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Kazi AM, Ahsan N, Jabeen R, Allana R, Jamal S, Mughal MAK, Hopkins KL, Malik FA. Effects of COVID-19 Illness and Vaccination Infodemic Through Mobile Health, Social Media, and Electronic Media on the Attitudes of Caregivers and Health Care Providers in Pakistan: Qualitative Exploratory Study. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2024; 4:e49366. [PMID: 39231430 PMCID: PMC11411225 DOI: 10.2196/49366] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on different countries because of which various health and safety measures were implemented, with digital media playing a pivotal role. However, digital media also pose significant concerns such as misinformation and lack of direction. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19-related infodemics through digital, social, and electronic media on the vaccine-related attitudes of caregivers and health care providers in Pakistan. METHODS This study employs a qualitative exploratory study design with purposive sampling strategies, and it was conducted at 3 primary health care facilities in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Seven focus group discussions with health care providers and 60 in-depth interviews with caregivers were conducted using semistructured interviews through virtual platforms (ConnectOnCall and Zoom). Transcripts were analyzed through thematic analysis. RESULTS Our study reveals the pivotal role of electronic media, mobile health (mHealth), and social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four major themes were identified: (1) sources of information on COVID-19 and its vaccination, (2) electronic media value and misleading communication, (3) mHealth leveraging and limitations during COVID-19, and (4) social media influence and barriers during COVID-19. Health care providers and caregivers reported that the common sources of information were electronic media and mHealth, followed by social media. Some participants also used global media for more reliable information related to COVID-19. mHealth solutions such as public awareness messages, videos, call ringtones, and helplines promoted COVID-19 prevention techniques and vaccine registration. However, the overwhelming influx of news and sociobehavioral narratives, including misinformation/disinformation through social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, were found to be the primary enablers of vaccine-related infodemics. Electronic media and mHealth were utilized more widely to promote information and communication on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination. However, social media and electronic media-driven infodemics were identified as the major factors for misinformation related to COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy. Further, we found a digital divide between the urban and rural populations, with the use of electronic media in rural settings and social media in urban settings. CONCLUSIONS In a resource-constrained setting like Pakistan, the usage of mHealth, social media, and electronic media for information spread (both factual and mis/disinformation) related to COVID-19 and its vaccination had a significant impact on attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Based on the qualitative findings, we generated a model of digital communications and information dissemination to increase knowledge about COVID-19 and its prevention measures, including vaccination, which can be replicated in similar settings for other disease burdens and related infodemics. Further, to mitigate the infodemics, both digital and nondigital interventions are needed at a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fauzia Aman Malik
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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Bogka E, Naoum P, Pavi E, Athanasakis K. What Influences Parents on Their Decision to Vaccinate Their Daughters Against HPV? J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2024; 37:396-401. [PMID: 38367952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To investigate and compare the attitudes of parents who initiated their daughters' HPV vaccination with parents who did not. METHODS Data were collected through telephone interviews with a close-end questionnaire on parents' knowledge, attitudes towards the vaccine, and the reasons for vaccinating or not their daughters against HPV. The sample was random, stratified by geographic region and urbanization level, national, and representative of the general population of parents of girls aged 11-18 in Greece. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptives, an inferential analysis with hypothesis testing, and a logistic regression model. RESULTS Overall, 996 parents were included in the analysis, 99.0% of which were women. Forty-seven percent of them initiated their daughters' HPV vaccination, with physician recommendation stated as the most important reason for this decision (50.2%). For those who had not initiated their daughters' HPV vaccination (53%), lack of information was the most important reason (25.6%). In the hypothesis testing, parents with unvaccinated daughters agreed more with the statements "I do not have enough information for the HPV vaccine to decide," and "My child is very young to be vaccinated for an STD" (P < .05), but no significant difference found for the statement "It's more possible for a vaccinated girl to begin sexual activities" (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Lack of information, young age of the daughter, and perceived effectiveness of the vaccine are the most important hesitation factors. Physician recommendation is the most important reason to initiate vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissavet Bogka
- Department of Public Health Policy, Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
| | - Panagiota Naoum
- Department of Public Health Policy, Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Elpida Pavi
- Department of Public Health Policy, Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Athanasakis
- Department of Public Health Policy, Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
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Yu F, Jiao L, Chen Q, Wang Q, De Allegri M, Cao Z, Chen W, Ma X, Wang C, Wachinger J, Jin Z, Bunker A, Geldsetzer P, Yang J, Xue L, Bärnighausen T, Chen S. Preferences regarding COVID-19 vaccination among 12,000 adults in China: A cross-sectional discrete choice experiment. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003387. [PMID: 38990924 PMCID: PMC11239003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Understanding public preferences concerning vaccination is critical to inform pandemic response strategies. To investigate Chinese adults' preferences regarding COVID-19 vaccine attributes, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey in 12,000 Chinese adults in June-July, 2021. Participants were requested to answer a series of discrete choice questions related to hypothetical COVID-19 vaccines. Using mixed logit models, our analysis revealed that participants had a higher preference for COVID-19 vaccines with longer duration of protection (coefficient: 1.272, 95% confidence interval [1.016 to 1.529]) and higher efficacy (coefficient: 1.063, [0.840, 1.287]). Conversely, participants demonstrated a lower preference associated with higher risk of rare but serious side-effects (coefficient: -1.158, [-1.359, -0.958]), oral administration (coefficient: -0.211, [-0.377, -0.046]), more doses (coefficient: -0.148, [-0.296, 0.000]) and imported origin (coefficient: -0.653, [-0.864, -0.443]). Moreover, preferences were heterogeneous by individual factors: highly educated participants were more sensitive to the negative vaccine attributes including price (coefficient -0.312, [-0.370, -0.253]) and imported vaccine (coefficient -0.941, [-1.186, -0.697]); there was also substantial heterogeneity in vaccine preferences with respect to age group, marital status, work status, income, chronic diagnosis history, COVID-19 vaccination history and geographic regions. As the first study of examining the public preferences for COVID-19 vaccine in China with a large nationwide sample of 12,000 adults, our results indicate that future vaccine should pose lower risk, possess longer protection period, have higher efficacy, be domestically produced, and have lower costs to increase the COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Our current study findings from this study provide insights and recommendations for not only COVID-19 vaccine design but also vaccine attribute preferences to increase vaccine uptake in potential future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Yu
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lirui Jiao
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Qiushi Chen
- The Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Qun Wang
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Manuela De Allegri
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhong Cao
- State Key Lab of Intelligent Technologies and Systems, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjin Chen
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xuedi Ma
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jonas Wachinger
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhangfeng Jin
- School of Economics, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aditi Bunker
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Juntao Yang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Xue
- Institute for AI International Governance, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Simiao Chen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Odero CO, Othero D, Were VO, Ouma C. The influence of demographic and socio-economic factors on non-vaccination, under-vaccination and missed opportunities for vaccination amongst children 0-23 months in Kenya for the period 2003-2014. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003048. [PMID: 38814892 PMCID: PMC11139289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination is crucial in reducing child mortality and the prevalence of Vaccine-Preventable-Diseases (VPD), especially in low-and-middle-income countries like Kenya. However, non-vaccination, under-vaccination, and missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) pose significant challenges to these efforts. This study aimed to analyze the impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on non-vaccination, under-vaccination, and MOV among children aged 0-23 months in Kenya from 2003 to 2014. A secondary data analysis of data from the Kenya Demographic Health Surveys (KDHS) conducted during this period was conducted, with a total of 11,997 participants, using a two-stage, multi-stage, and stratified sampling technique. The study examined factors such as child's sex, residence, mother's age, marital status, religion, birth order, maternal education, wealth quintile, province, child's birth order, parity, number of children in the household, place of delivery, and mother's occupation. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the determinants of non-vaccination, under-vaccination, and MOV, and multivariable logistic regression analysis to report odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). In 2003, the likelihood of non-vaccination decreased with higher maternal education levels: mothers who did not complete primary education (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37-0.81), completed primary education (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.21-0.56), and had secondary education or higher (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14-0.50) exhibited decreasing probabilities. In 2008/09, divorced/separated/widowed mothers (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.07-0.65) and those with no religion (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.17-0.81) showed lower odds of non-vaccination, while lower wealth quintiles were associated with higher odds. In 2014, non-vaccination was higher among younger mothers aged 15-19 years (AOR = 12.53, 95% CI = 1.59-98.73), in North Eastern Province (AOR = 7.15, 95% CI = 2.02-25.30), in families with more than 5 children (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI = 1.09-16.18), and in children born at home (AOR = 4.47, 95% CI = 1.32-15.17). Similar patterns were observed for under-vaccination and MOV. This information can inform strategies for bridging the gaps in immunization coverage and promoting equitable vaccination practices in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Doreen Othero
- Department of Public Health, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Vincent Omondi Were
- KEMRI Wellcome-Trust Research Program, Health Economics Research Unit, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Collins Ouma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
