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Finamore P, Arena E, Lupoi D, Savito L, Di Nunzio F, Furbatto M, Dragonieri S, Antonelli Incalzi R, Scarlata S. Long COVID Syndrome: A Narrative Review on Burden of Age and Vaccination. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4756. [PMID: 39200898 PMCID: PMC11355827 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164756] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID, which presents a significant challenge due to its varied symptoms and unpredictable course, particularly in older adults. Similar to COVID-19 infections, factors such as age, pre-existing health conditions, and vaccination status may influence the occurrence and severity of long COVID. The objective is to analyze the role of aging in the context of long COVID and to investigate prevalence rates and vaccination efficacy to improve prevention strategies and treatment in this age group. Methods: Four researchers independently conducted a literature search of the PubMed database to trace studies published between July 2020 and July 2024. Results: Aging influences both the likelihood of developing long COVID and the recovery process, due to age-related physiological changes, immune system alterations, and the presence of comorbidities. Vaccination plays a key role in reducing the risk of long COVID by attenuating the inflammatory responses associated with its symptoms. Conclusions: Despite the protection vaccines offer against severe infection, hospitalization, and post-infection sequelae, vaccine hesitancy remains a major obstacle, worsening the impact of long COVID. Promising treatments for this condition include antivirals although further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panaiotis Finamore
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (E.A.); (D.L.); (L.S.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Arena
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (E.A.); (D.L.); (L.S.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenica Lupoi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (E.A.); (D.L.); (L.S.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Savito
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (E.A.); (D.L.); (L.S.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Nunzio
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (E.A.); (D.L.); (L.S.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Furbatto
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (E.A.); (D.L.); (L.S.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvano Dragonieri
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (E.A.); (D.L.); (L.S.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Scarlata
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (E.A.); (D.L.); (L.S.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
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De Waele A, Hendrickx G, Valckx S, Domínguez À, Toledo D, Castilla J, Tuells J, Van Damme P. The Vaccine Training Barometer: Assessing healthcare providers' confidence to answer vaccine-related questions and their training needs. Vaccine 2024; 42:2421-2428. [PMID: 38458873 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.078] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Healthcare providers (HCP) are seen by the public as the most trustworthy source of information about vaccination. While HCPs could be a valuable partner to increase vaccine confidence in general, it is not clear whether they feel confident themselves to address questions concerning vaccination. In the context of the EU Joint Action on Vaccination (EU-JAV), the Vaccine Training Barometer, an online survey tool, was developed to assess how frequently HCPs receive questions about vaccination, how confident they feel to answer these questions, and to what extent they are willing to follow extra training. After a pilot test in Flanders, Belgium, the Barometer was launched and completed by 833 HCPs in Flanders and 291 HCPs in the Spanish regions of Catalonia, Navarre and Valencian Community from November 2020 until January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, just before and during the start of the first COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. In both countries, HCPs frequently received questions about vaccination (mostly on a daily or weekly basis), and about two thirds of them indicated that the frequency of questions had increased during the three months prior to completing the survey. Most questions were about the side effects and safety of vaccines. In both countries, a considerable proportion of HCPs did not feel confident to answer vaccine-related questions (31.5% felt confident in Flanders, 21.6% in Spain). A large proportion of HCPs received questions in the last three months before the survey that they could not answer (52.4% of respondents in Flemish sample, 41.5% in Spanish sample). Only 11.4% (Flanders) and 11.3% (Spain) of the respondents felt they gained sufficient knowledge through their standard education to be able to answer questions about vaccination. Almost all respondents were willing to follow extra training on vaccination (Flanders: 95.4%, Spain: 96.6%). The Vaccine Training Barometer is thus a useful tool to monitor HCPs' confidence to answer questions about vaccination and to capture their training needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie De Waele
- Centre for Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 663, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Departement of Communication Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobsstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Greet Hendrickx
- Centre for Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 663, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Sara Valckx
- Centre for Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 663, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Àngela Domínguez
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, C/ de Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Diana Toledo
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, C/ de Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jesús Castilla
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra (IdiSNA), C. de Irunlarrea, 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
| | - José Tuells
- Edificio Ciencias Sociales, University of Alicante, Carr. de San Vicente del Raspeig, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Avda Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 663, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
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Mshigeni S, Samuel G, Scott W. A survey of college students' knowledge and attitudes regarding vaccination practices. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:530-539. [PMID: 35298358 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2047700] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The prevalence of illnesses related to VPDs is higher among older adults and college students experience them despite decades of vaccine availability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College Health Association (ACHA) emphasizes that all students should provide vaccine proof or receive immunizations prior to class registration. Methods: Using the KAP model, this study investigates the perceptions of first-generation university students regarding campus vaccine requirements. Data were collected using the Web-based survey software Qualtrics regarding students' vaccine knowledge and attitudes. Results: Of the 1,327 responses, the majority were female (74.23%), Hispanic (56.67%), and ages 18-25 years (35.57%). Participants were familiar with the function of vaccines (96.64%) and believed that vaccines prevent contagious diseases (92.70%). These responses were significantly associated with vaccination compliance however, 18.48% of students were not in full compliance. There were significant differences in vaccination compliance across academic standing, age, and race. Conclusion: Implications for public health practices on university campuses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salome Mshigeni
- Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - Gilna Samuel
- Jack H. Brown College, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - Winifred Scott
- Jack H. Brown College, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California, USA
