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Serhan M, Psihogios A, Kabir N, Bota AB, Mithani SS, Smith DP, Zhu DT, Greyson D, Wilson S, Fell D, Top KA, Bettinger JA, Wilson K. A scoping review of active, participant centred, digital adverse events following immunization (AEFI) surveillance of WHO approved COVID-19 vaccines: A Canadian immunization Research Network study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2293550. [PMID: 38374618 PMCID: PMC10880498 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2293550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review examines the role of digital solutions in active, participant-centered surveillance of adverse events following initial release of COVID-19 vaccines. The goals of this paper were to examine the existing literature surrounding digital solutions and technology used for active, participant centered, AEFI surveillance of novel COVID-19 vaccines approved by WHO. This paper also aimed to identify gaps in literature surrounding digital, active, participant centered AEFI surveillance systems and to identify and describe the core components of active, participant centered, digital surveillance systems being used for post-market AEFI surveillance of WHO approved COVID-19 vaccines, with a focus on the digital solutions and technology being used, the type of AEFI detected, and the populations under surveillance. The findings highlight the need for customized surveillance systems based on local contexts and the lessons learned to improve future vaccine monitoring and pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Serhan
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Athanasios Psihogios
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nooh Kabir
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - A. Brianne Bota
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Salima S. Mithani
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David P. Smith
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David T. Zhu
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Devon Greyson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sarah Wilson
- Health Protection, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Populations & Public Health Research Program, ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deshayne Fell
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karina A. Top
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Julie A. Bettinger
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kumanan Wilson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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2
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Vigezzi GP, Maggioni E, Bert F, de Vito C, Siliquini R, Odone A. Who is (not) vaccinated? A proposal for a comprehensive immunization information system. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2386739. [PMID: 39103249 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2386739] [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: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of immunization in public health is crucial, offering widespread protection against infectious diseases and underpinning societal well-being. However, achieving optimal vaccination coverage is impeded by vaccine hesitancy, a significant challenge that necessitates comprehensive strategies to understand and mitigate its effects. We propose the integration of Population Health Management principles with Immunization Information Systems (IISs) to address vaccine hesitancy more effectively. Our approach leverages systematic health determinants analysis to identify at-risk populations and tailor interventions, thereby promoting vaccination coverage and public health responses. We call for the development of an enhanced version of the Italian National Vaccination Registry, which aims to facilitate real-time tracking of individuals' vaccination status while improving data accuracy and interoperability among healthcare systems. This registry is designed to overcome current barriers by ensuring robust data protection, addressing cultural and organizational challenges, and integrating behavioral insights to foster informed public health campaigns. Our proposal aligns with the Italian National Vaccination Prevention Plan 2023-2025 and emphasizes proactive, evidence-based strategies to increase vaccination uptake and contrast the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. The ultimate goal is to establish a data-driven, ethically sound framework that enhances public health outcomes and addresses the complexities of vaccine hesitancy within the Italian context and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Maggioni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bert
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Corrado de Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Siliquini
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Medical Direction, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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3
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Atkinson K, Ntacyabukura B, Hawken S, El-Khatib Z, Laflamme L, Wilson K. Parent and family characteristics associated with reported pediatric influenza vaccination in a sample of Canadian digital vaccination platform users. An exploratory, cross-sectional study in the 2018-2019 influenza season. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2378580. [PMID: 39034882 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2378580] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Seasonal vaccination remains one of the best interventions to prevent morbidity and mortality from influenza in children. Understanding the characteristics of parents who vaccinate their children can inform communication strategies to encourage immunization. Using a cross-sectional study, we described parental characteristics of people who reported vaccinating their children against influenza during 2018/2019 in a cohort of Canadian digital immunization record users. Data was collected from a free, Pan-Canadian digital vaccination tool, CANImmunize. Eligible accounts contained at least one parental and one "child/dependent" record. Each parental characteristic (gender, age, family size, etc) was tested for association with pediatric influenza vaccination, and a multivariate logistic regression model was fit. A total of 6,801 CANImmunize accounts met inclusion criteria. After collapsing the dataset, the final sample contained 11,381 unique dyads. Influenza vaccination was reported for 32.3% of the children and 42.0% of the parents. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, parents receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine were most strongly associated with reporting pediatric influenza vaccination (OR 17.05, 95% CI 15.08, 19.28). Having a larger family size and fewer transactions during the study period was associated with not reporting pediatric influenza vaccination. While there are several limitations to this large-scale study, these results can help inform future research in the area. Digital technologies may provide a unique and valuable source of vaccine coverage data and to explore associations between individual characteristics and immunization behavior. Policy makers considering digital messaging may want to tailor their efforts based on parental characteristics to further improve pediatric seasonal influenza vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Atkinson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Blaise Ntacyabukura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Steven Hawken