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Sharif-Nia H, She L, Allen KA, Marôco J, Kaur H, Arslan G, Gorgulu O, Osborne JW, Rahmatpour P, Khoshnavay Fomani F. Parental hesitancy toward children vaccination: a multi-country psychometric and predictive study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1348. [PMID: 38762744 PMCID: PMC11102617 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18806-1] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Understanding vaccine hesitancy, as a critical concern for public health, cannot occur without the use of validated measures applicable and relevant to the samples they are assessing. The current study aimed to validate the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) and to investigate the predictors of children's vaccine hesitancy among parents from Australia, China, Iran, and Turkey. To ensure the high quality of the present observational study the STROBE checklist was utilized. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. METHOD In total, 6,073 parent participants completed the web-based survey between 8 August 2021 and 1 October 2021. The content and construct validity of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale was assessed. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were used to assess the scale's internal consistency, composite reliability (C.R.) and maximal reliability (MaxR) were used to assess the construct reliability. Multiple linear regression was used to predict parental vaccine hesitancy from gender, social media activity, and perceived financial well-being. RESULTS The results found that the VHS had a two-factor structure (i.e., lack of confidence and risk) and a total of 9 items. The measure showed metric invariance across four very different countries/cultures, showed evidence of good reliability, and showed evidence of validity. As expected, analyses indicated that parental vaccine hesitancy was higher in people who identify as female, more affluent, and more active on social media. CONCLUSIONS The present research marks one of the first studies to evaluate vaccine hesitancy in multiple countries that demonstrated VHS validity and reliability. Findings from this study have implications for future research examining vaccine hesitancy and vaccine-preventable diseases and community health nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Sharif-Nia
- Psychosomatic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Nursing, Amol School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Long She
- Sunway Business School, Sunway University, Sunway City, Malaysia
| | - Kelly-Ann Allen
- School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Centre for Wellbeing Science, Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - João Marôco
- William James Centre for Research ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Harpaljit Kaur
- Business School, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Gökmen Arslan
- Department of Psychological Counseling, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Ozkan Gorgulu
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkey
| | | | - Pardis Rahmatpour
- School of Nursing, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khoshnavay Fomani
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Xie W, Xiao J, Chen J, Huang H, Huang X, He S, Xu L. Impact of health education on promoting influenza vaccination health literacy in primary school students: a cluster randomised controlled trial protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080115. [PMID: 38609315 PMCID: PMC11033629 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Influenza is a major public health threat, and vaccination is the most effective prevention method. However, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal. Low health literacy regarding influenza vaccination may contribute to vaccine hesitancy. This study aims to evaluate the effect of health education interventions on influenza vaccination rates and health literacy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This cluster randomised controlled trial will enrol 3036 students in grades 4-5 from 20 primary schools in Dongguan City, China. Schools will be randomised to an intervention group receiving influenza vaccination health education or a control group receiving routine health education. The primary outcome is the influenza vaccination rate. Secondary outcomes include health literacy levels, influenza diagnosis rate, influenza-like illness incidence and vaccine protection rate. Data will be collected through questionnaires, influenza surveillance and self-reports at baseline and study conclusion. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been sought from the Ethics Committee of the School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University. Findings from the study will be made accessible to both peer-reviewed journals and key stakeholders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT06048406.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguang Xie
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Dongguan City, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China
| | | | | | - Hanzhong Huang
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Dongguan City, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuehua Huang
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Dongguan City, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shaoyi He
- Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Laganà A, Visalli G, Di Pietro A, Facciolà A. Vaccinomics and adversomics: key elements for a personalized vaccinology. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2024; 13:105-120. [PMID: 38752004 PMCID: PMC11091437 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2024.13.2.105] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most important and effective tools in the prevention of infectious diseases and research about all the aspects of vaccinology are essential to increase the number of available vaccines more and more safe and effective. Despite the unquestionable value of vaccinations, vaccine hesitancy has spread worldwide compromising the success of vaccinations. Currently, the main purpose of vaccination campaigns is the immunization of whole populations with the same vaccine formulations and schedules for all individuals. A personalized vaccinology approach could improve modern vaccinology counteracting vaccine hesitancy and giving great benefits for human health. This ambitious purpose would be possible by facing and deepening the areas of vaccinomics and adversomics, two innovative areas of study investigating the role of a series of variables able to influence the immune response to vaccinations and the development of serious side effects, respectively. We reviewed the recent scientific knowledge about these innovative sciences focusing on genetic and non-genetic basis involved in the individual response to vaccines in terms of both immune response and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Laganà
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Istituto Clinico Polispecialistico C.O.T., Cure Ortopediche Traumatologiche S.P.A., Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Visalli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Facciolà
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Čeponytė K, Narkevičiūtė E, Beržanskytė A, Burokienė S. Determinants of Parental Attitudes towards Children's Vaccination in Lithuania: An Online Survey. Acta Med Litu 2024; 31:42-53. [PMID: 38978852 PMCID: PMC11227678 DOI: 10.15388/amed.2024.31.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Data from recent years show that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the scope of child immunisation worldwide. If the numbers continue to fall, we may have a vaccination crisis. In order to understand the local factors of this phenomenon, we studied parents' viewpoint towards childhood vaccination in Lithuania. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the impact of parental attitudes on children's vaccination. Materials and Methods A web-based cross-sectional study was made in Lithuania from October 20th to November 3rd, 2020, using Google Forms. An anonymous questionnaire included both quantitative and qualitative questions. The questionnaire was distributed to the general population in Lithuania via social media and a snowball sampling. Only parents who have at least one child under 18 years old were involved in the study. We analysed the parents' attitudes towards vaccination by their socioeconomic and demographic determinants using MS Excel and OpenEpi tools. The respondents were considered vaccine supporters if they vaccinated all their children with state-reimbursed vaccines or only vaccinated some of their children, and vaccine sceptics if they did not vaccinate their children with state-reimbursed vaccines. Results The population of our research consisted of 775 parents. There were more males against vaccination than females, respectively, 59.6% and 33.2%. 65.0% of all respondents stated that they vaccinated their children with the full course of vaccines, while the remaining 35.0% did not vaccinate. University-level education dominated in both pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine groups. We found that 16.9% of parents who were unvaccinated as children themselves tend not to vaccinate their children. However, in the pro-vaxx group, only 0.7% of parents were unvaccinated during childhood. 50.8% of vaccine sceptics were not fully informed by healthcare professionals about the benefits and risks of vaccination, while only 31.6% of vaccine supporters were not informed. Social environment did not have an impact on the decision whether to vaccinate or not to vaccinate a child among both vaccine advocates and vaccine deniers (accordingly, 51.2% and 42.9%). 29.3% of respondents stated that the cost of paid vaccinations was too high. Open-text survey responses gave us more in-depth insight about the parental decision-making process. Protection of children and society from infectious diseases (31.7%) was mentioned as the main reason for vaccination. Whereas vaccine-hesitant parents were mostly concerned about already-occurring side effects or their risk (43.4%). Conclusions Our findings confirmed that vaccine hesitancy was associated with not being vaccinated in childhood themselves, lack of information from medical practitioners and male gender. The price of vaccines also had an impact on immunisation rates - more than one-third of the vaccine supporting parents indicated that the cost of paid vaccinations was too high. The main incentive for vaccine compliance was parents' desire to protect their children and society from infectious diseases. Whereas vaccine-hesitant parents were mostly concerned about already occurring side effects or their risk. There was no consensus, whether vaccination of children should be mandatory in Lithuania, as the answers to the question were almost evenly distributed. The formation of parents' attitudes towards children's vaccination is a complex process that is determined by parents' attitudes towards the health care system, lack of trust in doctors, and gaps in communication about the benefits and risks of vaccination. All of this information should be taken into account in health policy-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aušra Beržanskytė
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Sigita Burokienė
- Clinic of Children’s Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Lithuania
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Saaka SA, Mohammed K, K. A. Pienaah C, Luginaah I. Child malaria vaccine uptake in Ghana: Factors influencing parents' willingness to allow vaccination of their children under five (5) years. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296934. [PMID: 38241404 PMCID: PMC10798622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a substantial health burden in Ghana, particularly among children. Despite the availability of malaria vaccines, uptake remains low. Notwithstanding, there is a paucity of nationally representative studies on the factors driving hesitance towards the new malaria vaccine. In response, this study, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviors (TPB), seeks to understand the determinants of child malaria vaccine uptake in Ghana to inform strategies for improving coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS We employed multiple regression model to examine the association between maternal awareness, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, geographical location, and vaccine uptake using data from the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS). RESULTS Maternal awareness of vaccine (OR = 2.200; P<0.01) significantly predicted higher likelihood of vaccine uptake. Household wealth was associated with child vaccination as parents in middle-income households (OR = 9.342; P<0.01), and those in poorest households (OR = 9.409; P<0.05) recorded higher likelihood of allowing their children to be vaccinated. With regards to ethnicity, parents from the Mande ethnic group (OR = 0.106; P<0.05) were less likely to allow their children to be vaccinated when compared to parents from the Akan ethnic group. Knowing that malaria is covered by National Health Insurance (OR = 2.407; P<0.05) was associated with higher likelihood of allowing child vaccination compared to not knowing. More so, geographical variations were observed as parents who lived in rural areas (OR = 0.254; P<0.05) were significantly less likely to allow vaccination of their children compared to those in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS Enhancing awareness through education campaigns can improve child malaria vaccine coverage. Observing socioeconomic disparities in uptake and ensuring equitable access to vaccines are vital. Tailored strategies considering ethnic background and geographical location, can as well enhance acceptance of the vaccine. This study provides valuable insights for developing effective strategies to reduce the burden of malaria in children and improve coverage of uptake. This study underscores the need to improve parental awareness and the relevance of the vaccine in preventing child mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulemana Ansumah Saaka
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kamaldeen Mohammed
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornelius K. A. Pienaah
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isaac Luginaah
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western, London, Ontario, Canada