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Pascucci D, Lontano A, Regazzi L, Marziali E, Nurchis MC, Raponi M, Vetrugno G, Moscato U, Cadeddu C, Laurenti P. Co-administration of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccines in healthcare workers: Results of two vaccination campaigns in a large teaching hospital in Rome. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2287282. [PMID: 38016914 PMCID: PMC10732597 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2287282] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The concurrent administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines has arisen as a promising approach to bolster protection against respiratory pathogens and improve vaccination rates. However, there remains a lack of data regarding the prevalence of co-administration across several vaccination campaigns, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study aims to shed light on the acceptance of co-administration strategies among HCWs during the two campaigns following the introduction of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the HCWs of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, a research hospital in Rome. Hospital administrative databases were accessed to gather information about vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 vaccination campaigns. The study included 7399 HCWs. The co-administration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccines presented a significant rise in 2022/2023 compared to the previous vaccination campaign (+38%): this was confirmed for every professional category, with the largest increases among resident doctors (+47%) and physicians (+44%), and also for every age category, but it was particularly evident for the youngest health professionals. The probability of co-administration uptake during the 2022/2023 campaign was significantly higher for males, and for those that received co-administration during the 2021/2022 campaign, while the probability was lower for nurses and administrative staff. This study highlights the co-administration procedure as a valuable and effective tool in annual vaccination campaigns for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The procedure's safety and streamlined logistics make it increasingly attractive for implementation, particularly among HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Pascucci
- Health Management, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Lontano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Regazzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marziali
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Cesare Nurchis
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- School of Economics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Raponi
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vetrugno
- Health Management, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Moscato
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Laurenti
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Boschung K, Gill MJ, Krentz HB, Dalere J, Beckthold B, Fonseca K, Bakal JA, McMillan JM, Kanji J, Lang R. COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people with HIV: identifying characteristics associated with vaccine hesitancy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20610. [PMID: 37996521 PMCID: PMC10667522 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
People with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection. Both Canadian (NACI) and US (CDC) guidelines recommend that all PWH receive at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and a booster. We examined vaccination uptake among PWH in Southern Alberta, Canada. Among adult PWH, we evaluated COVID-19 vaccination uptake between December 2020 and August 2022. Poisson regression models with robust variance (approximating log binomial models) estimated crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for receiving (1) any vs. no vaccine, and (2) primary series with booster (≥ 3 vaccines) versus primary series without booster. Among 1885 PWH, 10% received no COVID-19 vaccinations, 37% < 3 vaccines and 54% received ≥ 3 vaccines. Females (vs. males) were less likely to receive a vaccine booster. Receiving no COVID-19 vaccines was associated with White ethnicity, unsuppressed HIV viral load (> 200 copies/mL), and using illegal substances. Factors associated with decreased booster uptake included being younger, Black (vs. White) ethnicity, substance use, lower educational attainment, and having an unsuppressed HIV viral load. COVID-19 booster uptake among PWH does not meet vaccine guidelines, and receipt of vaccines is unevenly distributed. Booster uptake is lowest among young females and marginalized individuals. Focused outreach is necessary to close this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Boschung
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - M John Gill
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Southern Alberta Clinic, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hartmut B Krentz
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Southern Alberta Clinic, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Kevin Fonseca
- Alberta Public Health Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Bakal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jacqueline M McMillan
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Southern Alberta Clinic, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jamil Kanji
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Public Health Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Section of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Raynell Lang
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Southern Alberta Clinic, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Masoud D, Pierz A, Rauh L, Cruz AK, Palmedo C, Ratzan S. Vaccine Trust Gauge: Mixed methods research to measure and understand vaccine trust. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00690-4. [PMID: 37336659 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While trust in vaccination is one factor in the ecosystem that surrounds vaccine decision-making and acceptance, understanding its role may provide insights into effective and tailored approaches to help build individual-level vaccine confidence. The authors developed the Vaccine Trust Gauge (VTG), a scale used to measure trust in vaccines, and conducted mixed methods research to provide an in-depth understanding of the various factors shaping vaccine trust in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS The VTG instrument was developed from previous and scoping research of questionnaires (Larson et al., 2018; Palmedo et al., 2021) and fielded in the US to n = 3026 adults ages ≥18. Based on survey responses, participants were segmented by vaccine trust level (low, medium, or high) through an aggregated scoring system constructed from the VTG. 65 respondents were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews or focus groups conducted by phone or video conference. A conceptual definition of vaccine trust was developed using components of the VTG scale. RESULTS Multivariate regressions found that higher levels of vaccine trust measured by the VTG are closely associated with trust in healthcare providers and trust in government. College or higher degree, Democrats, and those aged 55+ were more likely to have higher trust in vaccines compared to Black/African Americans, and those experiencing discrimination in the healthcare system. The qualitative analysis allowed the authors to add diverse, contextual elements to the vaccine trust levels summarized here. DISCUSSION These mixed methods findings suggest future implications for research and practice. Ideas for potential communication, policy, and public health strategies are offered to build vaccine confidence and advance uptake for COVID-19 and other vaccines. CONCLUSIONS There are diverse underlying factors that influence an individual's trust in vaccines, which means trust categories and demographic characteristics cannot be used as monolithic identifiers. Assessing vaccine trust provides insights into a foundation for engagement to promote individual-level vaccine acceptance. The authors present recommendations for the use of the VTG, future implications for research and practice, and potential strategies to build vaccine confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima Masoud
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, United States.
