data. After questionnaire collection, 288 questionnaires were returned, and 277 valid questionnaires were obtained for structural equation modeling analysis. According to the statistical results, it was found that infection anxiety was positively related to avoidance-avoidance conflict, and the power of infection anxiety on avoidance conflict was 23.0%. Infection anxiety was negatively related to approach-approach conflict regarding vaccination, and the power of infection anxiety on approach-approach conflict was 22.0%. Approach-approach conflict regarding vaccination was negatively related to prevention behavior, while avoidance-avoidance conflict regarding vaccination was positively related to prevention behavior. The two conflicts explained 12.5% of the total variance in prevention behavior. The study results highlight the long-term importance of achieving vaccine goals in order to prepare for future health emergencies similar to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Chao Hong
- Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Fang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, 162, Section 1, Heping E. D, Taipei City, 106, Taiwan.
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2
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Martinelli A, Moncalieri G, Zamparini M, Alessandri G, Vittorio Caprara G, Castelnuovo G, Rocchetti M, Starace F, Zarbo C, de Girolamo G. Positivity, daily time use, mood, and functioning in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Results from the diapason multicentric study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024; 70:319-329. [PMID: 38054430 PMCID: PMC10913309 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231212868] [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] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positivity (POS) indicates the proclivity to see life and experiences in a positive light. There is limited research on its effects on individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). Very little is known about the relationship between POS and daily activities in people with SSD. AIM The study aims to compare the POS rated by patients with SSD with those obtained in an Italian normative sample matched by age and sex and to use the Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to investigate the association between POS and daily time use (i.e. productive activities, leisure activities), functioning and mood in individuals with SSD. METHOD 620 SSD patients were recruited from mental health services in Italy as part of the DiAPAson project. POS, symptom severity, functioning, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed. POS scores were compared to a normative sample of 5,002 Italian citizens. Additionally, a subset of 102 patients underwent 7-day assessments using mobile EMA. RESULTS People with SSD did not significantly differ from the Italian normative sample in POS levels (0.035, p = .190). POS showed a significant inverse association with support network (-0.586, p = .036) and symptomatology (BPRS -0.101; 95% p < .001; BNSS B = -0.113, p < .001). A significant direct association was found between POS and QoL (B = 0.310, p < .001) and functioning (B = 0.058, p < .001). In the subsample using EMA, POS ratings showed significant associations with Positive Emotions (B = 0.167, p < .001) and Negative Emotions (B = -0.201, p < .001). CONCLUSION People with SSD exhibited comparable levels of POS to the normative sample. Higher POS was linked to better functioning, QoL, fewer severe symptoms, and increased positive emotions. However, it did not relate to increased productivity or engagement in leisure activities. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between POS and time use in individuals with SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Martinelli
- Unit of Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Moncalieri
- Unit of Epidemiological and Evaluation Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Manuel Zamparini
- Unit of Epidemiological and Evaluation Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Matteo Rocchetti
- Department of Mental Health and Dependence, ASST of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Starace
- Department of Mental Health and Dependence, AUSL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Zarbo
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni de Girolamo
- Unit of Epidemiological and Evaluation Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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Eichelberger L, Hansen A, Cochran P, Fried R, Hahn M. "In the beginning, I said I wouldn't get it.": Hesitant adoption of the COVID-19 vaccine in remote Alaska between November 2020 and 2021. Soc Sci Med 2023; 334:116197. [PMID: 37666096 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Achieving sufficient COVID-19 vaccination coverage has been hindered in many areas by vaccine hesitancy. Many studies based on large survey samples have characterized vaccine refusal, but there are fewer in-depth qualitative studies that explore hesitant adoption: the middle-ground between vaccine acceptance and refusal, and how individuals may move across this continuum depending on their lived experience. For this paper, we use the narratives of 25 adults living in off-road, predominately Alaska Native communities to describe the complex decision-making processes undertaken by 'hesitant adopters', defined in our study as those who completed their initial COVID-19 series despite reporting hesitancy. Interviewees' stories help illustrate how hesitant adopters' decision-making processes involved making sense of information through interactions with trusted individuals, lived experiences, observations, emotions, and personal motivations. For the majority of these hesitant adopters' (n = 20, 80%) interpersonal interactions were key in helping to make the decision to get vaccinated. Over half of the interviewees (n = 14, 56%) described how conversations with individuals they trusted, including healthcare providers, family, friends, and interactions through their professional network made them feel safe. One third of the hesitant adopters (n = 7, 28%) attributed their decision to get vaccinated based on the influence of Alaska Native Elders including their knowledge, personal experiences, as well as being motivated by the desire to protect them. Independent research was also important to about a quarter of hesitant adopters (n = 6, 24%), and for these interviewees it was the process of gathering information on their own and learning from others, especially healthcare providers who could answer their questions and alleviate their concerns. This paper illustrates the temporality of vaccine decision-making: vaccine acceptance for those who are hesitant may be an ongoing process that is influenced by personal experience, relationships, and context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Eichelberger
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Tribal Water Center. 4000 Ambassador Drive Anchorage, Alaska, 99508, USA.
| | - Amanda Hansen
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Tribal Water Center. 4000 Ambassador Drive Anchorage, Alaska, 99508, USA.
| | - Patricia Cochran
- Alaska Native Science Commission. 429 L Street, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA.
| | - Ruby Fried
- University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS), 1901 Bragaw, Suite 220, Anchorage, Alaska, 99508, USA.
| | - Micah Hahn
- University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS), 1901 Bragaw, Suite 220, Anchorage, Alaska, 99508, USA.