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Walker KK, Clare A, Kumar A, Gaviria-Agudelo C. A scoping review of the use of parent-adolescent dyads in HPV vaccination research. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 118:108007. [PMID: 37847989 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.108007] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parental vaccine hesitancy is a significant contributor to low adolescent HPV vaccination. Shared HPV vaccination decision-making among adolescents and parents is an important determinant of vaccination uptake. We performed a scoping review to identify studies that used parent-adolescent dyads in HPV vaccination research. METHODS We searched peer-reviewed articles in PubMed, Embase, and PsychInfo from 2012 to 2023. Randomized or observational studies with parent-adolescent dyads related to HPV vaccination were eligible for inclusion. Articles were coded for the main themes related to use of parent-adolescent dyads in HPV vaccination research. RESULTS Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were categorized into two main themes: qualitative decision-making and quantitative vaccination intentions. Dyad members reported substantially different roles, barriers, and facilitators of HPV vaccine decisions and intentions. Dyad members disagreed on who made the final decision. Provider recommendation style and content were important to parental confidence in the vaccine decision. CONCLUSION The recent evidence for parent-adolescent HPV vaccination dyad research is sparse but indicates that factors that account for dyad vaccination decisions and intentions often differ between dyad members. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Studies in this review support ongoing research with parent-adolescent dyads to target HPV vaccine interventions at individual dyad members to increase HPV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly K Walker
- Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Alyssa Clare
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Ambuj Kumar
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Claudia Gaviria-Agudelo
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Eyal K, Njozela L, Köhler T, Ingle K, Brophy T, Buttenheim A, Maughan-Brown B. Correlates of COVID-19 vaccination intentions and opinions about mandates among four groups of adults in South Africa with distinct vaccine intentions: evidence from a large national survey. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1767. [PMID: 37697314 PMCID: PMC10494356 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16584-w] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite a high number of recorded COVID-19 infections and deaths in South Africa, COVID-19 vaccine coverage remained low in March 2022, ten months into the national vaccine roll-out. This study provides evidence on the correlates of vaccine intentions, attitudes towards vaccination and opinions about mandates. METHODS We used data from the second COVID-19 Vaccine Survey (CVACS), a telephone survey conducted February-March 2022 among 3,608 South African adults who self-reported not being vaccinated against COVID-19. The survey instrument was designed in consultation with government, policymakers, and civil society; and segmented the sample into four distinct groups with different vaccine intentions (synonymous with vaccine hesitancy levels). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to examine the sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes and behaviours associated with the different vaccination intentions groups. Thematic coding of responses to open-ended questions elicited insights on reasons for not being vaccinated and attitudes towards mandates. RESULTS Intentions to get vaccinated were greater among individuals with lower socio-economic status (Mann-Whitney Z = -11.3, p < 0.001); those believing the vaccine protects against death (Kruskal-Wallis Χ2 = 494, p < 0.001); and those who perceived themselves at risk of COVID-19-related illness (Χ2 = 126, p < 0.01). Vaccine intentions were lower among individuals who believed that the vaccine causes death (Χ2 = 163, p < 0.001); believed that the vaccine is unsafe for the babies of pregnant/breastfeeding mothers, or the chronically ill (Χ2 = 123, p < 0.01); those not trusting government health information about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine (Kendall's τ = -0.41, p < 0.01); and those in opposition to mandates (τ = 0.35, p < 0.001). Only 25% supported mandates, despite 48% thinking mandates would work well, with 54% citing individual rights as their main reason for mandate opposition. CONCLUSION The profile of individuals not vaccinated against COVID-19 as of March 2022 varied markedly by self-reported vaccination intentions, underscoring the importance of tailored demand-creation efforts. This paper highlights several factors which differ significantly across these groups. These findings could inform the design of future vaccination campaigns, potentially increasing their likelihood of success. This is an important policy objective given widespread vaccine hesitancy, and further work is required on this topic. Mandates remain an option to increase coverage but need to be carefully considered given extensive opposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Eyal
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Lindokuhle Njozela
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Timothy Köhler
- Development Policy Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kim Ingle
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Timothy Brophy
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alison Buttenheim
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 416 Fagin Hall, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Brendan Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Alghamdi AA, Alghamdi HA. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Vaccination Among Parents in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e41721. [PMID: 37575828 PMCID: PMC10414797 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41721] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine misconception plays an important role in delaying vaccination for children, which can lead to serious health problems. Assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and potential associated factors among Saudi parents of preschool and school-age children and adolescents for all types of vaccines would help increase vaccine coverage. Methodology This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was performed among parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study enrolled all Saudi parents visiting primary healthcare centers (PHC) in Jeddah with their children aged 3-18 years old. A self-administered questionnaire in Arabic was used to assess KAP. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the chi-square test was used to assess the association between KAP and sociodemographic factors with significance set at p-values <0.05. Results Out of 301 participants, 68.1% were mothers, and 55.8% of children were female. The largest percentage (81.7%) of the parents were aged between 31 and 50 years old. Although 94.4% of the parents agreed or strongly agreed that childhood vaccines protect their children from serious diseases, 26.6% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that vaccines can potentially cause autism, and 18.6% believed they could lead to learning difficulties. Most parents (67.4%) were in favor of vaccination, while others were hesitant about vaccinating their children and believed in alternative methods of disease prevention. About one-third knew other parents who did not vaccinate their children for religious, ideological, or cultural reasons. Sociodemographic factors such as gender (p = 0.042), educational level (p = 0.017), nationality (p = 0.001), and first child (p = 0.013) had some influence on parents' beliefs and knowledge about vaccination, while the number of children (child order) (p = 0.022) and parents' education level were associated with hesitancy (p = 0.028). Conclusions These findings show that most parents had good KAP toward vaccination, influenced by sociodemographic factors. However, there is a need to address vaccination hesitancy by acting on identified contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Ali Alghamdi
- Preventive Medicine Postgraduate Program, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Hani A Alghamdi
- Preventive Medicine Department, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, SAU
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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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Hurstak EE, Paasche-Orlow MK, Hahn EA, Henault LE, Taddeo MA, Moreno PI, Weaver C, Marquez M, Serrano E, Thomas J, Griffith JW. The mediating effect of health literacy on COVID-19 vaccine confidence among a diverse sample of urban adults in Boston and Chicago. Vaccine 2023; 41:2562-2571. [PMID: 36907736 PMCID: PMC9977617 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high rate of COVID-19 vaccination is critical to reduce morbidity and mortality related to infection and to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the factors that influence vaccine confidence can inform policies and programs aimed at vaccine promotion. We examined the impact of health literacy on COVID-19 vaccine confidence among a diverse sample of adults living in two major metropolitan areas. METHODS Questionnaire data from adults participating in an observational study conducted in Boston and Chicago from September 2018 through March 2021 were examined using path analyses to determine whether health literacy mediates the relationship between demographic variables and vaccine confidence, as measured by an adapted Vaccine Confidence Index (aVCI). RESULTS Participants (N = 273) were on average 49 years old, 63 % female, 4 % non-Hispanic Asian, 25 % Hispanic, 30 % non-Hispanic white, and 40 % non-Hispanic Black. Using non-Hispanic white and other race as the reference category, Black race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with lower aVCI (-0.76, 95 % CI -1.00 to -0.50; -0.52, 95 % CI -0.80 to -0.27, total effects from a model excluding other covariates). Lower education was also associated with lower aVCI (using college or more as the reference, -0.73 for 12th grade or less, 95 % CI -0.93 to -0.47; -0.73 for some college/associate's/technical degree, 95 % CI -1.05 to -0.39). Health literacy partially mediated these effects for Black and Hispanic participants and those with lower education (indirect effects -0.19 and -0.19 for Black race and Hispanic ethnicity; 0.27 for 12th grade or less; -0.15 for some college/associate's/technical degree). CONCLUSIONS Lower levels of education, Black race, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with lower scores on health literacy, which in turn were associated with lower vaccine confidence. Our findings suggest that efforts to improve health literacy may improve vaccine confidence, which in turn may improve vaccination rates and vaccine equity. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER NCT03584490.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Hurstak
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | | | - Elizabeth A Hahn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Lori E Henault
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Michelle A Taddeo
- Department of Medical Social Sciences Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Patricia I Moreno
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Claire Weaver
- Department of Medical Social Sciences Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Melissa Marquez
- Department of Medical Social Sciences Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Eloisa Serrano
- Department of Medical Social Sciences Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Jessica Thomas
- Department of Medical Social Sciences Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - James W Griffith
- Department of Medical Social Sciences Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Indiana Parental Perceptions of the Acceptability of General and HPV-Specific State Vaccine Requirements. J Community Health 2023; 48:528-538. [PMID: 36745356 PMCID: PMC9900532 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01198-5] [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: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
State vaccine requirements are a tool for improving child and adolescent vaccination immunization coverage, but to be effective, parental buy-in is needed. The objective of this study was to assess the demographic, healthcare characteristics, and health beliefs associated with parental acceptance of general and HPV-specific state vaccine requirements. Indiana parents (N = 601) with children ages 11-17 years old completed a survey during March 2020.Results showed that 47.2% and 43.1% of parents believed there should always be general and HPV-specific state vaccine requirements, respectively. In multivariable analysis, higher odds of parental support for general state vaccine requirements were associated with being unsure whether HPV-associated cancer is a problem in the participant's county and having higher perceived benefits of HPV vaccines. Lower odds were associated with private insurance, having less than a bachelor's degree, and having less confidence in vaccines. In comparison, parents had higher odds of agreeing with HPV-specific state vaccine requirements if they reported higher interpersonal altruism and higher perceived benefits of HPV vaccines; they had lower odds if they were non-Hispanic White. Findings indicate that while similar percentages of parents agreed with general and HPV-specific state vaccine requirements, there were different characteristics associated with acceptance of each. Results can inform the development of tailored interventions for improving parental support for general and HPV-specific state vaccine requirements.