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ziad El-Khatib
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lucie Laflamme
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kumanan Wilson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
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4
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Pavia G, Branda F, Ciccozzi A, Romano C, Locci C, Azzena I, Pascale N, Marascio N, Quirino A, Matera G, Giovanetti M, Casu M, Sanna D, Ceccarelli G, Ciccozzi M, Scarpa F. Integrating Digital Health Solutions with Immunization Strategies: Improving Immunization Coverage and Monitoring in the Post-COVID-19 Era. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:847. [PMID: 39203973 PMCID: PMC11359052 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12080847] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of vaccination to global health security and highlighted the potential of digital health solutions to improve immunization strategies. This article explores integrating digital health technologies with immunization programs to improve coverage, monitoring, and public health outcomes. It examines the current landscape of digital tools used in immunization initiatives, such as mobile health apps, electronic health records, and data analytics platforms. Case studies from different regions demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, logistics, and real-time monitoring of vaccine distribution and adverse events. The paper also examines ethical considerations, data privacy issues, and the need for a robust digital infrastructure to support these innovations. By analyzing the successes and limitations of digital health interventions in immunization campaigns during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we provide recommendations for future integration strategies to ensure resilient and responsive immunization systems. This research aims to guide policymakers, health professionals, and technologists in leveraging digital health to strengthen immunization efforts and prepare for future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Pavia
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (N.M.); (A.Q.); (G.M.)
| | - Francesco Branda
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandra Ciccozzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (C.L.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Chiara Romano
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Chiara Locci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (C.L.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (N.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Ilenia Azzena
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (N.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Noemi Pascale
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (N.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Nadia Marascio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (N.M.); (A.Q.); (G.M.)
| | - Angela Quirino
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (N.M.); (A.Q.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (N.M.); (A.Q.); (G.M.)
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE), Brasilia 70070-130, Goias, Brazil
| | - Marco Casu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (N.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Daria Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (C.L.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (C.L.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
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Walldorf JA, Chiu De Vazquez C, Barbosa De Lima AC, Struminger B, Groom A, Burke L, Mayigane LN, Chang Blanc D, Vedrasco L. Sharing lessons learned from COVID-19 vaccine introductions: a global community forum for countries. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1376113. [PMID: 38807989 PMCID: PMC11130350 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1376113] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
To optimize the efficient introduction and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2021 WHO launched a new process and tools for countries to rapidly review the early phase of countries' COVID-19 vaccine introduction. This methodology is called the COVID-19 vaccination intra-action review, also known as mini COVID-19 vaccine post-introduction evaluation (mini-cPIE). As of November 2022, 46 mini-cPIEs had been conducted. In collaboration with Project ECHO, WHO convened and facilitated real-time experience sharing and peer-learning among countries following their mini-cPIEs through a virtual global real-time learning forum. This five-session clinic series was attended by 736 participants from 129 countries. Based on post-session feedback surveys, when asked about the utility of the sessions, half of the participants said that sessions led them to review national guidelines and protocols or make other changes to their health systems. The post-series survey sent following the end of the clinic series showed that at least eight countries subsequently conducted a mini-cPIE after participating in the clinics, and participants from at least nine countries indicated the experience shared by peer countries on the clinic largely benefited their COVID-19 vaccine introduction and deployment. In this article, we highlight the benefits and importance of creating a global experience-sharing forum for countries to connect and share pertinent learnings in real-time during an international public health emergency. Moving forward, it is critical to foster a culture of individual and collective learning within and between countries during public health emergencies, with WHO playing an important convening role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Anne Walldorf
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cindy Chiu De Vazquez
- Department of Health Security Preparedness, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Bruce Struminger