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Pouliasi II, Hadjikou A, Kouvari K, Heraclides A. Socioeconomic Inequalities in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Greece and Cyprus during the Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1301. [PMID: 37631869 PMCID: PMC10459981 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the rigorous investigation of the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy and refusal during the COVID-19 pandemic, the socioeconomic determinants of this phenomenon remain poorly investigated on a global scale. Following proportional quota sampling, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study. We recruited participants on-site and online from different settings, regions, and socioeconomic strata in two Eastern Mediterranean populations, Greece and Cyprus. Our approach provided a nationwide sample (n = 576) approaching the adult population structure of the two countries, with a slight underrepresentation of men and older people. Our results indicate clear socioeconomic differences in vaccine hesitancy and vaccination coverage, consistent with wider social inequalities in health. In particular, we reveal a clear socioeconomic gradient characterized by lower vaccine hesitancy and higher vaccination coverage, with increasing educational attainment and income. Additionally, participants residing in semi-urban areas show higher vaccine hesitancy and have lower vaccination coverage than those residing in urban and rural areas. Our results could inform Public Health approaches aiming to tackle the alarming phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy by enabling the targeting of population groups who are particularly vaccine-hesitant, rendering such approaches more targeted and effective while at the same time reducing inequalities in the control and prevention of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexandros Heraclides
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenis Str., 2404 Engomi, P.O. Box 22006, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus; (I.I.P.); (A.H.); (K.K.)
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Grosso FM, Baldassarre ME, Grosso R, Di Mauro F, Greco C, Greco S, Laforgia N, Di Mauro A. Do social media interventions increase vaccine uptake? Front Public Health 2023; 11:1077953. [PMID: 37457259 PMCID: PMC10340521 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1077953] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Italian mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign has included children aged 5-11 years as part of the target population since December 2021. One of the biggest challenges to vaccine uptake was vaccine hesitancy among parents and children's caregivers. Primary care pediatricians (PCPs), as the first point of contact between the National Health Service (NHS) and parents/caretakers, initiated various communication strategies to tackle this hesitancy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a PCP-led social media intervention and a digital reminder service (DRS) on parental hesitancy regarding vaccinating their 5-11-year-old children against COVID-19. Methods A prospective cohort study was designed, and the chosen target populations were parents and caretakers of children aged 5-11 years. Two PCP cohorts were recruited. The first group received a social media intervention and a DRS; while the second group did not. Both cohorts had access to traditional face-to-face and telephone-based counseling. The vaccination coverage rate in the two groups was evaluated. Results A total of 600 children were enrolled. The exposed cohort (277 patients) received social media intervention, DRS, and counseling options (face-to-face and telephone-based), whereas the non-exposed cohort (323 patients) received only counseling options. In total, 89 patients from the exposed cohort did not receive any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (32.5%), 165 were fully immunized (59.5%), and 23 received only one dose (8.5%). A total of 150 non-exposed patients did not receive any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (47%), 147 were fully immunized (45.5%), and 24 only received one dose (7.4%). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (chi square = 11.5016; p = 0.0006). Conclusion Social media and DRS interventions had a positive impact on vaccine uptake and may be helpful in tackling vaccine hesitancy. Better-designed studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Maria Grosso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Postgraduate School of Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Grosso
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Di Mauro
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Greco
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine (Public Health), Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Greco
- Department of Pediatrics, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Mauro
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Margherita di Savoia, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Italy
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Cesareo M, Tagliabue M, Lopes ME, Moderato P. Framing Effects on Willingness and Perceptions towards COVID-19 Vaccination among University Students in Italy: An Exploratory Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1079. [PMID: 37376468 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061079] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy is a diffused psychological phenomenon that has been increasingly addressed in several studies since the COVID-19 pandemic. Communication campaigns play a pivotal role influencing recipients' perceptions and may affect the likelihood to vaccinate or to show hesitancy. In the context of communicating risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, we hypothesized that highlighting different aspects of data on the effectiveness of vaccines would influence people's willingness and attitudes to vaccinate. In this exploratory study, we administered two versions of a survey to a convenience sample of students from three universities in Italy. In the first version, salience was placed on the effectiveness of the vaccine in terms of reducing the probability of infection. In the second version, salience was placed on the effectiveness of the vaccine in terms of reducing the probability of hospitalization after being infected by COVID-19. The results confirmed our hypothesis: participants reported that they were more willing to become vaccinated when exposed to the hospitalization frame (main dimension). Conversely, we found mixed effects of the frame on the following sub-dimensions: reliability, trust, protection, safety, and confidence. Taken together, we show that it is possible to influence, to some extent, university students' attitudes and perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccination by acting on how information is framed. We discuss the implications of these findings for the development of behaviorally informed policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Cesareo
- Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano (IESCUM), Piazzale Ravenet 5, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Tagliabue
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Magdalena Edyta Lopes
- Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano (IESCUM), Piazzale Ravenet 5, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Moderato
- Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano (IESCUM), Piazzale Ravenet 5, 43100 Parma, Italy
- Department of Business, Law, Economics and Consumer Behaviour, IULM University, Via Carlo Bo 1, 20143 Milano, Italy
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Gavaruzzi T, Caserotti M, Bonaiuti R, Bonanni P, Crescioli G, Di Tommaso M, Lombardi N, Lotto L, Ravaldi C, Rubaltelli E, Tasso A, Vannacci A, Girardi P. The Interplay of Perceived Risks and Benefits in Deciding to Become Vaccinated against COVID-19 While Pregnant or Breastfeeding: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103469. [PMID: 37240575 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103469] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the role of the perception of risks and benefits for the mother and her babies in deciding about the COVID-19 vaccination. In this cross-sectional study, five hypotheses were tested using data from a convenience sample of Italian pregnant and/or breastfeeding women (N = 1104, July-September 2021). A logistic regression model estimated the influence of the predictors on the reported behavior, and a beta regression model was used to evaluate which factors influenced the willingness to become vaccinated among unvaccinated women. The COVID-19 vaccination overall risks/benefits tradeoff was highly predictive of both behavior and intention. Ceteris paribus, an increase in the perception of risks for the baby weighed more against vaccination than a similar increase in the perception of risks for the mother. Additionally, pregnant women resulted in being less likely (or willing) to be vaccinated in their status than breastfeeding women, but they were equally accepting of vaccination if they were not pregnant. COVID-19 risk perception predicted intention to become vaccinated, but not behavior. In conclusion, the overall risks/benefits tradeoff is key in predicting vaccination behavior and intention, but the concerns for the baby weigh more than those for the mother in the decision, shedding light on this previously neglected aspect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gavaruzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Caserotti
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Bonaiuti
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Science, University of Firenze, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giada Crescioli
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Niccolò Lombardi
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorella Lotto
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Ravaldi
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Enrico Rubaltelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tasso
- Department of Humanities, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alfredo Vannacci
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venezia, 30123 Venezia, Italy
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Muscillo A, Lombardi G, Sestini E, Garbin F, Tambone V, Campanozzi LL, Pin P. Adolescents' Opinions on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Hints toward Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness in the Future. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:967. [PMID: 37243071 PMCID: PMC10222448 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand and assess vaccine reluctance, it is necessary to evaluate people's perceptions and grasp potential reasons for generic apprehension. In our analysis, we focus on adolescents' impressions towards anti-vaxxer behavior. The aim of the study is to figure out students' opinions about vaccine reluctance, connecting possible explanations that motivate anti-vaxxer decisions with common specific personality traits. We further investigate people's forecasts concerning the evolution of the pandemic. Between 2021 and 2022, we conducted a randomized survey experiment on a sample of high school individuals (N=395) living in different Italian regions. At that time, the vaccination campaign had already been promoted for nearly one year. From the analysis, it emerges that vaccinated people (92%), especially males, tend to be more pessimistic and attribute a higher level of generic distrust in science to anti-vaxxers. The results show that family background (mother's education) represents the most influential regressor: individuals coming from less educated families are less prone to attribute generic distrust and distrust of vaccines as principal reasons for vaccine reluctance. Similarly, those who rarely use social media develop a minor tendency to believe in a generic pessimism of anti-vaxxers. However, concerning the future of the pandemic, they are less likely to be optimistic toward vaccines. Overall, our findings shed light on adolescents' perceptions regarding the factors that influence vaccine hesitancy and highlight the need for targeted communication strategies to improve vaccination rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Muscillo
- Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lombardi
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications "Giuseppe Parenti", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Sestini
- Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Vittoradolfo Tambone
- Research Unit of Bioethics and Humanities, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Pin
- Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Bocconi Institute for Data Science and Analytics (BIDSA), Bocconi Univerity, 20146 Milan, Italy
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Openness buffers the impact of Belief in Conspiracy Theories on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: Evidence from a large, representative Italian sample. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 208:112189. [PMID: 37008556 PMCID: PMC10043959 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
As COVID-19 continues to incur enormous personal and societal costs, widespread vaccination against the virus remains the most effective strategy to end the pandemic. However, vaccine hesitancy is rampant and has been steadily rising for decades. Seeking to remedy this, personality psychologists have begun to explore psychological drivers of vaccine hesitancy, including the Big Five. Openness to Experience presents itself as a vexing case as previous attempts to study its association with vaccine hesitancy have yielded mixed findings. In this preregistered study, we hypothesise that the impact of Openness to Experience on Vaccine Hesitancy depends on its interplay with other factors, namely conspiracy beliefs. To test this, we apply logistic regressions, simple slopes analyses, and propensity score matching to a nationally representative sample of 2500 Italian citizens, collected in May 2021. Contrary to our original hypothesis (i.e., Openness will have a positive association with Vaccine Hesitancy at high – and a negative at low – levels of Conspiracy Beliefs) we find that high Openness diminishes the impact of Belief in Conspiracy Theories on Vaccine Hesitancy. Consistent with previous research, we propose that Openness serves as a buffer against extreme positions by allowing individuals to be exposed to a greater diversity of information.