| | - Amanda Pierz
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, United States
| | - Lauren Rauh
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, United States
| | - Alanna Kate Cruz
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, United States
| | - Chris Palmedo
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, United States
| | - Scott Ratzan
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, United States
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Svist V, Maciuleviciene A, Naudziunaite S, Petraitiene S, Del Torso S, Grossman Z, Magelinskiene G, Valiulis A. Vaccine-hesitant families are more susceptible to verbal communication messaging. Cent Eur J Public Health 2023; 31:103-109. [PMID: 37451242 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7508] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our survey aims to highlight parents' and healthcare workers' opinions and hesitations regarding children's vaccination, identify the main factors influencing these opinions, and assess the impact of hesitations on immunisation for children, included in the National Immunisation Programme in Lithuania. METHODS We used the questionnaire developed by the European Academy of Paediatrics Research in Ambulatory Settings Network (EAPRASnet). This questionnaire is designed to assess attitudes toward vaccination. The study involved parents raising children aged 1-4 years and primary healthcare providers (paediatricians, family doctors and nurses). RESULTS We analysed the completed questionnaires from a total of 329 parents (142 fathers, 187 mothers) and 386 medical personnel (150 physicians, 236 nurses). Most parents expressed positive opinions about vaccines (> 8 points out of 10 possible), with older parents exhibiting more favourable attitudes. Compared to mothers, fathers showed more criticism regarding the information provided by physicians (p = 0.04). Family doctors and paediatricians were more supportive of vaccination than nurses and homoeopaths (p < 0.001). Parents and healthcare providers with higher education showed statistically significantly stronger opinions about the benefits of vaccines than those with lower education levels (p = 0.01 for parents, p < 0.001 for physicians and nurses). The Internet was identified as the primary source of negative information for both parents (69.6%) and healthcare providers (86%). However, verbal information received from medical staff during patient consultations or informal conversations among colleagues had the greatest impact on parents' opinions (17.3%) and medical personnel (35.5%). CONCLUSIONS Confidential conversations with physicians and nurses remain the most trustworthy sources of information and influential factors shaping opinions. The Internet serves as the primary source of inaccurate information about vaccinations for both parents and medical professionals, although verbal information from primary healthcare providers has a more significant impact on vaccination attitudes. Discrepancies in basic education and specific knowledge about vaccination within the same family can pose additional obstacles to child vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalija Svist
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | | | - Sigita Petraitiene
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Zachi Grossman
- Sheldon School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Maccabi Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ginreta Magelinskiene
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Valiulis
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Raciborski F, Tomaszewska A, Rakocy K, Samel-Kowalik P, Samoliński B, Gujski M, Pinkas J, Jankowski M. The multidimensional nature of attitudes towards preventive vaccinations - a cross-sectional survey among Poles aged 15-39 years. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2023; 36:214-228. [PMID: 37184146 PMCID: PMC10464729 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02068] [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: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vaccination skepticism and vaccination refusal both constitute global public health concerns. Systematic monitoring of public attitudes towards vaccination is crucial for maintaining a high vaccination coverage rate. The study aimed to identify and characterize homogenous social groups distinguished by attitudes toward preventive vaccinations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between October and November of 2021, a nationwide representative cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative sample of 1560 inhabitants of Poland aged 15-39 years. The study questionnaire included 60 questions on public attitudes towards vaccines, vaccination, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Factor analysis was applied to identify the main dimensions of vaccination attitudes. RESULTS Factor analysis included 22 variables and yielded 3 factors or dimensions that accounted for 48.5% of the model's variability. Young adults were assigned into 6 homogeneous groups based on these factors: 1) general trust in vaccination, 2) vaccine safety concerns, 3) trust in fake medical news regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and denying the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups I-IV differed by sociodemographic factors and vaccination coverage rates. Nearly 60% of the respondents expressed concern regarding various aspects of vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Most of Poland's young adults lack clearly defined attitudes towards vaccination. Attitudes towards vaccination can be divided into 6 heterogeneous groups. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(2):214-28.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Raciborski
- Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)
| | - Aneta Tomaszewska
- Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)
| | | | - Piotr Samel-Kowalik
- Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)
| | - Bolesław Samoliński
- Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)
| | - Mariusz Gujski
- Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Public Health)
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland (School of Public Health)
| | - Mateusz Jankowski
- Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland (School of Public Health)
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Sertkaya D, Şen Bayturan S. Pediatric and Family Physicians' Attitudes Regarding Childhood Optional Vaccines During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2023; 15:e37338. [PMID: 37182049 PMCID: PMC10169092 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To maintain high vaccination rates, vaccination interventions should be targeted according to interests such as parents' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and vaccine hesitancy. METHODS This research was conducted between June 2020 and April 2021 using a questionnaire about optional vaccines (OVs) in Turkey. RESULTS A total of 241 physicians participated and 14 physicians were excluded due to insufficient data. Finally, a total of 227 physicians, including 115 pediatricians and 112 family physicians, were included in the study. The mean age of pediatricians and family physicians was 33.42 ± 8.25 years and 35.46 ± 11.09 years, respectively. There was no significant difference between pediatricians and family physicians in terms of age and gender (p > 0.05). Nearly half of all physicians (49%) stated that they do not have sufficient knowledge about OVs. Pediatricians (64%) stated that they have sufficient knowledge at a higher rate than family physicians (37%) (p = 0.000). Physicians who declared having sufficient knowledge informed families about OVs more frequently than those with insufficient knowledge (p = 0.000). Pediatricians provide information about OVs more frequently than family physicians (p = 0.001). Rotavirus and meningococcal vaccines were the most frequently recommended vaccines. CONCLUSIONS Rotavirus and meningococcal B were the most recommended OVs. About half of the physicians participating in the study stated that they did not have sufficient knowledge about OVs. Physicians with sufficient knowledge of OVs recommend OVs more frequently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Semra Şen Bayturan
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, TUR