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Driving Paediatric Vaccine Recovery in Europe. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11010184. [PMID: 36680028 PMCID: PMC9865973 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood vaccination coverage has increased throughout Europe in recent decades. However, challenges persist in many areas within the European Union (EU), resulting in declining coverage rates in many countries in the period between 2010 and 2021. This general trend requires increased efforts to combat barriers around vaccination uptake. Thus, this article aims to summarise key learnings and trends in paediatric vaccination within the EU, with a focus on current challenges and enablers. METHODS Methodology is based on analysis of primary data, mainly vaccination coverage rates, as well as review and analysis of the select relevant literature, including peer-reviewed articles, academic research papers, official reports, policies, and other publicly available sources. RESULTS For all vaccines assessed (DTP 1st dose, DTP 3rd dose, Hib3, HepB3, measles 1st dose, measles 2nd dose, and polio 3rd dose), a high degree of variation and fluctuation in coverage can be observed. There is a general trend of declining coverage in 2019 compared to 2010, with lower performing countries, such as Romania and Austria, showing increasingly severe coverage fluctuations between the years examined across the analysed vaccines. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that increasing both accessibility and information regarding vaccines are key enablers to vaccination uptake. Moreover, given the current challenges the EU is facing, crisis preparedness plans are pertinent to ensure immunity gaps do not further exacerbate the disruption of vaccination systems.
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Dimassi O, Dimassi M, Tritschler A, Laban T, Santhosh D. Exploring Vaccination Sentiments: A Population-Centric Examination. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319231210615. [PMID: 37965709 PMCID: PMC10647961 DOI: 10.1177/21501319231210615] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy has, for a considerable time, been a significant risk to global health. As an integral part of disease prevention, vaccines have become a public health matter which is often debated among the community in spite of proven scientific evidence of their efficiency. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the perception and knowledge of a population and compare it with behavior in order to assess a demographic within a sample population of 245 individuals selected at random within the United States, Here, we aim to clarify the difference between vaccine opinion among the general public as compared to vaccination status. Chi-squared analysis was done with the categorical data showing a statistically significant result when comparing parents versus non-parents, and Asian/Asian Americans against other ethnicities. All other comparisons were statistically insignificant. When looking at participant responses, PCPs did not discuss vaccines at all with 32% of the sample. The need for PCPs to provide educational information to certain ethnicities may play an important role in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Dimassi
- Saint James School of Medicine, Arnos Vale, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
| | - Mohamad Dimassi
- Washington University of Health and Science, San Pedro, Belize
| | | | - Tariq Laban
- Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Daphne Santhosh
- Saint James School of Medicine, Arnos Vale, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
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Pan Y, Gong S, Zhu X, Xue C, Jing Y, Sun Y, Qian Y, Zhang J, Xia Q. Investigation on the hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccination among liver transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1014942. [PMID: 36589975 PMCID: PMC9797997 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1014942] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The hospitalization and mortality rate from COVID-19 appears to be higher in liver transplant recipients when compared with general populations. Vaccination is an effective strategy to reduce the risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in liver transplant recipients. Methods In April 2022, we conducted an online-based survey through WeChat platform to investigate the vaccination hesitancy among liver transplant recipients followed at Shanghai Renji Hospital and further explore possible influencing factors. Survey items included multiple choice, Likert-type rating scale and open-ended answers. Participants were classified as no hesitancy group and hesitancy group. Using univariate analysis, ROC curve analysis and multiple logistic regression to evaluate associations between baseline characteristics and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Results 449 liver transplant recipients participated in the survey with 299 (66.6%) of them being categorized as vaccine hesitancy. In no hesitancy group, 73 (48.7%) recipients had completed vaccination, while 77 (51.3%) were not yet but intended to be vaccinated. In contrast, 195 (65.2%) recipients in hesitancy group were hesitant to get vaccinated, while the remaining 104 (34.8%) refused. The most common side effect was injection arm pain (n = 9, 12.3%). The common reasons for vaccine willingness was trusted in the effectiveness of the vaccine and fear of contracting COVID-19. The most common reason for vaccination hesitancy is fear of side effects, and the most effective improvement was the support from the attending physician. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy include female sex, influenza vaccination status, awareness of the importance and safety of vaccine, attitudes of doctors and others toward vaccine, medical worker source information of vaccine, relative/friend with medical background, total score of VHS (Vaccine Hesitancy Scale), accessibility of vaccine. Conclusion For liver transplant recipients, COVID-19 vaccine is an important preventive measure. Identifying the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is therefore critical to developing a promotion plan. Our study shows that more comprehensive vaccine knowledge popularization and relevant medical workers' training can effectively improve the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Pan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiming Gong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinye Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuqing Xue
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yilei Jing
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinghua Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongbing Qian
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yongbing Qian
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,Jianjun Zhang
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,Qiang Xia
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CALIMERI SEBASTIANO, LO GIUDICE DANIELA, BUDA AGATA, LAGANÀ ANTONIO, FACCIOLÀ ALESSIO, DI PIETRO ANGELA, VISALLI GIUSEPPA. Role of the 1 st booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the protection against the infection: A fundamental public health tool. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2022; 63:E520-E526. [PMID: 36891000 PMCID: PMC9986990 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.4.2742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on human health with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are one of the most at risk categories to contract the infection. Effective anti-COVID-19 vaccines were approved in a very short time. Making the 1st booster dose is essential to induce a good protection against the infection. Methods We conducted a retrospective sero-epidemiological survey of already existing data concerning the antibody response of a HCWs sample vaccinated with the primary cycle and the 1st booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and, specifically, after three weeks from the third dose of vaccination. Results In our analysis, after the primary cycle, a 95.15% efficacy was detected. Among the non-responders, women were significantly more frequent (69.56%). Moreover, we found a significant reverse correlation between the immune response and the age of the sample, especially in women. However, the 1st booster dose completely cancelled these differences. Conclusions Our data are perfectly in line with what has been declared by the conducted studies in terms of efficacy. However, it is important to highlight that people with only the primary cycle are at high risk to contract the COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is necessary to not consider people vaccinated with the primary cycle completely risk-free and to stress the importance to perform the 1st booster dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- SEBASTIANO CALIMERI
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - DANIELA LO GIUDICE
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - AGATA BUDA
- Virology Operative Unit, University Hospital “G. Martino”, Messina
| | - ANTONIO LAGANÀ
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Istituto Clinico Polispecialistico C.O.T. Cure Ortopediche Traumatologiche S.p.A, Messina, Italy
| | - ALESSIO FACCIOLÀ
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: Alessio Facciolà, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. E-mail:
| | - ANGELA DI PIETRO
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - GIUSEPPA VISALLI
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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TROIANO GIANMARCO, TORCHIA GIUSEPPE, NARDI ALESSANDRA. Vaccine hesitancy among Ukrainian refugees. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2022; 63:E566-E572. [PMID: 36890995 PMCID: PMC9986985 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.4.2774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Background On February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Beyond Poland, Romania, Russia, several refugees reached Italy also. In the past, several factors contributed to low vaccination coverage in Ukraine and the occurrence of epidemic outbreaks. The purpose of our study was to analyze the main characteristics of Ukrainian refugees who accessed the Rozzano Vaccination Center (Italy), and the attitude towards proposed vaccinations. Methods In March-July 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study on Ukrainian refugees under the age of 18. On the basis of their vaccination certificates or antibody dosages, the doctor proposed to the parents (or legal guardians) any vaccinations to be carried out on the basis of the Italian childhood vaccination schedule. Refused or accepted vaccinations were registered and the data exported for statistical analysis. COVID-19 vaccination was excluded from the analysis. Results 27 refugees missed the appointment, so 79 Ukrainian refugees have been included in the study. Females represented the 51.90% of patients; the average age was 7.11 (sd 4.92) years. The most refused vaccinations were: HPV, MMR and men C. Significant differences due to age were found for Men C and Chickenpox acceptance. Conclusions The efforts made to ensure complete care and to promote vaccination among refugees, offering them a complete evaluation of the vaccination status and the possibility of being vaccinated for free, seem to be insufficient to convince most refugees to get vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- GIANMARCO TROIANO