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Udugampolage NS, Pini A, Magon A, Conte G, Callus E, Taurino J, Caruso R. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Italian Adults with Marfan Syndrome: Insights from a Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040734. [PMID: 37112646 PMCID: PMC10143721 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although vaccine hesitancy has been reported in many patient groups and countries, there is a lack of data on vaccine hesitancy in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). MFS is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to cardiovascular, ocular, and musculoskeletal issues. Because MFS patients may face an increased risk of COVID-19 complications, vaccination is crucial for this population. This brief report aims to describe vaccine hesitancy rates in MFS patients and compare the characteristics of patients who are hesitant and those who are not to gain a better understanding of this specific population. This study analyzes previously published cross-sectional data that examined mental health, sociodemographic, and clinical factors associated with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia in MFS patients during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lombardy, Italy. Of the 112 MFS patients who participated, 26 (23.9%) reported vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy may be associated mainly with younger age and not be related to other patient characteristics. Therefore, this report found no differences in individual-level variables, such as sex, education, comorbidities, and mental health symptoms, between those who were hesitant and those who were not. The study findings are insightful and suggest that interventions to address vaccine hesitancy in this population may need to focus on attitudes and beliefs related to vaccination rather than targeting specific sociodemographic or clinical factors.
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Ferrara M, Bertozzi G, Volonnino G, Di Fazio A, Di Fazio N, Arcangeli M, La Russa R, Frati P. Learning from the Past to Improve the Future—Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants in the Italian Population: A Systematic Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030630. [PMID: 36992216 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
WHO identifies vaccine hesitancy (VH) as one of the ten threats to global health. The authors bring to the international scientific community an Italian episode that offers the opportunity to renew the discussion on the extent of the VH matter. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the factors determining vaccine hesitancy in the Italian population, to understand its roots, and suggest potential strategies to mitigate it. A systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines was carried out using the SCOPUS and Medline (via PubMed) databases, using the following strategy: (COVID-19 vaccines) AND (vaccination hesitancy) AND (Italy). After the selection process, 36 articles were included in this systematic review. The most frequently detected factors associated with VH in the Italian population can be grouped as vaccine-related factors, socio-cultural factors, and demographic factors. Currently, we are facing a gap between the population and science, governments, and institutions. To heal this breach, it is necessary to strengthen the trust of the population through the implementation of health communication and public education strategies, while scientific literacy must continue to support families and individuals in discerning evidence from opinions to recognize the real risks and balance them with the benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ferrara
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Volonnino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Fazio
- Regional Complex Intercompany Institute of Legal Medicine, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Arcangeli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environment Science, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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EU Member States’ Institutional Twitter Campaigns on COVID-19 Vaccination: Analyses of Germany, Spain, France and Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030619. [PMID: 36992204 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of an effective vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus became the hope for halting the spread of the disease. In recent years, social networks have become important tools for political and strategic communication in the dialogue with citizens. Therefore, the messages emitted through them were important to address vaccine hesitancy and achieve collective immunity. This paper analyses the use of Twitter by politicians and institutions in EU Member States during the first fifty days after the Commission’s marketing authorisation of the first COVID-19 vaccine (21 December 2020 to 8 February 2021). To do so, a triple approach content analysis was carried out (quantitative, qualitative and discursive on feelings) applied to 1913 tweets published by the official profiles of the prime ministers, health ministers, governments and health ministries of Germany, Spain, France and Italy, the four most populous EU countries. The results point out that politicians and institutions gave preference to other issues on their political agenda over vaccine-related issues. Moreover, previous research hypotheses, such as those related to the underutilization of the Twitter tool as a two-way communication channel with citizens, are validated.