- ECHO Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Amy Groom
- ECHO Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Lauren Burke
- ECHO Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Landry Ndriko Mayigane
- Department of Health Security Preparedness, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Diana Chang Blanc
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liviu Vedrasco
- Department of Health Security Preparedness, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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6
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Lo Moro G, Ferrara M, Langiano E, Accortanzo D, Cappelletti T, De Angelis A, Esposito M, Prinzivalli A, Sannella A, Sbaragli S, Vuolanto P, Siliquini R, De Vito E. Countering vaccine hesitancy: a systematic review of interventions to strengthen healthcare professionals' action. Eur J Public Health 2023; 33:905-915. [PMID: 37581903 PMCID: PMC10567238 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine hesitancy is relevant for healthcare professionals (HCPs) who face challenges in building trusting relationships with patients. Accordingly, the VAX-TRUST project has been developed to improve experiences of HCPs and patients dealing with vaccinations. To support VAX-TRUST, this work aimed to identify latest interventions targeted at HCPs to address hesitancy and increase vaccine uptake. METHODS A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA by searching PubMed, Scopus and Embase. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO. Articles were eligible if evaluated interventions directly targeted at HCPs/healthcare students. The search was run on 26 January 2022. Articles published in 2016 or after were included. RESULTS A total of 17 492 records were identified; 139 articles were selected. Most articles were set in USA (n = 110). Over half had a pre-post design without a control group (n = 78). A total of 41 articles focused on single-component interventions, 60 on multi-component interventions involving only HCPs and/or students and 38 on multi-component interventions involving also other professionals. Main components were in-person education (n = 76), synchronous (n = 10) and asynchronous (n = 23) online learning, educational materials (n = 26), performance assessment and feedback (n = 33), electronic record changes (n = 30), role play/simulation (n = 21) and online games/apps (n = 5). Educational sessions were mainly about scientific update or communication. Outcomes of interventions were grouped in: vaccination rates (n = 69), knowledge (n = 32), attitudes (n = 26), confidence in counselling (n = 30) and acceptability (n = 16). CONCLUSIONS Apps, gaming, role play/simulations could represent innovative interventions. This review highlighted the need of delving into communication strategies and using more robust evaluations, longer follow-up and standardized measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Lo Moro
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Ferrara
- Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Elisa Langiano
- Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Davide Accortanzo
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Toni Cappelletti
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Aldo De Angelis
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Esposito
- Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Sannella
- Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Sara Sbaragli
- Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Pia Vuolanto
- Research Centre for Knowledge, Science, Technology and Innovation Studies of Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Roberta Siliquini
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- AOU City of Health and Science of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta De Vito
- Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
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Gianfredi V, Stefanizzi P, Berti A, D’Amico M, De Lorenzo V, Lorenzo AD, Moscara L, Castaldi S. A Systematic Review of Population-Based Studies Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, Acceptance, and Hesitancy of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women towards the COVID-19 Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1289. [PMID: 37631857 PMCID: PMC10459271 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081289] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is recommended for pregnant women due to the high risk of complications. However, pregnancy has been associated with vaccine hesitancy. Our review aims at summarizing the existing literature about anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy in pregnant and lactating women. The research was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, ExcerptaMedica Database (EMBASE), and Scopus, according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles regarding the COVID-19 vaccine's acceptance and/or refusal by pregnant and lactating women were selected. Only observational, population-based studies were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tools were employed. A total of 496 articles were retrieved, and after the selection process, 21 papers were included in the current analysis. All the included studies were cross-sectional, mostly from Europe and North America. The sample sizes ranged between 72 and 25,111 subjects. All of them included pregnant subjects, except one that focused on breastfeeding women only. Vaccine hesitancy rates ranged from 26% to 57% among different studies. Fear of adverse events and lack of knowledge were shown to be the main drivers of hesitancy. Approximately half of the studies (11/21) were classified as low quality, the remaining (9/21) were classified as moderate, and only one study was classified as high quality. Primigravidae were also shown to be more likely to accept anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Our findings confirm significant anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women. Information gaps should be addressed to contain concerns related to adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Gianfredi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.D.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Alessandro Berti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Marilena D’Amico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Viola De Lorenzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.D.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Lorenza Moscara
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.D.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Silvana Castaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (A.B.); (M.D.); (V.D.L.); (S.C.)