- UOSD Vaccinations, ASST Melegnano e della Martesana, Italy
- Correspondence: Gianmarco Troiano, UOSD Vaccinations, ASST Melegnano e della Martesana, Via Pandina 1, 20070 Vizzolo Predabissi (MI) Italy. E-mail: -
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Smith SE, Sivertsen N, Lines L, De Bellis A. Decision making in vaccine hesitant parents and pregnant women - An integrative review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2022; 4:100062. [PMID: 38745627 PMCID: PMC11080481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives : Vaccine refusal is increasing in Australia and is a major concern in high- and middle-income countries. There is evidence to suggest that some parents, even those who elect to immunise, may be vaccine hesitant with some manipulating the schedule by excluding or delaying some vaccines. The aim of this review was to gain an understanding of factors that influence vaccine decision-making in pregnant women and parents of children. Design : An integrative review approach was used to produce an analysis of existing literature on vaccine decision-making in pregnancy and parents. As the broadest of review methods, an integrative review can include a range of experimental and non-experimental research, thereby ensuring the inclusion of data from multiple perspectives. Data Sources : Online databases were searched for research related to vaccine decision-making in pregnant women and parents. Original and review articles were sought that were published in English between 2015 and 2021. Reviewed articles included qualitative and quantitative studies and systematic reviews. No mixed methods papers were located or excluded from this review. Review methods : The review method was an integrative review informed by Coughlan. Results : Papers from thirteen predominantly high- and middle-income countries were selected for this review. A total of 31 articles fit the inclusion/exclusion criteria, including qualitative, quantitative and review articles. Three main themes were identified including the role of healthcare professionals, vaccine safety concerns and alternative influences. Alternative influences included: social media, friends and family, religion, conspiracy theories and salutogenic parenting. Findings suggest that high levels of anxiety are involved in vaccine decision-making with parents seeking information from multiple sources including healthcare professionals, friends and family and social media. Conclusions : Pregnancy is an ideal time to provide education on both pregnancy and childhood vaccinations. However, some parents reported dissatisfaction in their therapeutic relationships with healthcare professionals. As a result, parents can resort to their own information seeking, in the main via social media which has been linked to vaccine refusal. Additionally, some healthcare professionals report feeling inadequately prepared for the role of immunisation promotion and provision. Parental information seeking from non-traditional sources has been shown to result in the acquisition of misinformation, exposure to conspiracy theories, the inevitable loss of vaccine confidence and subsequent vaccine refusal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Smith
- Flinders University College of nursing and health science, Australia
| | - Nina Sivertsen
- Flinders University College of nursing and health science, Australia
- Arctic University of Norway, Rural and Remote Arctic Health, Campus Hammersfest
| | - Lauren Lines
- Flinders University College of nursing and health science, Australia
| | - Anita De Bellis
- Flinders University College of nursing and health science, Australia
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Nguyen TH, Le XTT, Nguyen LH, Le HT, Do TTT, Nguyen HLT, Nguyen HT, Latkin CA, Ho CSH, Ho RCM. Resource mobilization for tetanus vaccination in Vietnam: Uptake, demand and willingness to pay among women of reproductive age. Front Public Health 2022; 10:980850. [PMID: 36330125 PMCID: PMC9623147 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.980850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tetanus vaccine coverage in Vietnam has been declining in recent years due to a rapid population growth rate, shrinking budget, and inefficient resource mobilization strategy. This study examined the uptake, demand, and willingness to pay (WTP) for tetanus vaccines in Vietnamese women of reproductive age as well as determined associated factors and assessed the feasibility of the long-term tetanus vaccine resource mobilization scheme. Methods Cross-sectional data were obtained on 807 women of childbearing age in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2016. Tetanus vaccine uptake, demand, and willingness to pay were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic and interval regression models were used to examine associated factors with vaccine uptake, demand, and WTP. Results Of 807 participants, 42.4 and 64.8% had sufficient tetanus vaccination (i.e., received at least three doses of vaccine) and were willing to pay for tetanus vaccination. The mean amount of WTP for one dose of tetanus was US$ 7.3 (95% CI = 6.7-7.9). Having children or being aware that the tetanus vaccine was free-of-charge were negatively associated with WTP for tetanus vaccine. Having a high school education, living in a rural area, and not being aware of vaccine prices or being aware that vaccines were provided freely reduced the amount of WTP. WTP increased among women receiving information from friends and relatives. Conclusion Despite of exemption from the tetanus vaccination programs, this study indicated a low tetanus vaccination coverage and a moderate degree of WTP for tetanus vaccine among Vietnamese women of childbearing age. Target-specific educational and financial support interventions, along with efforts to reduce vaccination costs are critical to improving the vaccine uptake, demand, and WTP for tetanus immunization among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thang Huu Nguyen
- School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Xuan Thi Thanh Le
- School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- VNU School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huong Thi Le
- School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Toan Thanh Thi Do
- School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huong Lan Thi Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Nursing, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Hien Thu Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Nursing, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Cyrus S. H. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger C. M. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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23
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Shaw G, Nadkarni D, Phann E, Sielaty R, Ledenyi M, Abnowf R, Xu Q, Arredondo P, Chen S. Separating Features From Functionality in Vaccination Apps: Computational Analysis. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e36818. [PMID: 36222791 PMCID: PMC9597419 DOI: 10.2196/36818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some latest estimates show that approximately 95% of Americans own a smartphone with numerous functions such as SMS text messaging, the ability to take high-resolution pictures, and mobile software apps. Mobile health apps focusing on vaccination and immunization have proliferated in the digital health information technology market. Mobile health apps have the potential to positively affect vaccination coverage. However, their general functionality, user and disease coverage, and exchange of information have not been comprehensively studied or evaluated computationally. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study is to develop a computational method to explore the descriptive, usability, information exchange, and privacy features of vaccination apps, which can inform vaccination app design. Furthermore, we sought to identify potential limitations and drawbacks in the apps' design, readability, and information exchange abilities. METHODS A comprehensive codebook was developed to conduct a content analysis on vaccination apps' descriptive, usability, information exchange, and privacy features. The search and selection process for vaccination-related apps was conducted from March to May 2019. We identified a total of 211 apps across both platforms, with iOS and Android representing 62.1% (131/211) and 37.9% (80/211) of the apps, respectively. Of the 211 apps, 119 (56.4%) were included in the final study analysis, with 42 features evaluated according to the developed codebook. The apps selected were a mix of apps used in the United States and internationally. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of the data. Furthermore, cluster analysis was used with unsupervised machine learning to determine patterns within the data to group the apps based on preselected features. RESULTS The results indicated that readability and information exchange were highly correlated features based on principal component analysis. Of the 119 apps, 53 (44.5%) were iOS apps, 55 (46.2%) were for the Android operating system, and 11 (9.2%) could be found on both platforms. Cluster 1 of the k-means analysis contained 22.7% (27/119) of the apps; these were shown to have the highest percentage of features represented among the selected features. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that our computational method was able to identify important features of vaccination apps correlating with end user experience and categorize those apps through cluster analysis. Collaborating with clinical health providers and public health officials during design and development can improve the overall functionality of the apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Shaw
- Public Health Sciences, School of Data Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Devaki Nadkarni
- Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Eric Phann
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
- Department of Language and Culture Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Rachel Sielaty
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Madeleine Ledenyi
- Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Razaan Abnowf
- Department of Global Studies, Belk College of Business, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Qian Xu
- School of Communications, Elon University, Elon, NC, United States
| | - Paul Arredondo
- School of Data Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Shi Chen
- Public Health Sciences, School of Data Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, United States
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24
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Zeid N, Tang L. Egyptian Newspapers Coverage of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Theoretically Driven Content Analysis. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 27:727-736. [PMID: 36567666 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2022.2157908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Egyptian government has acquired COVID-19 vaccines from different sources; however, the vaccination rates and vaccine acceptance among the public remained low. News media play an influential role in shaping the public's understanding of medical issues and promoting health behaviors such as vaccination. Guided by the Extended Parallel Processing Model (EPPM) and the framing theory, a content analysis of COVID-19 vaccines coverage in two established Egyptian newspapers in Arabic (Al-Goumhuria and Al-Masry Al-Youm) between January 2020 and November 2021 was conducted. Findings suggested that the Egyptian newspapers focused on the efficacy of the vaccines but downplayed the severity of COVID-19. Most articles from both newspapers did not use gain or loss frames, although Al-Goumhuria was most likely to use both (loss and gain) frames simultaneously. Specific vaccine information regarding its safety, side effects, and effectiveness was minimal in both newspapers. The differences in COVID-19 vaccine coverage between the two newspapers were limited, suggesting a high level of government control of COVID-19 related content, regardless of whether it is state- or private-owned newspaper. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Zeid