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Pavlovic D, Sahoo P, Larson HJ, Karafillakis E. Factors influencing healthcare professionals' confidence in vaccination in Europe: a literature review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2041360. [PMID: 35290160 PMCID: PMC9009961 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2041360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Health-care professionals (HCPs) have a fundamental role in vaccination, their own beliefs and attitudes affecting both their uptake and recommendation of vaccines. This literature review (n = 89) summarises evidence on HCPs’ perceptions of the risks and benefits of vaccination, trust, and perceptions of mandatory vaccination in Europe. HCPs across studies believed that vaccination is important to protect themselves and their patients. However, beliefs that some diseases such as influenza are less risky were reported by some HCPs as a reason for not getting vaccinated. Concerns about both short- and long-term side effects were identified among HCPs in most studies, such as those affecting the immune or neurological system. Mistrust toward health authorities and pharmaceutical industry was reported in some studies. The question of mandatory vaccination revealed mixed opinions, with some favoring self-determination and others viewing vaccination as a duty. This review highlights key factors influencing HCPs’ confidence in vaccination in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pavlovic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - P Sahoo
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - H J Larson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - E Karafillakis
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Zagreb, Croatia
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11
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Alasmari A, Larson HJ, Karafillakis E. A mixed methods study of health care professionals’ attitudes towards vaccination in 15 countries. Vaccine X 2022; 12:100219. [PMID: 36193232 PMCID: PMC9526144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2022.100219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health care professionals are widely considered to be the most trusted source of information on vaccine-related topics. However, several are reporting their own hesitancy around certain vaccines, influencing their intention to vaccinate themselves as well as influencing their recommendations to their patients and target population. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used including an online survey (n = 1,504) in 15 countries which aimed to determine drivers of HCPs vaccine confidence and examine how these drivers vary across nations. Thirty in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HCPs in a subset of three countries (France, Greece and Hungry) to explore barriers to HCPs vaccine uptake and their role in addressing vaccine hesitancy among patients. Findings. The survey’s regression analysis identified that nurses/midwives and HCPs from Hungary, Italy, Romania and Switzerland were less confident in the safety, importance or effectiveness of vaccines in general. Morocco (35%), Turkey (53%) and Greece (69%) reported the lowest influenza vaccination coverage among HCPs. Morocco also reported the lowest rates of HCPs who were “highly likely” to recommend MMR vaccine (34%), HPV vaccine (31%) and Covid-19 vaccines (29%). More than third of HCPs reported a lack of trust in health authorities and in the information they provide. Thematic analysis revealed that concerns over the risk of side-effects associated with vaccines, preference for natural immunity, whether it was necessary to be vaccinated against influenza every year, not having any chronic disease risk factors, and vaccines mandates as the key barriers to HCPs vaccination against influenza and Covid-19. Conclusion HCPs have an important role in vaccination and their confidence in vaccination and health authorities must be improved as this may affect their uptake of vaccines and influence their recommendations to their patients. Investigating the impact of political, socio-economic and cultural contexts on concerns about vaccination among HCPs is also necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alasmari
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.
| | - Heidi J. Larson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emilie Karafillakis
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Geng H, Cao K, Zhang J, Wu K, Wang G, Liu C. Attitudes of COVID-19 vaccination among college students: A systematic review and meta-analysis of willingness, associated determinants, and reasons for hesitancy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2054260. [PMID: 35438612 PMCID: PMC9235888 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2054260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of COVID-19 vaccine has been declared and this study synthesizes the attitudes and determinants in vaccination hesitancy of college students. We searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CNKI to enroll the related studies. The modified NOS was used for quality evaluation. Proportion and OR with 95% CI were pooled to estimate the acceptance rates and determinants of COVID-19 vaccination. Data of 34 studies involving 42 countries were pooled. The pooled acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination among all the college students was 69% and varies between countries, while medical students have a slightly higher acceptancy rate. Knowledge, trust conception, social behavior, and information sources were important for their decision. Most of the college students intended to COVID-19 vaccination, but the proportion varied among countries. Governments should strengthen credibility, convey trusted information with media influences and improve vaccination services in urging students to be vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Geng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Kexin Cao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jingbing Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Kusheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Geng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Caixia Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22, Xinling Rd., Shantou, Guangdong515041, China
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13
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Beliefs and Sociodemographic and Occupational Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy among Health Workers. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122013. [PMID: 36560423 PMCID: PMC9782159 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy has been implicated in the low-vaccination coverage in several countries. Knowledge about vaccine hesitancy predictors in health workers is essential because they play a central role in communication about the importance and safety of vaccines. This study aimed to assess beliefs and sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in health workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 453 health workers in primary and medium complexity services in a municipality in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The variable vaccine hesitancy was operationalized based on the answers related to incomplete vaccination against hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella, and diphtheria and tetanus. Associations between variables were expressed as prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Endemic disease combat agents, administrative service workers, and support staff had the highest levels of vaccine hesitancy. Among the analyzed variables, the following were associated with vaccine hesitancy: working in secondary health care services (PR: 1.21; CI: 1.07-1.36), working as an endemic disease combat agent (PR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.165-1.75), not sharing information about vaccines on social media (PR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.05-1.28), distrusting information about vaccinations (PR: 0.86; CI: 0.75-0.99), and not feeling safe receiving new vaccines (PR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06-1.28). Conclusions: Strategies to enhance confidence in vaccination among health workers should consider differences in occupations and their working settings. Improving vaccination-related content in training and continuing education activities and facilitating access to onsite vaccinations at the workplace are crucial elements to reduce vaccine hesitancy among health workers.