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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8
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Kliger AS, Silberzweig J, McNamara EA, Stark S. Some Lessons Learned for Kidney Failure Patients in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 18:946-948. [PMID: 36723343 PMCID: PMC10356111 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.0000000000000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan S. Kliger
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jeffrey Silberzweig
- Rogosin Institute, New York, New York
- Division of Nephrology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | | | - Susan Stark
- American Society of Nephrology, Washington, DC
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9
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Barros SGD, Cruz DN, Souza JC, Silva LA, Guimarães MCDS, Rezende MM, Paim J, Vieira-da-Silva LM. Surveillance and high vaccination coverage: how Portugal overcame the collapse and regained control of the pandemic. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2023; 28:1297-1312. [PMID: 37194866 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232023285.10732022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The uncertainties about COVID-19 require evaluating national responses to identify successes and failures in the pandemic control. This article analyzes Portugal´s response, particularly the contribution of its health and surveillance systems in dealing with the pandemic. An integrative literature review was conducted, including consultations of observatories, documents, and institutional websites. Portugal´s response was agile and showed unified technical and political coordination, including surveillance structure using telemedicine. The reopening was supported by high testing and low positivity rates and strict rules. However, the relaxation of measures as of November/2020 resulted in an increase in cases, collapsing the health system. The response involved a consistent surveillance strategy with innovative monitoring tools, which, combined with high population adherence to vaccination, led to overcoming that moment and kept hospitalization and death rates at new disease waves at low levels. Thus, the Portuguese case discloses the risks of disease resurgence with the flexibility of measures and the population´s exhaustion in the face of restrictive measures and new variants, but also the importance of articulation between technical coordination, the political sphere, and the scientific committee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Garrido de Barros
- Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia. Av. Araújo Pinho 62, Canela. 40110-150 Salvador BA Brasil.
| | - Denise Nogueira Cruz
- Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia. Av. Araújo Pinho 62, Canela. 40110-150 Salvador BA Brasil.
| | | | | | | | - Morena Morais Rezende
- Diretório de Política, Planejamento, Gestão e Avaliação em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia. Salvador BA Brasil
| | - Jairnilson Paim
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia. Salvador BA Brasil
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10
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Nguyen T, Boey L, Van Riet C, Dielen S, Dodion H, Giles-Vernick T, Vandaele N, Larson HJ, Peeters Grietens K, Gryseels C, Heyerdahl LW. Embracing context: Lessons from designing a dialogue-based intervention to address vaccine hesitancy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1069199. [PMID: 36891336 PMCID: PMC9986323 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1069199] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dialogue with people who are vaccine hesitant has been recommended as a method to increase vaccination uptake. The process of cultivating dialogue is shaped by the context in which it occurs, yet the development of interventions addressing vaccine hesitancy with dialogue often overlooks the role of context and favors relatively fixed solutions. This reflexive paper shares three key lessons related to context for dialogue-based interventions. These lessons emerged during a participatory research project to develop a pilot intervention to create open dialogue among healthcare workers in Belgium about COVID-19 vaccination concerns. Through a mixed methods study consisting of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys, we engaged healthcare workers in the design, testing, and evaluation of a digital platform featuring text-based and video-based (face-to-face) interactions. The lessons are: (1) what dialogue means, entails, and requires can vary for a population and context, (2) inherent tension exists between helping participants voice (and overcome) their concerns and exposing them to others' ideas that may exacerbate those concerns, and (3) interactional exchanges (e.g., with peers or experts) that matter to participants may shape the dialogue in terms of its content and form. We suggest that having a discovery-orientation-meaning to work not only inductively and iteratively but also reflexively-is a necessary part of the development of dialogue-based interventions. Our case also sheds light on the influences between: dialogue topic/content, socio-political landscape, population, intervention aim, dialogue form, ethics, researcher position, and types of interactional exchanges.