- Department of Communication& Journalism, Texas A&M University, College Station Texas USA
| | - Lu Tang
- Department of Communication& Journalism, Texas A&M University, College Station Texas USA
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25
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Iannello P, Colautti L, Magenes S, Antonietti A, Cancer A. Black-and-white thinking and conspiracy beliefs prevent parents from vaccinating their children against COVID-19. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 36:ACP3999. [PMID: 36250193 PMCID: PMC9537936 DOI: 10.1002/acp.3999] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding predictors of parents' willingness to vaccinate their children appears fundamental to promote vaccine acceptability, especially in a pandemic scenario. The present study aimed to investigate the role of conspiracy beliefs and absolutist thinking in parental attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine, and the predictive role of parents' individual differences on decisions against children's vaccination. An online survey was administered to 415 parents of children aged 5-11, at the very beginning of the vaccination targeting this population in Italy. Results showed that absolutism predicted the tendency to believe in conspiracies, associated with a negative attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine administration to children. Moreover, mothers were less willing to vaccinate children and parents of children aged 5-7 were more hesitant, or even against vaccination, than parents of older children. Finally, the worry about consequences of COVID-19 infection on children's health facilitated vaccine adherence. These findings contribute to deepening mechanisms regarding the vaccine acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Magenes
- Catholic University of the Sacred HeartMilanItaly
- Fraternità e Amicizia Società Cooperativa Sociale ONLUSMilanItaly
| | | | - Alice Cancer
- Catholic University of the Sacred HeartMilanItaly
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26
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Napolitano F, Miraglia del Giudice G, Angelillo S, Fattore I, Licata F, Pelullo CP, Di Giuseppe G. Hesitancy towards Childhood Vaccinations among Parents of Children with Underlying Chronic Medical Conditions in Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081254. [PMID: 36016141 PMCID: PMC9416633 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This study was designed to evaluate vaccination hesitancy and behaviors among parents of children with chronic conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021 in three public hospitals in southern Italy. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview of parents of children up to 17 years of age with at least one chronic condition. Results: Of the 532 parents approached, 444 agreed to participate, with a response rate of 83.4%. Almost half of parents (43%) knew that children with chronic diseases are at greater risk of complications from VPDs, and 21.6% knew all the vaccinations available in Italy. Additionally, 55.9% felt that vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) are very dangerous for their children, and 28.7% were very worried about the side effects of vaccines. The result of the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccine (PACV) score indicated that 23.2% of parents were hesitant about vaccinations. Parental vaccine hesitancy was significantly more common among parents who had female children, among those who did not know the recommended vaccinations, among those who had a higher concern of potential side effects of the vaccines, among those who believed that the administration of the vaccinations was not useful, and among who received information on recommended vaccination from the internet, social and mass media. Conclusions: Important efforts by policy makers and healthcare providers must be implemented to counter vaccine hesitancy among parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Napolitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Angelillo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro ‘‘Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Italo Fattore
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Licata
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro ‘‘Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Concetta Paola Pelullo
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Giuseppe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-5667708
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27
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Salazar TL, Pollard DL, Pina-Thomas DM, Benton MJ. Parental vaccine hesitancy and concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 65:10-15. [PMID: 35367855 PMCID: PMC8970879 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed parental vaccine hesitancy in a metropolitan area of the United States. The study aimed to determine what characteristics and contributing factors influenced parental vaccine hesitancy and concerns regarding COVID-19. DESIGN AND METHODS An online survey was used to recruit 93 parents to answer demographic and vaccine hesitancy information. Vaccine hesitancy was measured using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines survey. The study was conducted between June 2020 and September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS The rate of vaccine hesitancy was 15%. One hundred percent of vaccine hesitant parents were mothers, at least 30 years of age, married, and had completed at least some college. When characteristics of vaccine hesitant parents were compared to non-hesitant parents, the hesitant parents reported having more children, with 93% reporting two or more children compared to only 74% of non-hesitant parents (p = 0.046). Fifty percent of hesitant parents reported no concerns regarding COVID-19 compared to only 20% of non-hesitant parents (p = 0.006), and significantly less hesitant parents reported willingness to have their children receive a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine if it were available compared to non-hesitant parents (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that older mothers with two or more children are more likely to be vaccine hesitant and this hesitancy extends to the current COVID-19 pandemic. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Healthcare providers can use the results of this study to identify parents at risk for vaccine hesitancy and initiate individualized education to promote on-time childhood vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa L Salazar
- Helen & Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, United States of America; Hampden Medical Group, Englewood, CO, United States of America
| | - Deborah L Pollard
- Helen & Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, United States of America
| | - Deborah M Pina-Thomas
- Helen & Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, United States of America
| | - Melissa J Benton
- Helen & Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, United States of America.
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28
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Facciolà A, Visalli G, Laganà A, Di Pietro A. An Overview of Vaccine Adjuvants: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050819. [PMID: 35632575 PMCID: PMC9147349 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive tools against infectious diseases. Over time, many different types of vaccines have been developed concerning the antigen component. Adjuvants are essential elements that increase the efficacy of vaccination practises through many different actions, especially acting as carriers, depots, and stimulators of immune responses. For many years, few adjuvants have been included in vaccines, with aluminium salts being the most commonly used adjuvant. However, recent research has focused its attention on many different new compounds with effective adjuvant properties and improved safety. Modern technologies such as nanotechnologies and molecular biology have forcefully entered the production processes of both antigen and adjuvant components, thereby improving vaccine efficacy. Microparticles, emulsions, and immune stimulators are currently in the spotlight for their huge potential in vaccine production. Although studies have reported some potential side effects of vaccine adjuvants such as the recently recognised ASIA syndrome, the huge worth of vaccines remains unquestionable. Indeed, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccines, especially in regard to managing future potential pandemics. In this field, research into adjuvants could play a leading role in the production of increasingly effective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Facciolà
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.V.); (A.L.); (A.D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppa Visalli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.V.); (A.L.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Antonio Laganà
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.V.); (A.L.); (A.D.P.)
- Multi-Specialist Clinical Institute for Orthopaedic Trauma Care (COT), 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.V.); (A.L.); (A.D.P.)
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29
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Trerotoli P, Tafuri S. Sex and age as determinants of the seroprevalence of anti-measles IgG among European healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine 2022; 40:3127-3141. [PMID: 35491343 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The international literature shows good evidence of a significant rate of measles susceptibility among healthcare workers (HCWs). As such, they are an important public health issue. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of susceptible HCWs in EU/EEA countries and in the UK and to explore the characteristics (sex and age differences) and management of those found to be susceptible. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of measles-susceptible HCWs was 13.3% (95 %CI: 10.0-17.0%). In a comparison of serosusceptible female vs. male HCWs, the RR was 0.92 (95 %CI = 0.83-1.03), and in a comparison of age classes (born after vs. before 1980) the RR was 2.78 (95 %CI = 2.20-3.50). The most recent studies proposed the mandatory vaccination of HCWs. DISCUSSION According to our meta-analysis, the prevalence of serosusceptible European HCWs is 13%; HCWs born in the post-vaccination era seem to be at higher risk. Healthcare professionals susceptible to measles are a serious epidemiological concern. Greater efforts should therefore be made to identify those who have yet to be vaccinated and actively encourage their vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Trerotoli
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy.