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14
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Bartosiewicz A, Łuszczki E, Bartosiewicz A, Dereń K, Oleksy Ł, Stolarczyk A. COVID-19-Related Predictors of Fear and Attitude to Vaccination Displayed by Polish Students. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091524. [PMID: 36146600 PMCID: PMC9500877 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most important achievements of modern medicine in maintaining the health of the population. The prolonged pandemic and subsequent lockdowns meant that the new COVID-19 vaccine was regarded by scientists and society as the way to end the pandemic and return to normal life. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors responsible for the feeling of fear due to COVID-19 infection and the attitudes of medical students towards vaccination against COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted online among medical students using standardized questionnaires: the Fear of COVID-19 scale and the Vaccination Attitude Examination scale. According to the results obtained, the respondents had a low level of fear of COVID-19 and the majority had positive attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19. Regression analysis showed that the main predictors of fear of the pandemic and attitudes towards vaccination were age, sex, field of study, and sources of knowledge about vaccines. The analysis of factors related to the discussed issues can be the basis to formulate educational and preventive programs, to shape positive attitudes of future health sector employees toward the issue of preventive vaccination, as well as for the development of strategies to promote vaccination against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bartosiewicz
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-17-851-6811
| | - Edyta Łuszczki
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Adam Bartosiewicz
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Department, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dereń
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Oleksy
- Oleksy Medical & Sports Sciences, 37-100 Łańcut, Poland
| | - Artur Stolarczyk
- Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Department, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Sypień P, Zielonka TM. Knowledge and Awareness of Polish Parents on Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071156. [PMID: 35891319 PMCID: PMC9322302 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations are rare among Polish children, and the reasons are scant. The objective was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and awareness of parents about HPV vaccination to investigate reasons for low HPV vaccination coverage. Methods: 387 parents of children hospitalized at the Children’s Hospital were asked to participate in an anonymous and voluntary survey study. Three hundred and two surveys were returned. Results: Only 54% of participants have heard about HPV, while 26% know that it is a sexually transmitted disease. According to 71% of responders, vaccines are generally effective, and 63% claim that they are safe. However, only 5% of daughters and 4% of sons are vaccinated against HPV. A total of 25% of parents spoke with their doctor about HPV-related diseases and prevention methods. A higher level of education (p = 0.01), knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (p < 0.0001), perceiving vaccination as an effective and safe prophylactic method (p < 0.0001), and conversations with a doctor (p < 0.0001) are strong motivators to vaccinate children against HPV. This decision is free of religious beliefs, origin, age, gender and the number of children. Conclusions: Polish parents have a positive attitude towards vaccination. They recognize the limitations of their knowledge and express a desire to further it. Educational activity is an important element of physicians’ work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Sypień
- Sebastian Petrycy Health Care Facility in Dąbrowa Tarnowska, Szpitalna Street 1, 33-200 Dąbrowa Tarnowska, Poland;
| | - Tadeusz M. Zielonka
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, S. Binieckiego Street 6, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +48-22-116-6232
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16
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Pietraszek A, Sobieszczańska M, Makuch S, Dróżdż M, Mazur G, Agrawal S. Identification of Barriers Limiting the Use of Preventive Vaccinations against Influenza among the Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050651. [PMID: 35632407 PMCID: PMC9143662 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050651] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Older adults are at a high risk of experiencing severe complications of influenza. Receiving a vaccination is a beneficial strategy to prevent the disease and reduce the severity of influenza illnesses. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study aimed to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic, clinical, and mental parameters as well as other potential risk factors on refusal to vaccinate against influenza among the elderly population in Poland. Furthermore, due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, we put efforts into finding any statistical correlations between the fear of COVID-19 infection in patients and their attitudes toward receiving an influenza vaccination. The study was conducted in November−December 2020 in Poland on a representative nationwide sample of 500 individuals aged > 60. Of the respondents, 62 (12.4%) and 51 (10.2%) underwent influenza vaccination in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Out of ten different factors analyzed in this study, three were significantly associated with attitudes towards influenza vaccination. Participants with net income below the national average of PLN 3000 (OR = 2.37, CI 95% [1.26−4.47]), compared to those earning more than PLN 3000, had significantly higher odds of having a negative attitude towards influenza vaccination. Furthermore, respondents with <174 cm height (OR = 2.56, CI 95% [1.51−4.33]) and those with strong fear of COVID-19 infection (OR = 1.65, CI95% [1.02−2.66]) were also more likely to refrain from influenza vaccination. We believe the identification of factors limiting the willingness to receive influenza vaccination is an effective way to help clinicians focus their efforts on educating the groups of patients with the highest odds of refusing to receive the vaccine. Moreover, it may aid the design and enforcement of national solutions or the implementation of novel legislative measures and preventive programs, increasing public confidence and promoting vaccination, especially among groups at high risk of developing this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Pietraszek
- Clinical Department of Geriatrics, Wroclaw Medical University, Skłodowskiej-Curie Str. 66, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Małgorzata Sobieszczańska
- Clinical Department of Geriatrics, Wroclaw Medical University, Skłodowskiej-Curie Str. 66, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Sebastian Makuch
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, K. Marcinkowskiego St. 1, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Dróżdż
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska St. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (G.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Siddarth Agrawal
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska St. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (G.M.); (S.A.)