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13
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Grignolio Corsini A, Zagarella RM, Adamo M, Caporale C. From COVID-19 vaccine candidates to compulsory vaccination: The attitudes of Italian citizens in the key 7-month of vaccination campaign. Vaccine 2023; 41:2582-2588. [PMID: 36925424 PMCID: PMC9981525 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study is to understand the evolution of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance over the key 7-month vaccine campaign in Italy, a period in which the country moved from candidate vaccines to products administered to the public. The research focus points to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine attitudes in adults and their children, propension towards compulsory vaccination, past and present adherence to anti-flu and anti-pneumococcal vaccines, and the reasons for trust/mistrust of vaccines. METHODS Italian residents aged 16->65 years were invited to complete an online survey from September 2020 to April 2021. The survey contained 13 questions: 3 on demographic data; 8 on vaccine attitudes; and 2 open-ended questions about the reasons of vaccine confidence/refusal. A preliminary word frequency analysis has been conducted, as well as a statistical bivariate analysis. RESULTS Of 21.537 participants, the confidence of those in favor of the COVID-19 vaccine increases of 50 % and the number of people who wanted more information decreases by two-third. Willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 also increased from 51 % to 66.5 %. Only one-third of the strong vaccine-hesitant participants, i.e. 10 %, remained hostile. Compulsory vaccination showed a large and increasing favor by participants up to 78 %, in a way similar to their propensity for children's mandatory vaccination (70.6 %). Respondents' past and present adherence to anti-flu and anti-pneumococcal vaccines does not predict their intentions to vaccinate against COVID-19. Finally, a semantic analysis of the reasons of acceptance/refusal of COVID-19 vaccination suggests a complex decision-making process revealed by the participants' use of common words in pro-and-cons arguments. CONCLUSION The heterogeneity in the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, determinants and opinions detected at different ages, genders and pandemic phases suggests that health authorities should avoid one-size-fits-all vaccination campaigns. The results emphasize the long-term importance of reinforcing vaccine information, communication and education needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Grignolio Corsini
- Interdepartmental Center for Research Ethics and Integrity, National Research Council, Rome, Italy; Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Massimiliano Adamo
- Institute for applied mathematics "Mauro Picone" (IAC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Caporale
- Interdepartmental Center for Research Ethics and Integrity, National Research Council, Rome, Italy.
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Cianci R, Franza L, Pignataro G, Massaro MG, Rio P, Tota A, Ocarino F, Sacco Fernandez M, Franceschi F, Gasbarrini A, Gambassi G, Candelli M. Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on the In-Hospital Prognosis of Patients Admitted during Delta and Omicron Waves in Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020373. [PMID: 36851251 PMCID: PMC9965237 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
All-cause mortality related to the SARS-CoV-2 infection has declined from the first wave to subsequent waves, probably through vaccination programs and the availability of effective antiviral therapies. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on the prognosis of infected patients. Overall, we enrolled 545 subjects during the Delta variant wave and 276 ones during the Omicron variant wave. Data were collected concerning vaccination status, clinical parameters, comorbidities, lung involvement, laboratory parameters, and pharmacological treatment. Outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 30-day all-cause mortality. Overall, the final sample included 821 patients with a mean age of 62 ± 18 years [range 18-100], and 59% were men. Vaccinated patients during the Delta wave were 37% (over ¾ with two doses), while during the Omicron wave they were 57%. Vaccinated patients were older (68 vs. 57 years), and 62% had at least one comorbidity Admission to the ICU was 20%, and the mortality rate at 30 days was 14%. ICU admissions were significantly higher during the Delta wave than during Omicron (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.1), while all-cause mortality did not differ. Unvaccinated patients had a higher risk of ICU admission (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.1) and 30-day all-cause mortality (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.7). Results were consistent for both Delta and Omicron variants. Overall, vaccination with at least two doses was associated with a reduced need for ICU admission. Even one shot of the vaccine was associated with a significantly reduced 30-day mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Franza
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Pignataro
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Massaro
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Rio
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Tota
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ocarino
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Sacco Fernandez
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Franceschi
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambassi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Candelli
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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15
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Conspiracy mentality and health-related behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multiwave survey in Italy. Public Health 2023; 214:124-132. [PMID: 36549021 PMCID: PMC9673006 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.11.005] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to (1) explore the changes in conspiracy mentality across the four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) assess the relationship between conspirative mentality and psychological/behavioural variables; (3) identify the predictors of conspirative mentality; and (4) explore the effect of conspirative mentality on COVID-19 protective behaviour. STUDY DESIGN This was a multiwave survey. METHODS A total of 10,013 Italian individuals, aged 18-70 years, were assessed across the four waves (from January to May 2021) through online survey. We collected information about the sociodemographic characteristics of participants, personal experiences of COVID-19 infection, trust, COVID-19 protective behaviours, COVID-19 risk perception, arousal, auto-efficacy, resilience and well-being. Conspiracy mentality was assessed with the Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire. The statistical analyses included exploratory factorial analyses, Pearson correlations and multiple linear regressions. RESULTS The conspiracy mentality score during the COVID-19 pandemic was medium-high (mean 59.0 on a 0-100 scale) and slightly increased from 58.2 to 59.9 across months, in parallel with a slight decrease in trust in health institutions and scientific informational sources. Individuals aged >35 years, poorly educated and particularly scared about their financial situation were at risk of showing higher levels of conspirative mentality. Higher levels of conspirative mentality were risk factors for low levels of COVID-19 protective behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Clear and effective communication may improve trust in health institutions and informational sources, decrease conspirative theories and increase compliance with protective behaviour.