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Affiliation(s)
- ToTran Nguyen
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Work and Organisation Studies, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lise Boey
- Access-To-Medicines Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carla Van Riet
- Access-To-Medicines Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stef Dielen
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hélène Dodion
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tamara Giles-Vernick
- Anthropology and Ecology of Disease Emergence Unit, Department of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Nico Vandaele
- Access-To-Medicines Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heidi J. Larson
- Vaccine Confidence Project, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Koen Peeters Grietens
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Charlotte Gryseels
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Leonardo W. Heyerdahl
- Anthropology and Ecology of Disease Emergence Unit, Department of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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11
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Stoumpos AI, Kitsios F, Talias MA. Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Technology Acceptance and Its Applications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3407. [PMID: 36834105 PMCID: PMC9963556 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Technological innovation has become an integral aspect of our daily life, such as wearable and information technology, virtual reality and the Internet of Things which have contributed to transforming healthcare business and operations. Patients will now have a broader range and more mindful healthcare choices and experience a new era of healthcare with a patient-centric culture. Digital transformation determines personal and institutional health care. This paper aims to analyse the changes taking place in the field of healthcare due to digital transformation. For this purpose, a systematic bibliographic review is performed, utilising Scopus, Science Direct and PubMed databases from 2008 to 2021. Our methodology is based on the approach by Wester and Watson, which classify the related articles based on a concept-centric method and an ad hoc classification system which identify the categories used to describe areas of literature. The search was made during August 2022 and identified 5847 papers, of which 321 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for further process. Finally, by removing and adding additional studies, we ended with 287 articles grouped into five themes: information technology in health, the educational impact of e-health, the acceptance of e-health, telemedicine and security issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelos I. Stoumpos
- Healthcare Management Postgraduate Program, Open University Cyprus, P.O. Box 12794, Nicosia 2252, Cyprus
| | - Fotis Kitsios
- Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Street, GR54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael A. Talias
- Healthcare Management Postgraduate Program, Open University Cyprus, P.O. Box 12794, Nicosia 2252, Cyprus
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12
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Blandi L, Sabbatucci M, Dallagiacoma G, Alberti F, Bertuccio P, Odone A. Digital Information Approach through Social Media among Gen Z and Millennials: The Global Scenario during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1822. [PMID: 36366331 PMCID: PMC9696549 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
An infodemic represents a concern for public health, influencing the general population's perceptions of key health issues. Misinformation is rapidly spread by social media, particularly among young generations. We used data from the WHO "Social Media and COVID-19" study, which was conducted in 24 countries worldwide on over 23,000 subjects aged 18-40 years, to explore Generation Z and Millennials' models for health-information-seeking behaviors on social media. We summarized data on the most used sources of information, content of interest, and content sharing, as well as the sentiment toward the infodemic, through descriptive statistics and Chi-square test to verify the differences between groups. Among the survey respondents, 9475 (40.3%) were from high-income countries (HIC), 8000 (34.1%) from upper-middle-income countries (UMIC), and 6007 (25.6%) from lower-middle-income countries (LMIC). Social media were the most used sources of information to retrieve news on COVID-19 disease (about 79% in HIC, 87% in UMIC, and 90% in LIC) and the COVID-19 vaccine (about 78% in HIC and about 88% in UMIC and LIC). More than a half of the young respondents declared that they pay attention to scientific contents (about 51% in HIC, 59% in UMIC, and 55% in LMIC). Finally, most young participants reported feeling overwhelmed by the infodemic. However, this sentiment did not stop them from seeking information about COVID-19. Our findings highlight the importance of shaping public health interventions and campaigns on social media platforms and leveraging scientific contents. Public health authorities should work also on strategies to improve the digital literacy of the population as a driving force to empower them and achieve better health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Blandi
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Sabbatucci
- Italian National Institute of Health, Department Infectious Diseases, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Dallagiacoma
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Alberti
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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13