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17
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Samel-Kowalik P, Jankowski M, Lisiecka-Biełanowicz M, Ostrowska A, Gujski M, Kobuszewski B, Pinkas J, Raciborski F. Factors Associated with Attitudes towards Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in 2020. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9111336. [PMID: 34835267 PMCID: PMC8620474 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess attitudes towards the influenza vaccine and factors associated with a willingness to vaccinate against seasonal influenza in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic (flu season 2020/2021). This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out between 5 and 15 November 2020 on a representative nationwide sample of 1052 individuals aged 18+ in Poland. Of the respondents, 5.5% (95% CI: 4.3-7.0%) declared that they had already got vaccinated against influenza and 13.4% (95% CI: 11.4-15.6%) declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza during the 2020/2021 season. Out of nine different factors analyzed in this study, only three were significantly associated with attitudes towards influenza vaccination. Participants aged 75 years and over (OR = 5.82; 95% CI: 2.63-12.85), as well as participants aged 60-74 years (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.30-4.54), compared to those aged 19-29, had significantly higher odds of having a positive attitude towards seasonal influenza vaccination. Respondents who define themselves as completely religious unbelievers (OR = 4.34; 95% CI: 1.79-10.55), as well as Internet users (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.30-3.47), had higher odds of having a positive attitude towards influenza vaccination. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of adults in Poland who already got vaccinated or declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza remains low. This also applies to high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Samel-Kowalik
- Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (M.L.-B.); (F.R.)
| | - Mateusz Jankowski
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (B.K.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mira Lisiecka-Biełanowicz
- Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (M.L.-B.); (F.R.)
| | - Aurelia Ostrowska
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (B.K.); (J.P.)
| | - Mariusz Gujski
- Department of Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Bartosz Kobuszewski
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (B.K.); (J.P.)
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (B.K.); (J.P.)
| | - Filip Raciborski
- Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (M.L.-B.); (F.R.)
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18
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Rozek LS, Jones P, Menon A, Hicken A, Apsley S, King EJ. Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in the Context of COVID-19: The Role of Trust and Confidence in a Seventeen-Country Survey. Int J Public Health 2021; 66:636255. [PMID: 34744589 PMCID: PMC8565283 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.636255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: An effective vaccine to SARS-CoV-2 cannot be successfully deployed if a significant number of people worldwide are unwilling to accept it. We investigated the relationship between trust in scientists and medical professionals and perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness. We also build on past studies by exploring the relationship between confidence in global health organizations and vaccine hesitancy. Methods: We conducted an online survey in seventeen countries/territories across five world regions between May -June 2020. We assessed the relationship between COVID19 vaccine hesitancy, confidence in public health organizations, and trust in key experts and leaders. Results: Our findings strongly suggest that confidence in the World Health Organization combined with trust in domestic scientists and healthcare professionals is a strong driver of vaccine acceptance across multiple countries/territories. Conclusion: We find that hesitancy is widespread, and uptake would be insufficient to achieve herd immunity. There is widespread confidence in how public health organizations have responded to the current pandemic and this is related to vaccine acceptance. Our results also highlight the important role of trust in health care providers and scientists in reducing COVID19 vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Rozek
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Pauline Jones
- Department of Political Science, College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Anil Menon
- Department of Political Science, College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Allen Hicken
- Department of Political Science, College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Samantha Apsley
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth J King
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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19
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Stasiuk K, Polak M, Dolinski D, Maciuszek J. The Credibility of Health Information Sources as Predictors of Attitudes toward Vaccination-The Results from a Longitudinal Study in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9080933. [PMID: 34452058 PMCID: PMC8402680 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The research focused on the relationships between attitudes towards vaccination and the trust placed in different sources of information (science, experts and the information available on the Internet) before and during COVID-19. Method: A longitudinal design was applied with the first measurement in February 2018 (N = 1039). The second measurement (N = 400) was carried out in December 2020 to test if the pandemic influenced the trust in different sources of information. Results: The final analyses carried out on final sample of 400 participants showed that there has been no change in trust in the Internet as a source of knowledge about health during the pandemic. However, the trust in science, physicians, subjective health knowledge, as well as the attitude towards the vaccination has declined. Regression analysis also showed that changes in the level of trust in physicians and science were associated with analogous (in the same direction) changes in attitudes toward vaccination. The study was also focused on the trust in different sources of health knowledge as possible predictors of willingness to be vaccinated against SARS-nCoV-2. However, it appeared that the selected predictors explained a small part of the variance. This suggests that attitudes toward the new COVID vaccines may have different sources than attitudes toward vaccines that have been known to the public for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Stasiuk
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, 31-007 Krakow, Poland; (M.P.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mateusz Polak
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, 31-007 Krakow, Poland; (M.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Dariusz Dolinski
- Department of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Jozef Maciuszek
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, 31-007 Krakow, Poland; (M.P.); (J.M.)