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30
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Sağlam M, Öncel S, Gündoğdu Z. Knowledge, Attitude, Perceptions, and Concerns of Pregnant Women Regarding the Influenza Vaccination in Kocaeli, Turkey. Cureus 2022; 14:e23765. [PMID: 35518527 PMCID: PMC9064710 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In order to better understand the barriers to influenza vaccination, we have designed a study to investigate pregnant women's knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and concerns towards the inactivated influenza vaccine. Materials and methods In this prospective study, carried out between July 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, 252 pregnant women (≥12 weeks of gestational age), who had consented to be enrolled in the study, were asked to complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire during their stay in the hospital ward. Results The lack of information about influenza vaccines (59.4%) was in the first rank among the reasons for personal and parental vaccine rejection. Most (65.1%) pregnant women either did not believe in or had doubts about the efficiency of the influenza vaccine during gestation. Most of them (80.9%) either were not sure about or did not have much confidence in the prenatally inoculated vaccine's ability to protect their babies postnatally. Some (25.6%) participants attributed their vaccinal unwillingness to fear of adverse effects, and some (11.5%) deemed gestational influenza immunization unnecessary because of their tendency to underestimate the grave consequences of influenza contracted by infants within the first six months of life. The higher the education level, the higher was the knowledge of and the willingness to be immunized against influenza. Discussion It is known that about one-third of pregnant women in Turkey have never heard of the influenza vaccine. Unawareness of influenza vaccination in pregnancy is significantly related to vaccine uptake in Japan. Patient education on knowledge of influenza and influenza vaccination has a booster effect on vaccination rates. Had the influenza vaccine been routinely administered to pregnant women in Turkey, the lives of the majority of the women who died of influenza in the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in 2009 would have been saved. Low-risk perception is quoted as one of the main reasons for influenza vaccine refusal during pregnancy, which was also the case in our study. Concordant with the current literature, the education level and household income were correlated with the level of influenza vaccination uptake. Pregnant women's fear of adverse effects of the influenza vaccine might extend to the fear of birth defects. Conclusion The acceptance of influenza vaccines by pregnant women is a consequence of complex interactions of various factors. Giving necessary information to pregnant women is one of the most important factors that can increase influenza vaccine uptake. For this reason, it should be ensured that the efficacy and safety data of the influenza vaccine are more widely included in vocational training activities of health personnel and in prenatal care textbooks and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Sağlam
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Kocaeli University, Izmit, TUR
| | - Selim Öncel
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Kocaeli University, Izmit, TUR
| | - Zuhal Gündoğdu
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Kocaeli University, Izmit, TUR
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31
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Ophir Y, Walter N, Walter D, Velho RM, Lokmanoglu AD, Pruden ML, Andrews EA. Vaccine Hesitancy Under the Magnifying Glass: A Systematic Review of the Uses and Misuses of an Increasingly Popular Construct. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022:1-15. [PMID: 35361020 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2054102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to vaccines has hindered attempts to contain and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases for centuries. More recently, however, the term "vaccine hesitancy" has been used to describe not necessarily outright resistance but also a delay in acceptance or uncertainty regarding vaccines. Given concerns about hesitancy and its impact on vaccine uptake rates, researchers increasingly shifted the focus from resistance to vaccines toward vaccine hesitancy. Acknowledging the urgency to accurately assess the phenomenon, it is critical to understand the state of the literature, focusing on issues of conceptualization and operationalization. To carry out this systematic review, we collected and analyzed all published empirical articles from 2000 to 2021 that explicitly included quantitative self-report measures of vaccine hesitancy (k = 86). Using a mixed-method approach, the review demonstrates and quantifies crucial inconsistencies in the measurement of the construct, lack of clarity in regard to the determination of who should or should not be defined as hesitant, and overreliance on unrepresentative samples. Crucially, our analysis points to a potential systematic bias toward exaggerating the level of hesitancy in the population. Modeling a vaccine hesitancy co-citation network, the analysis also points to the existence of insular academic silos that make it harder to achieve a unified measurement tool. Theoretical and practical implications for academics, practitioners, and policymakers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotam Ophir
- Department of Communication, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | - Nathan Walter
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University
| | - Dror Walter
- Department of Communication, Georgia State University
| | - Raphaela M Velho
- Department of Communication, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | | | - Meredith L Pruden
- Center for Information, Technology and Public Life, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Emily A Andrews
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University
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32
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Vojtek I, Larson H, Plotkin S, Van Damme P. Evolving measles status and immunization policy development in six European countries. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2031776. [PMID: 35180372 PMCID: PMC9009904 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2031776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing and implementing new immunization policies in response to shifting epidemiology is a critical public health component. We adopted a mixed-methods approach (via narrative literature review [101 articles] and 9 semi-structured interviews) to evaluate policy development in response to shifting measles epidemiology in six European countries (Italy, Belgium, Germany, Romania, UK, and Ukraine); where policies and strategies have evolved in response to country-specific disease and vaccination patterns. Periodic outbreaks have occurred in all countries against a background of declining measles-containing-vaccine (MCV) uptake and increasing public vaccine hesitancy (with substantial regional or social differences in measles burden and vaccine uptake). Health-care worker (HCW) vaccine skepticism is also seen. While many outbreaks arise or involve specific susceptible populations (e.g., minority/migrant communities), the broader pattern is spread to the wider (and generally older) population; often among incompletely/non-vaccinated individuals as a legacy of previous low uptake. Immunization policy and strategic responses are influenced by political and social factors, where public mistrust contributes to vaccine hesitancy. A strong centralized immunization framework (allied with effective regional implementation and coherent political commitment) can effectively increase uptake. Mandatory vaccination has increased childhood MCV uptake in Italy, and similar benefits could be anticipated for other countries considering vaccine mandates. Although possible elsewhere, socio-political considerations render mandating impractical in other countries, where targeted immunization activities to bolster routine uptake are more important. Addressing HCW skepticism, knowledge gaps, improving access and increasing public/community engagement and education to address vaccine hesitancy/mistrust (especially in communities with specific unmet needs) is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Larson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stanley Plotkin
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Doylestown, PA, USA.,Vaxconsult, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Weighing up the risks — Vaccine decision-making in pregnancy and parenting. Women Birth 2022; 35:547-552. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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FACCIOLÀ ALESSIO, VISALLI GIUSEPPA, D’ANDREA GIUSEPPA, VARVARÀ MASSIMO, SANTORO GIUSY, CUFFARI ROSARIA, DI PIETRO ANGELA. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes: importance of a screening program for the early detection of risk conditions in a target population. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2022; 62:E934-E942. [PMID: 35603258 PMCID: PMC9104660 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.4.2360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are two of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In their genesis, an important role is played by some behavioural risk factors that may induce the onset of further risk factors represented by hypertension, prediabetes, overweight and obesity. This study aimed to show the importance of the screening methodology for early detection of these risk conditions in order to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes complications. METHODS We carried out a screening programme involving a cohort of people aged 45-60 in which risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes were evaluated. The subjects were then classified into four groups according to the risk conditions. RESULTS A high percentage (27.0%) of the sample had some alteration in the detected anthropometric and/or clinical-laboratory parameters but were unaware of this condition and, consequently, not under therapeutic treatment. CONCLUSIONS The screening programme allowed the early detection of hypertension and prediabetes or full-blown diabetes conditions in subjects who were unaware they had a pathological condition, and consequently to proceed with adequate investigations and start healthy lifestyles/pharmacological therapies. Overall, the results highlight the need to anticipate these screening campaigns, especially in men, to increase the effectiveness of the prevention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- ALESSIO FACCIOLÀ
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: Alessio Facciolà, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy - E-mail:
| | - GIUSEPPA VISALLI
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - GIUSEPPA D’ANDREA
- Operative Unit of Epidemiology, Department of Prevention, Provincial Health Agency, Messina, Italy
| | - MASSIMO VARVARÀ
- Operative Unit of Epidemiology, Department of Prevention, Provincial Health Agency, Messina, Italy
| | - GIUSY SANTORO
- Operative Unit of Epidemiology, Department of Prevention, Provincial Health Agency, Messina, Italy
| | - ROSARIA CUFFARI
- Operative Unit of Epidemiology, Department of Prevention, Provincial Health Agency, Messina, Italy
| | - ANGELA DI PIETRO
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
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Heath K, Altermatt A, Saich F, Pedrana A, Fletcher-Lartey S, Bowring AL, Stoové M, Danchin M, Kaufman J, Gibney KB, Hellard M. Intent to Be Vaccinated against COVID-19 in Victoria, Australia. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:209. [PMID: 35214668 PMCID: PMC8878999 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High vaccine uptake requires strong public support, acceptance, and willingness. METHODS A longitudinal cohort study gathered survey data every four weeks between 1 October 2020 and 9 November 2021 in Victoria, Australia. Data were analysed for 686 participants aged 18 years and older. RESULTS Vaccine intention in our cohort increased from 60% in October 2020 to 99% in November 2021. Vaccine intention increased in all demographics, but longitudinal trends in vaccine intention differed by age, employment as a healthcare worker, presence of children in the household, and highest qualification attained. Acceptance of vaccine mandates increased from 50% in October 2020 to 71% in November 2021. Acceptance of vaccine mandates increased in all age groups except 18-25 years; acceptance also varied by gender and highest qualification attained. The main reasons for not intending to be vaccinated included safety concerns, including blood clots, and vaccine efficacy. CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccination campaigns should be informed by understanding of the sociodemographic drivers of vaccine acceptance to enable socially and culturally relevant guidance and ensure equitable vaccine coverage. Vaccination policies should be applied judiciously to avoid polarisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Heath
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (A.A.); (F.S.); (A.P.); (S.F.-L.); (A.L.B.); (M.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Aimée Altermatt
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (A.A.); (F.S.); (A.P.); (S.F.-L.); (A.L.B.); (M.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Freya Saich
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (A.A.); (F.S.); (A.P.); (S.F.-L.); (A.L.B.); (M.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (A.A.); (F.S.); (A.P.); (S.F.-L.); (A.L.B.); (M.S.); (M.H.)