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Marzo RR, Su TT, Ismail R, Htay MNN, Essar MY, Chauhan S, Patalinghug ME, Kucuk Bicer B, Respati T, Fitriyana S, Baniissa W, Lotfizadeh M, Rahman F, Salim ZR, Villela EFDM, Jermsittiparsert K, Aung Y, Hamza NAE, Heidler P, Head MG, Brackstone K, Lin Y. Digital health literacy for COVID-19 vaccination and intention to be immunized: A cross sectional multi-country study among the general adult population. Front Public Health 2022; 10:998234. [PMID: 36187686 PMCID: PMC9523876 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.998234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is clear that medical science has advanced much in the past few decades with the development of vaccines and this is even true for the novel coronavirus outbreak. By late 2020, COVID-19 vaccines were starting to be approved by national and global regulators, and across 2021, there was a global rollout of several vaccines. Despite rolling out vaccination programs successfully, there has been a cause of concern regarding uptake of vaccine due to vaccine hesitancy. In tackling the vaccine hesitancy and improving the overall vaccination rates, digital health literacy (DHL) could play a major role. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the digital health literacy and its relevance to the COVID-19 vaccination. Methods An internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to August 2021 using convenience sampling among people from different countries. Participants were asked about their level of intention to the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants completed the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI), which was adapted in the context of the COVID Health Literacy Network. Cross-tabulation and logistic regression were used for analysis purpose. Results Overall, the mean DHL score was 35.1 (SD = 6.9, Range = 12-48). The mean DHL score for those who answered "Yes" for "support for national vaccination schedule" was 36.1 (SD 6.7) compared to 32.5 (SD 6.8) for those who either answered "No" or "Don't know". Factors including country, place of residence, education, employment, and income were associated with the intention for vaccination. Odds of vaccine intention were higher in urban respondents (OR-1.46; C.I.-1.30-1.64) than in rural respondents. Further, higher competency in assessing the relevance of online information resulted in significantly higher intention for vaccine uptake. Conclusion Priority should be given to improving DHL and vaccination awareness programs targeting rural areas, lower education level, lower income, and unemployed groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Rillera Marzo
- Department of Community Medicine, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Asia Metropolitan University, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Tin Tin Su
- Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- South East Asia Community Observatory, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Roshidi Ismail
- South East Asia Community Observatory, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Mila Nu Nu Htay
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Yasir Essar
- Department of Dentistry, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Shekhar Chauhan
- Department of Family and Generations, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Mark E. Patalinghug
- School of Criminal Justice Education, J. H. Cerilles State College, Caridad, Philippines
| | - Burcu Kucuk Bicer
- Department of Medical Education and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Titik Respati
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Susan Fitriyana
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Wegdan Baniissa
- College of Health Sciences/Nursing Department, Sharjah Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Masoud Lotfizadeh
- Department of Community Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Farzana Rahman
- Administration and Research, Bangladesh National Nutrition Council, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zahir Rayhan Salim
- College of Business Administration, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Edlaine Faria de Moura Villela
- Public Policies, Education and Communication, Disease Control Coordination, São Paulo State Health Department, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kittisak Jermsittiparsert
- Faculty of Education, University of City Island, Famagusta, Cyprus
- Publication Research Institute and Community Service, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
- Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Administrasi Abdul Haris, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Yadanar Aung
- Medical Statistics Division, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | | | - Petra Heidler
- Department for Economy and Health, University for Continuing Education Krems, Danube University Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Department of Health Sciences, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Michael G. Head
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ken Brackstone
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yulan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Marzo RR, Chen HWJ, Abid K, Chauhan S, Kaggwa MM, Essar MY, Jayaram J, Changmai MC, Wahab MKBA, Ariffin IAB, Alwi MNBM, Head MG, Lin Y. Adapted digital health literacy and health information seeking behavior among lower income groups in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:998272. [PMID: 36187682 PMCID: PMC9516335 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.998272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Misinformation has had a negative impact upon the global COVID-19 vaccination program. High-income and middle-income earners typically have better access to technology and health facilities than those in lower-income groups. This creates a rich-poor divide in Digital Health Literacy (DHL), where low-income earners have low DHL resulting in higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the impact of health information seeking behavior on digital health literacy related to COVID-19 among low-income earners in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted conveniently among 381 individuals from the low-income group in Selangor, Malaysia. The remote data collection (RDC) method was used to gather data. Validated interviewer-rated questionnaires were used to collect data via phone call. Respondents included in the study were 18 years and older. A normality of numerical variables were assessed using Shapiro-Wilk test. Univariate analysis of all variables was performed, and results were presented as means, mean ranks, frequencies, and percentages. Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal Wallis H test was applied for the comparison of DHL and health information seeking behavior with characteristics of the participants. Multivariate linear regression models were applied using DHL as dependent variable and health information seeking behavior as independent factors, adjusting for age, gender, marital status, educational status, employment status, and household income. Results The mean age of the study participants was 38.16 ± 14.40 years ranging from 18 to 84 years. The vast majority (94.6%) of participants stated that information seeking regarding COVID-19 was easy or very easy. Around 7 percent of the respondents cited reading information about COVID-19 on the internet as very difficult. The higher mean rank of DHL search, content, reliability, relevance, and privacy was found among participants who were widowed, had primary education, or unemployed. An inverse relationship was found between overall DHL and confidence in the accuracy of the information on the internet regarding COVID-19 (β = -2.01, 95% CI = -2.22 to -1.79). Conclusion It is important to provide support to lower-income demographics to assist access to high-quality health information, including less educated, unemployed, and widowed populations. This can improve overall DHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Rillera Marzo