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20
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Kregar Velikonja N, Dobrowolska B, Stanisavljević S, Erjavec K, Globevnik Velikonja V, Verdenik I. Attitudes of Nursing Students towards Vaccination and Other Preventive Measures for Limitation of COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study in Three European Countries. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:781. [PMID: 34206217 PMCID: PMC8305964 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9070781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several preventive measures have been applied to limit the COVID-19 pandemic, including successful the development and introduction of vaccines. The aim of this study was to investigate adherence to preventive measures and vaccination intentions among nursing students in three European countries and the factors associated with vaccination intention and advising vaccination. A cross-sectional study using convenience/snow-ball sampling strategy was performed in Slovenia, Poland, and Serbia between 12 February and 5 March 2021. Data from 872 eligible respondents were analyzed (mean age 23.5 ± 6.5 years, 89% female). Higher adherence to preventive behavior was declared by those working in healthcare (p < 0.001), engaged in COVID-19 departments (p < 0.001), had not had the disease yet (p < 0.001), and had children (p = 0.01). Those groups also expressed higher vaccination intention and advised vaccination to others. Higher vaccination intention and advising vaccination were mostly associated with belief in benefits of vaccine, trust in institutions, perceived effectiveness of vaccine, influence of social environment, protection of patients and perceived health care professionals' duty. Fear of side effects and general refusal of vaccines are the main reasons for vaccination hesitancy. The results of the study indicate how higher education institutions can support the development of appropriate professional attitudes and behaviors among nursing students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevenka Kregar Velikonja
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo Mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia; (K.E.); (V.G.V.); (I.V.)
| | - Beata Dobrowolska
- Department of Nursing Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Sanja Stanisavljević
- The College of Health Sciences, Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Karmen Erjavec
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo Mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia; (K.E.); (V.G.V.); (I.V.)
| | - Vislava Globevnik Velikonja
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo Mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia; (K.E.); (V.G.V.); (I.V.)
- Division for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Verdenik
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo Mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia; (K.E.); (V.G.V.); (I.V.)
- Division for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Seasonal Influenza and Low Flu Vaccination Coverage as Important Factors Modifying the Costs and Availability of Hospital Services in Poland: A Retrospective Comparative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105173. [PMID: 34068141 PMCID: PMC8152967 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Influenza infection is associated with potential serious complications, increased hospitalization rates, and a higher risk of death. Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of selected indicators of hospitalization from the University Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland, was carried out on patients with confirmed influenza infection in comparison to a control group randomly selected from among all other patients hospitalized on the respective wards during the 2018-2019 influenza season. Results: The mean laboratory testing costs for the entire hospital were 3.74-fold higher and the mean imaging test costs were 4.02-fold higher for patients with confirmed influenza than for the control group; the hospital expenses were additionally raised by the cost of antiviral therapy, which is striking when compared against the cost of a single flu vaccine. During the 2018-2019 influenza season, influenza infections among the hospital patients temporarily limited the healthcare service availability in the institution, which resulted in reduced admission rates to the departments related to internal medicine; the mean absence among the hospital staff totaled approximately 7 h per employee, despite 7.3% of the staff having been vaccinated against influenza at the hospital's expense. Conclusions: There were significant differences in the hospitalization indicators between the patients with confirmed influenza and the control group, which markedly increased the hospital care costs in this multi-specialty university hospital.
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Tkaczyszyn K, Kuchar E, Augustynowicz E, Szenborn L. The Impact of a Single Educational Lecture on the Vaccine Confidence among Pregnant Women and Young Mothers. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030290. [PMID: 33804621 PMCID: PMC8003617 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We investigated the impact of a single unstructured educational lecture about vaccinations on the vaccine confidence in volunteer participants. Methods: We conducted a survey-based study during a series of open meetings related to pregnancy and parenting. Before and after the pediatrician’s lecture related to vaccinations, listeners completed the visual analogue scales (VAS, 0–15 cm), evaluating (1) self-declared knowledge on vaccinations and (2) how they perceive the safety and efficacy of this preventive method. Results: In total, 484 women aged 30 ± 4 years participated in the lecture (pregnant = 68%; ≥1 children = 56%). Participants declared to have more comprehensive knowledge on preventive vaccinations and perceived vaccines to be safer and more useful (the role for the immunity) after vs. before the lecture (median VAS: 10.4 vs. 7.2, 10.8 vs. 8.7, and 11.0 vs. 10.4 cm, all p < 0.001). Importantly, the prevalence of vaccine-related adverse events was also assessed as being higher after the lecture (median VAS: 9.9 vs. 8.0 cm, p < 0.001). The increase in self-declared knowledge on vaccinations and perceived need for vaccinations (delta VAS—VAS after minus before the lecture, expressed as % of baseline) was lower among participants who rated the lecture less vs. more useful. Importantly, both participants who liked vs. did not like the lecture comparably rated vaccines safer after vs. before the lecture (delta VAS (median, interquartile range): 16% (0–39%) vs. 18% (2–42%), p = 0.39). Conclusions: An educational lecture on vaccinations positively impacts vaccine confidence in young adult women. Irrespective of the subjective rating of the lecture, all listeners perceived vaccinations to be safer after vs. before the speech.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Tkaczyszyn
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.T.); (L.S.)
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ernest Kuchar
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Assessment Unit, Warsaw Medical University, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-317-92-31
| | - Ewa Augustynowicz
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health—National Institute of Hygiene, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Leszek Szenborn
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.T.); (L.S.)