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Maietti E, Reno C, Sanmarchi F, Montalti M, Fantini MP, Gori D. Are psychological status and trust in information related to vaccine hesitancy during COVID-19 pandemic? A latent class and mediation analyses in Italy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2157622. [PMID: 36573024 PMCID: PMC9891681 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2157622] [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] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recognized benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine hesitancy (VH) remains one of the biggest challenges of the mass vaccination campaign. Most studies investigating VH determinants focused on socio-demographics and direct relationships. In this study, we aimed at: 1) identifying subgroups of people differently affected by the pandemic, in terms of psychological status; 2) investigating the role of psychological status and trust in information as possible mediators of the relationship between individual characteristics and VH. To this purpose, a latent class analysis (LCA) followed by a mediation analysis were carried out on data from a survey conducted in January 2021 on 1011 Italian citizens. LCA identified four different subgroups characterized by a differential psychological impact of the pandemic: the extremely affected (21.1%), the highly affected (49.1%), the moderately affected (21.8%) and the slightly affected (8%). We found that VH decreased with the increase of psychological impact (from 59.3% to 23.9%). In the mediation analysis, past vaccination refusal, age 45-54 years and lower-than-average income, were all indirectly related to higher VH through mistrust in COVID-19 information. Differently, the psychological impact counteracted the greater VH in females, the negative effect of social media among youngest (<35 years) and the negative effect of mistrust in the lower-than-average-income subgroup. Knowledge of psychological profile of hesitant individuals, their level of trust and the sources of information they access, together with their sociodemographic characteristics provides a more comprehensive picture of VH determinants that can be used by public health stakeholders to effectively design and adapt communication campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maietti
- Department of Biomedical and Nuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Reno
- Department of Biomedical and Nuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Nuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy,CONTACT Francesco Sanmarchi Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Montalti
- Department of Biomedical and Nuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Fantini
- Department of Biomedical and Nuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Nuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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17
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Cuschieri S, Grech S, Grech V. A cross-sectional study exploring the Covid-19 vaccination landscape in Malta through social media: An insight into experiences, attitudes, and perspectives. Health Sci Rep 2022; 6:e1014. [PMID: 36582628 PMCID: PMC9793370 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1014] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Covid-19 vaccines were disseminated across Europe from the end of 2020. Malta had one of the fastest vaccination rollouts in Europe and by March 2022 most adults had their booster dose. The aim was to investigate adult's perspectives, experiences, and attitudes regarding vaccination in Malta. Methods An anonymous online survey targeting adult social media users living in Malta was disseminated through social media, with a snowball technique. Demographic information, vaccination uptake, side-effects, perceptions, and experiences were gathered through quantitative and qualitative means. Participants were sub-grouped according to their vaccination status and descriptive analysis through frequency was performed. χ 2/Fisher test testing followed by logistic regressions were performed to assess the vaccination perspectives according to vaccination status. Results Out of 611 participants 79.87% had the booster, 4.91% had two doses awaiting booster, 6.55% refused booster while, 8.67% refused any dose. Booster sub-group when compared to vaccine hesitant sub-group exhibited an association with the perception for the need to "continue wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and hand washing following vaccination" (odds ratio [OR]: 5.97 confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.09-32.36 p = 0.04). Those waiting for the booster dose when compared to those refusing booster, exhibited an association with the perspective that "COVID-19 vaccine is the solution to returning to normality" (OR: 5.00 CI 95%: 1.12-22.35 p = 0.04). The commonest reason for inoculation was to protect against severe disease (63.08% CI 95%: 58.91-67.07). More pronounced booster adverse effects raised concern about future booster doses uptake. Unwillingness among anti-booster and vaccine hesitant arose among high socioeconomic background participants, with concern for vaccine safety and adverse effects. Conclusion Vaccine hesitancy is low yet, vaccination unwillingness even among highly educated may act as a barrier to control the pandemic. Clear, transparent public health communication which targets concerns is crucial, with unified messages from governing bodies optimizing population safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cuschieri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine & SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
| | - Stephan Grech