- International Medical School, Management and Science University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hana W. Jun Chen
- International Medical School, Management and Science University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khadijah Abid
- Department of Public Health, The Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shekhar Chauhan
- Department of Family and Generations, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Mark Mohan Kaggwa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Ontario, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammad Yasir Essar
- Department of Dentistry, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Jacynta Jayaram
- International Medical School, Management and Science University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael G. Head
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yulan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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15
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Amerio A, Bosetti C, Gori D, Cavalieri d’Oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A, Investigators LILP. Older Adults' Access to Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the LOckdown and LifeSTyles (LOST) in Lombardia Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811271. [PMID: 36141544 PMCID: PMC9565221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionally affected older people in terms of clinical outcomes and care provision. We aimed to investigate older adults' changes in access to care during the pandemic and their determinants. We used data from a cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) conducted in autumn 2020 on a representative sample of 4400 older adults from the most populated region in Italy. Lifestyles, mental health, and access to healthcare services before and during the pandemic were collected. To identify factors associated with care delays, reduction in emergency department (ED) access, and hospitalisations, we estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable log-binomial regression models. During the pandemic, compared to the year before, 21.5% of the study population increased telephone contacts with the general practitioner (GP) and 9.6% increased self-pay visits, while 22.4% decreased GP visits, 12.3% decreased outpatient visits, 9.1% decreased diagnostic exams, 7.5% decreased ED access, and 6% decreased hospitalisations. The prevalence of care delays due to patient's decision (overall 23.8%) was higher among men (PR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.29), subjects aged 75 years or more (PR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00-1.25), and those with a higher economic status (p for trend < 0.001). Participants with comorbidities more frequently cancelled visits and reduced ED access or hospitalisations, while individuals with worsened mental health status reported a higher prevalence of care delays and ED access reductions. Access to care decreased in selected sub-groups of older adults during the pandemic with likely negative impacts on mortality and morbidity in the short and long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca’ della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16124 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bosetti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, 24121 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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16
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Kohane I, Omenn GS. Understanding Covid Vaccine Efficacy over Time - Bridging a Gap Between Public Health and Health Care. N Engl J Med 2022; 387:483-485. [PMID: 35929811 DOI: 10.1056/nejmp2201084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Kohane
- From Harvard Medical School, Boston (I.K.); and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (G.S.O.)
| | - Gilbert S Omenn
- From Harvard Medical School, Boston (I.K.); and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (G.S.O.)
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17
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Brescia N, Lattanzio S, Martinelli A, Tafuri S. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in Italian healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1289-1300. [PMID: 35757890 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2093723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As for other vaccines, vaccination hesitancy may be a determining factor in the success (or otherwise) of the COVID-19 immunization campaign in healthcare workers (HCWs). AREAS COVERED To estimate the proportion of HCWs in Italy who expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, we conducted a systematic review of the relevant literature and a meta-analysis. Determinants of vaccine compliance and options suggested by these studies to address vaccine hesitancy among HCWs were also analyzed. Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis and systematic review, selected from scientific articles available in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases between January 1, 2020 and January 25, 2022. The vaccine hesitancy rate among HCWs was 13.1% (95%CI: 6.9-20.9%). The vaccine hesitancy rate among HCWs investigated before and during the vaccination campaign was 18.2% (95%CI=12.8-24.2%) and 8.9% (95%CI=3.4-16.6%), respectively. That main reasons for vaccine hesitation were lack of information about vaccination, opinion that the vaccine is unsafe, and fear of adverse events. EXPERT OPINION Despite strategies to achieve a greater willingness to immunize in this category, mandatory vaccination appears to be one of the most important measures that can guarantee the protection of HCWs and the patients they care for.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
| | - Nazario Brescia
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
| | - Sabrina Lattanzio
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
| | - Andrea Martinelli
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
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18