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Rensink MJ, van Laarhoven HWM, Holleman F. Cocoon vaccination for influenza in patients with a solid tumor: a retrospective study. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:3657-3666. [PMID: 33179137 PMCID: PMC7657941 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Oncological patients are susceptible to various severe viral infections, including influenza. Vaccinating oncological patients and their household contacts (“cocoon vaccination”) may protect these patients from contracting influenza. To understand the potential of cocoon vaccination in oncological patients, this study assesses the influenza vaccination status of oncological patients and their household contacts and their considerations regarding the vaccination. Methods In this retrospective study, oncological patients with a solid tumor were asked to fill in a questionnaire about their own and their household contacts’ influenza vaccination status in the influenza season of 2018–2019. Results Ninety-eight patients were included (response rate 88%). The influenza vaccination rates of oncological patients and their first household contacts were 43.9% and 44.9%, respectively. The majority of vaccinated patients and vaccinated first household contacts had been advised by their general practitioner to get the vaccination. A minority of the first household contacts reported getting vaccinated specifically because of the patient’s vulnerability. Unvaccinated patients and unvaccinated household contacts mainly believed the vaccination was unnecessary or were afraid of side effects. None of the included patients had been hospitalized with influenza. Conclusion The oncological patients’ and first household contacts’ vaccination rates in this study were lower than the vaccination rates of the general Dutch population of over 60 years old, possibly due to a lack of knowledge and misconceptions about the vaccination. Further research is required to establish whether cocoon vaccination can contribute to protecting oncological patients from contracting an influenza infection. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-020-05883-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Rensink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - H W M van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F Holleman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Melovic B, Jaksic Stojanovic A, Vulic TB, Dudic B, Benova E. The Impact of Online Media on Parents' Attitudes toward Vaccination of Children-Social Marketing and Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5816. [PMID: 32796740 PMCID: PMC7459934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to investigate the level of influence of online media on the parents' attitudes toward vaccination of children in three countries of the Western Balkans-Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to use the potentials of this form of communication effectively and efficiently. Online media are a critical factor of influence on the formation of attitudes in many areas of modern society, which is why their proper use plays an important role in strengthening vaccine confidence and which may further contribute to improvement of public health. On the other side, having in mind the fact that communication is an integral part of marketing, it is clear that social marketing has an extremely important role regarding the analyzed topic, especially because of the fact that social marketing activities tend to change or maintain people's behavior for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. For the purpose of this research, a conceptual model was developed. Quantitative research was conducted online in the first quarter of 2020 using the survey method. Statistical analysis was applied to data collected from 1593 parents in the analyzed countries. The relevance of the hypotheses was tested using standard statistical tests, ANOVA test, eta coefficient, and logistic regression. The research showed that all analyzed variables from the model have a significant impact on the parents' attitudes toward the vaccination of children and that they correlate with the degree of trust in vaccines. The results also approved that online media have a significant influence on the formation of parents' attitudes toward the vaccination of children (obtained values of eta coefficient η2 = 0.216, η2 = 0.18, η2 = 0.167, η2 = 0.090, reliability Cronbach's Alpha 0.892), which confirms the importance of the use of social marketing in order to direct communication properly and to strengthen the level of trust in vaccines. Additionally, the results of logistic regression showed that the following groups of parents are particularly vulnerable to the influence of online media on attitudes toward vaccines: women, parents of younger age ("millennials"), and parents who are in common law marriage, as well as parents who have more children. In addition, the results showed that there is no statistically significant difference in the attitudes of parents in the observed countries (η2 = 0.000, F = 0.85). Based on the results of the research, the authors suggest that decision makers should pay more attention to modern forms of online communication and social marketing in order to use their potential for improvement of public health, as well as avoid the harmful impact that certain forms of communication may have on the formation of attitudes and loss of confidence in vaccines. The findings provide an important contribution for public health policy makers to identify and understand properly the impact of online media and social marketing and thus to better adapt their initiatives to changes in modern society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boban Melovic
- Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro; (B.M.); (T.B.V.)
| | | | - Tamara Backovic Vulic
- Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro; (B.M.); (T.B.V.)
| | - Branislav Dudic
- Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, 82005 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management, University Business Academy, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Eleonora Benova
- Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, 82005 Bratislava, Slovakia;
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The Acceptance of Key Public Health Interventions by the Polish Population Is Related to Health Literacy, But Not eHealth Literacy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155459. [PMID: 32751180 PMCID: PMC7432801 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Public health and health promotion rely on many different interventions, which range from health education and communication, through community mobilisation and changes to environmental conditions, to legal and fiscal actions. The introduction of the increased tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), popularly called sugar tax (ST), and a mandatory programme of vaccinations are the strategies inciting the most vivid discussions in Polish society. The study was intended to assess the determinants of the attitudes of Polish society regarding the ST and to vaccinations. Methods: For the analysis, the data originating from the survey of a representative adult sample of Polish society (n = 1000) was used. The survey was based on computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). The assessment of the relationships between the selected variables and the opinions about the introduction of the ST and the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations were carried out using the chi2 test and univariate logistic regression models. Results: The acceptance of the ST and vaccination showed a significant relationship to the level of health literacy (HL) but not to eHealth literacy (eHL). Respondents having a higher rather than lower HL; older rather than younger; married rather than singles; retired, or on a disability pension, rather than vocationally active and nonusers of the Internet rather than users were more likely to show an acceptance for both interventions. Those more frequently using health care services and those with chronic diseases showed a greater belief in the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations. Conclusions: The relationship between the opinions of the two public health interventions analysed and the sociodemographic variables demonstrated similar patterns. Interestingly, the opinions were associated only with HL and not with eHL and users of the Internet were more sceptical about the interventions.
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