- Department of Trauma & OrthopaedicsMater Dei HospitalMsidaMalta
| | - Victor Grech
- Department of PaediatricsMater Dei HospitalMsidaMalta
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18
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Kim S, Willis E, Wehlage S, Scheffer-Wentz H, Dulitz M. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and short-term and long-term intentions among unvaccinated young adults: a mixed-method approach. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2030. [PMCID: PMC9638285 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Only 63.8% of Americans who are 18-to-24-years-old have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as of June 1, 2022. The Grand Forks County, North Dakota is facing a similar challenge. As of June 2022, 47% of individuals in the 19-to-29-year-old age group are vaccinated. Focusing on unvaccinated individuals in their 20s, Study 1 aims to understand the ways in which receiving COVID-19 vaccines is construed using qualitative interviews; and Study 2 compares the predictors of short-term vaccination intention (i.e., next month) with those of long-term vaccination intention (i.e., three to 5 years) using an online survey. Methods For Study 1, we conducted five focus groups and four in-depth interviews via Zoom with a total of 26 unvaccinated individuals in their 20s living in the Grand Forks County. Constant comparison process was used to categorize data into themes and to recognize characteristics of the identified themes. The aim was to develop themes and associated characteristics. For Study 2, we conducted an online survey with a convenience sample of 526 unvaccinated individuals. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs in misinformation and short-term and long-term vaccination intentions, accounting for demographics and socioeconomic status. Results In Study 1, two themes were identified: feelings of uncertainty sparked by profits and monetization and navigating the fear of the unknown. In Study 2, an increase in the confidence of COVID-19 vaccines showed significantly higher odds of short-term intention (OR = 2.658, 95%CI 1.770, 3.990) and long-term intention (OR = 1.568, 95% CI 1.105, 2.226). Believing in misinformation had significantly lower odds of short-term intention (OR = 0.712, 95%CI 0.513, 0.990), while more positive attitudes (OR = 1.439, 95% CI 1.024, 2.024), stronger preference in calculating the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines (OR = 2.108, 95% CI 1.541, 2.882), and greater perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.471, 95% CI 1.045, 2.070) to and severity of contracting COVID-19 (OR = 1.362, 95% CI 1.020, 1.820) were significantly associated with higher odds of long-term intention. Conclusions Short-term and long-term intentions were predicted differently. Instilling strong confidence in COVID-19 vaccines should increase both short-term and long-term intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojung Kim
- grid.266862.e0000 0004 1936 8163Department of Communication, University of North Dakota, O’Kelly Hall Room 214, 221 Centennial Dr. Stop 7169, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7169 USA
| | - Erin Willis
- grid.266190.a0000000096214564Advertising, Public Relations & Media Design, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309 USA
| | - Shane Wehlage
- grid.266862.e0000 0004 1936 8163Department of Communication, University of North Dakota, O’Kelly Hall Room 214, 221 Centennial Dr. Stop 7169, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7169 USA
| | - Hannah Scheffer-Wentz
- grid.266862.e0000 0004 1936 8163Department of Communication, University of North Dakota, O’Kelly Hall Room 214, 221 Centennial Dr. Stop 7169, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7169 USA
| | - Michael Dulitz
- Opioid Response Project Coordinator and COVID-19 Data and Analytics Leader, Grand Forks Public Health, 151 S 4th Street Suite N301, Grand Forks, ND 58201 USA
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19
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Brazilian Adults’ Attitudes and Practices Regarding the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination and Their Hesitancy towards Childhood Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111853. [DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the attitudes and practices of Brazilian adults regarding the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and their hesitancy towards the vaccination of children. Methods: Between March and May 2022, Brazilian adults answered an online questionnaire distributed through social media. The SAGE-WG questionnaire was adapted to measure hesitancy to the vaccination of children. Results: Of the 1007 participants, 67.4% believed that adult COVID-19 vaccination should be mandatory. Just over half of the participants (51.5%) believed that parents and/or guardians should decide if their children should be vaccinated against COVID-19 or not and 9.1% were unsure. Individuals who were younger, non-religious and had higher awareness of COVID-19 risks and critics of the federal government’s performance in combating the pandemic were more likely to agree with mandatory adult vaccination. However, less agreement among parents and/or guardians concerning children’s vaccination was observed, with lower scores for hesitancy to the vaccination of children. Conclusion: In Brazil, there is still far from a consensus on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for adults and a significant proportion of the population believes that parents and/or guardians should be free to decide on their children’s vaccination. These views are associated with age, religion, knowledge of COVID-19 risks and political inclination.