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Nyawa S, Tchuente D, Fosso-Wamba S. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: a social media analysis using deep learning. ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH 2022:1-39. [PMID: 35729983 PMCID: PMC9202977 DOI: 10.1007/s10479-022-04792-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hesitant attitudes have been a significant issue since the development of the first vaccines-the WHO sees them as one of the most critical global health threats. The increasing use of social media to spread questionable information about vaccination strongly impacts the population's decision to get vaccinated. Developing text classification methods that can identify hesitant messages on social media could be useful for health campaigns in their efforts to address negative influences from social media platforms and provide reliable information to support their strategies against hesitant-vaccination sentiments. This study aims to evaluate the performance of different machine learning models and deep learning methods in identifying vaccine-hesitant tweets that are being published during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our concluding remarks are that Long Short-Term Memory and Recurrent Neural Network models have outperformed traditional machine learning models on detecting vaccine-hesitant messages in social media, with an accuracy rate of 86% against 83%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Nyawa
- Department of Information, Operations and Management Sciences, TBS Business School, 1 Place Alphonse Jourdain, 31068 Toulouse, France
| | - Dieudonné Tchuente
- Department of Information, Operations and Management Sciences, TBS Business School, 1 Place Alphonse Jourdain, 31068 Toulouse, France
| | - Samuel Fosso-Wamba
- Department of Information, Operations and Management Sciences, TBS Business School, 1 Place Alphonse Jourdain, 31068 Toulouse, France
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19
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Vigezzi GP, Odone A. COVID-19 immunisation in older people. THE LANCET. HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2022; 3:e126-e127. [PMID: 35224523 PMCID: PMC8863501 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(22)00036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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20
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Sabbatucci M, Odone A, Signorelli C, Siddu A, Silenzi A, Maraglino FP, Rezza G. Childhood Immunisation Coverage during the COVID-19 Epidemic in Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:120. [PMID: 35062781 PMCID: PMC8782029 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected national healthcare systems worldwide, with around 282 million cumulative confirmed cases reported in over 220 countries and territories as of the end of 2021. The Italian National Health System was heavily affected, with detrimental impacts on preventive service delivery. Routine vaccination services were disrupted across the country during the first months of the pandemic, and both access to and demand for vaccines have decreased during the pandemic. In many cases, parents preferred to postpone scheduled appointments for routine paediatric vaccinations because of stay-at-home orders or fear of COVID-19 infection when accessing care. The objective of the current study was to assess the routine childhood vaccine coverage (VC) rates during the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy. We compared 2020 and 2019 VC by age group and vaccine type. The Italian Ministry of Health collected anonymised and aggregated immunisation national data through the local health authorities (LHAs). Results were considered statistically significant at a two-tailed p-value ≤ 0.05. VC rates for mandatory vaccinations decreased in 2020 compared to 2019 (range of VC rate decrease: -1% to -2.7%), while chicken pox increased (+2.2%) in 7-year-old children. Recommended vaccinations were moderately affected (range of VC rate decrease in 2020 vs. 2019: -1.4% to -8.5%), with the exception of anti-HPV in males, Men ACWY, and anti-rotavirus vaccination (VC increase 2020 vs. 2019: +1.8%, +4.7% and +9.4%, respectively). In the COVID-19 era, the implementation of coherent, transparent, and effective communication campaigns and educational programs on safe childhood vaccinations, together with the increase in the number of healthcare staff employed, is essential to support strategies to reinforce vaccination confidence and behaviour, thus avoiding health threats due to VPD during and beyond COVID-19 times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Sabbatucci
- Department Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (A.S.); (F.P.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Andrea Siddu
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (A.S.); (F.P.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Andrea Silenzi
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (A.S.); (F.P.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Maraglino
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (A.S.); (F.P.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (A.S.); (F.P.M.); (G.R.)
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21
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Ferrara P, Albano L, Gianfredi V. Measuring meningococcal vaccination coverage among adolescents in Italy: state-of-the-art and regional challenges. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 93:e2022069. [PMID: 35775770 PMCID: PMC9335428 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93i3.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan – Bicocca, Monza, Italy, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - Luciana Albano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Gianfredi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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22
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Vigezzi GP, Gianfredi V, Lume A, Minerva M, Nizzero P, Biancardi A, Odone A, Signorelli C, Moro M. COVID-19 vaccination surveillance: a public health commitment. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2021; 92:e2021554. [PMID: 35075056 PMCID: PMC8823565 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92i6.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenza Gianfredi
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lume
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Minerva
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Nizzero
- Infection Control Committee, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Biancardi
- Infection Control Committee, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Moro
- Infection Control Committee, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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