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20
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de Girolamo G, Ferrari C, Candini V, Buizza C, Calamandrei G, Caserotti M, Gavaruzzi T, Girardi P, Habersaat KB, Lotto L, Scherzer M, Starace F, Tasso A, Zamparini M, Zarbo C. Psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy assessed in a four-waves survey. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17945. [PMID: 36289273 PMCID: PMC9606283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22994-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health and well-being (WB) of citizens. This cross-sectional study included 4 waves of data collection aimed at identifying profiles of individuals with different levels of WB. The study included a representative stratified sample of 10,013 respondents in Italy. The WHO 5-item well-being scale (WHO-5) was used for the assessment of WB. Different supervised machine learning approaches (multinomial logistic regression, partial least-square discriminant analysis-PLS-DA-, classification tree-CT-) were applied to identify individual characteristics with different WB scores, first in waves 1-2 and, subsequently, in waves 3 and 4. Forty-one percent of participants reported "Good WB", 30% "Poor WB", and 28% "Depression". Findings carried out using multinomial logistic regression show that Resilience was the most important variable able for discriminating the WB across all waves. Through the PLS-DA, Increased Unhealthy Behaviours proved to be the more important feature in the first two waves, while Financial Situation gained most relevance in the last two. COVID-19 Perceived Risk was relevant, but less than the other variables, across all waves. Interestingly, using the CT we were able to establish a cut-off for Resilience (equal to 4.5) that discriminated good WB with a probability of 65% in wave 4. Concluding, we found that COVID-19 had negative implications for WB. Governments should support evidence-based strategies considering factors that influence WB (i.e., Resilience, Perceived Risk, Healthy Behaviours, and Financial Situation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni de Girolamo
- grid.419422.8Psychiatric Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Ferrari
- grid.419422.8Service of Statistics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Candini
- grid.419422.8Psychiatric Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- grid.419422.8Psychiatric Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gemma Calamandrei
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856Centre for Behavioral Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Marta Caserotti
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Teresa Gavaruzzi
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Katrine Bach Habersaat
- grid.420226.00000 0004 0639 2949World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lorella Lotto
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martha Scherzer
- grid.420226.00000 0004 0639 2949World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fabrizio Starace
- grid.476047.60000 0004 1756 2640Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, AUSL Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tasso
- grid.8484.00000 0004 1757 2064Department of Humanities, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manuel Zamparini
- grid.419422.8Psychiatric Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristina Zarbo
- grid.419422.8Psychiatric Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125 Brescia, Italy
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Bert F, Pivi A, Russotto A, Mollero B, Voglino G, Orofino G, Siliquini R. COVID-19 Vaccination among HIV+ Patients: An Italian Cross-Sectional Survey. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091438. [PMID: 36146516 PMCID: PMC9503617 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aims to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of HIV-patients about COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by administering questionnaires to 160 patients followed by Amedeo di Savoia Hospital in Turin. Statistical analyses were performed in order to identify predictors of infection and severity of COVID-19 disease risk perception. Results: The 86.2% of patients were vaccinated for COVID-19, while 7.6% do not intend to be vaccinated; 50.7% thought that there is a minimal risk to get COVID-19; 85.8% thought that COVID-19 is a serious illness. The 56% and the 36.5 thought that seropositivity carries a greater risk to develop respectively COVID-19-related complications or vaccine complications. At the multivariate analysis having a job, proactive research of vaccine information and being HIV+ for several years are related to a lower risk perception of infection. The perception of COVID-19 severity is influenced by age, by being LGB and by believing that HIV+ status correlates with a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19. Conclusions: as the pandemic can adversely impact the HIV care with increasing loss to follow-up, vaccination is essential to contrast infection in HIV+ patients. Our findings suggested that some HIV+ patients refuse vaccination against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Bert
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alex Pivi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Antonino Russotto
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | | | - Roberta Siliquini
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Hospital Molinette, City of Health and Science of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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22
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Perrella A, Bisogno M, D’Argenzio A, Trama U, Coscioni E, Orlando V. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Breakthrough among the Non-Vaccinated and Vaccinated Population in Italy: A Real-World Evidence Study Based on Big Data. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061085. [PMID: 35742137 PMCID: PMC9222607 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination can occur because COVID-19 vaccines do not offer 100% protection. The study aim was to assess duration of vaccination coverage, disease symptoms and type of hospitalization among non-vaccinated and vaccinated subjects to evaluate the vaccination trend over time. A retrospective cohort study was carried out among people testing COVID-19 positive in Campania Region using information from the Health Information System of Campania Region (Sinfonia). Vaccination status was assessed considering: no vaccination, partial vaccination and effective vaccination. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between ICU admissions caused by COVID-19 and gender, age groups and vaccine type. Vaccine coverage duration trends were investigated using segmented linear regression and breakpoint estimations. Vaccination coverage was assessed by analyzing COVID-19 positive subjects in the 9 months after an effective dose vaccination. A significant risk of hospitalization in the ICU was caused by vaccination status: subjects non-vaccinated (OR: 7.14) and partially vaccinated (OR: 3.68) were 3 and 7 times more at risk of hospitalization, respectively, than subjects effectively vaccinated. Regarding subjects with an effective vaccination, the vaccine’s ability to protect against infection in the months following vaccination decreased. The risk of contracting COVID-19 after vaccination was higher 5 months (β = 1441, p < 0.001) and 7 months (β = 3110, p < 0.001) after administration of an effective dose. COVID-19 vaccines were demonstrated to protect from symptomatic infection by significantly reducing hospitalization risk, and their full protection against SARS-CoV-2 was demonstrated to decrease after 5 months regardless of age, gender or vaccine type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Perrella
- Regional Task Force COVID-19, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (U.T.); (E.C.)
- UOC Emerging Infectious Disease with High Contagiousness AORN Ospedali dei Colli P.O.C. Cotugno, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (V.O.)
| | - Massimo Bisogno
- Sinfonia Regional Health Information System of Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy;
| | - Angelo D’Argenzio
- Regional Task Force COVID-19, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (U.T.); (E.C.)
- Directorate-General for Health Protection, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- Regional Task Force COVID-19, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (U.T.); (E.C.)
- Directorate-General for Health Protection, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Coscioni
- Regional Task Force COVID-19, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (U.T.); (E.C.)
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Valentina Orlando
- Directorate-General for Health Protection, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
- CIRFF, Center of Drug Utilization and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (V.O.)
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