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 533 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Stephanie Fletcher-Lartey
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (A.A.); (F.S.); (A.P.); (S.F.-L.); (A.L.B.); (M.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Anna L. Bowring
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (A.A.); (F.S.); (A.P.); (S.F.-L.); (A.L.B.); (M.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Mark Stoové
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (A.A.); (F.S.); (A.P.); (S.F.-L.); (A.L.B.); (M.S.); (M.H.)
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 533 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Margaret Danchin
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department General Medicine, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jessica Kaufman
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Katherine B. Gibney
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (A.A.); (F.S.); (A.P.); (S.F.-L.); (A.L.B.); (M.S.); (M.H.)
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 533 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Doherty Institute and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Altulahi N, AlNujaim S, Alabdulqader A, Alkharashi A, AlMalki A, AlSiari F, Bashawri Y, Alsubaie S, AlShahrani D, AlGoraini Y. Willingness, beliefs, and barriers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia: a multiregional cross-sectional study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:247. [PMID: 34911441 PMCID: PMC8674018 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01606-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide, and the vaccine remains the ultimate cornerstone to overcoming its long-term impact. Vaccine hesitancy might obstruct the effort to achieve herd immunity and eradicate the virus. We assessed Saudi Arabian individuals’ willingness, beliefs, and barriers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and their adherence to preventive measures during and after the pandemic. Methods A self-administered electronic validated questionnaire was distributed among the five major regions in Saudi Arabia between November and December 2020. The questionnaire addressed the sociodemographic data, beliefs, potential barriers, parents’ acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination for their children, and adherence to protective measures during and after the pandemic. Results Of 8,056 participants, 4,218 (52.4%) of a non-representative sample were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Being a young adult, male, having less than a high school degree, being a smoker, having a chronic disease, and having a history of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake were positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Hesitant participants reported concerns about vaccine side effects and safety as the main barriers to accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Some refusers (26.1%) declared that they would reconsider vaccination only if the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine were reported by more studies. Conclusions Our study revealed a promising willingness to accept the vaccine among the population, with positive beliefs and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. However, a considerable proportion of the population was reluctant to accept the vaccine. Thus, publicly providing information about vaccine safety and implementing health education programs is crucial for increasing the public’s confidence in the vaccine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01606-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Altulahi
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shouq AlNujaim
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azzam Alabdulqader
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alkharashi
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Assaf AlMalki
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal AlSiari
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yara Bashawri
- Biostatistics Specialist, Biostatistics Department, King Fahad Medical City, Research Services Administration, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alsubaie
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dayel AlShahrani
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Section, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yara AlGoraini
- Pediatric Emergency Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Lin Y, Hu Z, Zhao Q, Alias H, Danaee M, Wong LP. Chinese parents' intentions to vaccinate their children against SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine preferences. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:4806-4815. [PMID: 34892992 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1999143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to determine the intention of Chinese parents to vaccinate their children against SARS-CoV-2. Secondly, preferences for foreign- or domestically made COVID-19 vaccines were also explored. A nationwide, cross-sectional, self-administered online survey based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and new vaccine concerns was used. Participants were eligible if they were residents of China with children aged 12 years old or younger. A total of 2,026 parents responded to the survey. Half reported a probable intent (50.7%) and 26.9% reported a definite intent. The results of the data analysis of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) found that perceived cost barriers (B = -0.210, p < .001) and new vaccine concerns (B = -0.201, p < .001) had major effects in vaccination intent. Important constructs of vaccine concerns that predict vaccination intent were efficacy (B = 0.898, p < .001), followed by safety (B = 0.861, p < .001), side-effect (B = 0.806, p < .001) and faulty/fake vaccine (B = 0.579, p < .001). Perceived benefits (B = 1.81, p < .001), self-efficacy (B = 0.159, p < .001) and severity (B = 0.083, p < .01) were also significant predictors in vaccination intent. Almost two-thirds (62.0%; 95%CI 59.8 to 64.1) reported a preference for domestically made and 19.1% (95%CI 17.2 to 20.7) preferred foreign-made COVID-19 vaccines. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that higher incomes and concern of side-effects of the new COVID-19 vaccine were two of the most important influencing factors of preference for a foreign-made vaccine. This study sheds light on the importance of addressing concerns of new vaccines and the helpfulness of HBM in understanding parental decisions toward their children being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qinjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Haridah Alias
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mahmoud Danaee
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Li Ping Wong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.,Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Klugar M, Riad A, Mohanan L, Pokorná A. COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Hesitancy (VBH) of Healthcare Workers in Czechia: National Cross-Sectional Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1437. [PMID: 34960183 PMCID: PMC8705445 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and waning vaccine-elicited immunity are two public health challenges that occurred simultaneously and synergistically during the summer of 2021 and led to a surging demand for COVID-19 vaccine booster dose (BD) rollout. This study aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccine booster hesitancy (VBH) among Czech healthcare workers to explore the potential determinants of VBH. A national cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out between 3 and 11 November 2021, using an online self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) that explored the participants' demographic characteristics, COVID-19 infection and vaccine anamneses, willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine BD, and the psychosocial drivers of VBH. A total of 3454 HCW properly responded to the online SAQ, of which 80.9% were females, 30.3% were medical professionals, and 50.5% were ≤47 years old. Most of the participants were already inoculated against SARS-CoV-2 (95.2%), and BTN162b2 was the most commonly administered vaccine (90.7%). As the study sample was planned to represent the target population, it revealed a high level of BD acceptance (71.3%) among Czech HCW, while 12.2% were still hesitant and 16.6% were against the currently available BD. These results are consistent with other recent results from central Europe. Medical professional, male, and older participants were more likely to accept BD rather than allied health professional, female, and younger participants. The BDs' perceived effectiveness against severe illness, symptomatic infection, and community transmission was a significant and strong predictor for BD acceptance, while the effectiveness against the circulating variants was not that important for our target population. The BDs' perceived safety and ethical dilemmas of vaccine justice should be addressed sufficiently while communicating with HCW and other population groups. The altruistic reasons for BD acceptance, i.e., family protection, patient protection, and community health protection, underpin the recommendation of postponing the COVID-19 vaccine mandating in favour of stressing these altruistic concerns amid public health messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloslav Klugar
- Czech National Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation (Cochrane Czech Republic, Czech EBHC: JBI Centre of Excellence, Masaryk University GRADE Centre), Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (L.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, 128 01 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Abanoub Riad
- Czech National Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation (Cochrane Czech Republic, Czech EBHC: JBI Centre of Excellence, Masaryk University GRADE Centre), Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (L.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lekshmi Mohanan
- Czech National Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation (Cochrane Czech Republic, Czech EBHC: JBI Centre of Excellence, Masaryk University GRADE Centre), Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (L.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Pokorná
- Czech National Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation (Cochrane Czech Republic, Czech EBHC: JBI Centre of Excellence, Masaryk University GRADE Centre), Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (L.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, 128 01 Prague, Czech Republic
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Walker KK, Head KJ, Owens H, Zimet GD. A qualitative study exploring the relationship between mothers' vaccine hesitancy and health beliefs with COVID-19 vaccination intention and prevention during the early pandemic months. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:3355-3364. [PMID: 34187310 PMCID: PMC8437482 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1942713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy is a top ten global health threat that can negatively impact COVID-19 vaccine uptake. It is assumed that vaccine refusers hold deep, negative beliefs, while acceptors hold strong, positive beliefs. However, vaccine hesitancy exists along a continuum and is multidimensional, varying by time, place, vaccine, subgroup, and person. Guided by the Health Belief Model and vaccine hesitancy frameworks, the study purpose was to qualitatively explore maternal COVID-19 threat perceptions and willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine in light of their expressed vaccine hesitancy toward past school required and routinely recommended vaccines and the HPV vaccine for their children. Researchers conducted twenty-five interviews with US Midwestern mothers during the early COVID-19 pandemic months. Mothers were grouped by vaccine hesitancy categories and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data within and across categories. Results showed that prior vaccine hesitancy attitudes and behavior did not fully capture maternal acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine or perception of COVID-19 threat. Perceptions of COVID-19 threat did influence mothers' decisions about COVID-19 protective behaviors (e.g., handwashing, mask wearing, and distancing). However, mothers were hesitant to accept the COVID-19 vaccine across vaccine hesitancy categories, primarily citing concerns about safety, efficacy, and confusion over conflicting information as barriers to immediate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Findings indicate that mothers cannot be grouped together based on hesitancy about, or acceptance of, other vaccines for purposes of assuming COVID-19 preventive behavior adherence or anticipated COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly K. Walker
- Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Katharine J. Head
- Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Heather Owens
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gregory D. Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Chen T, Li X, Li Q, Huang L, Cai Q, Wang Y, Jiang Y, Xu Q, Lv Q, Wang J. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and associated factors among solid organ transplant recipients in China. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:4999-5006. [PMID: 34586945 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1984133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate from COVID-19 appears to be higher in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients when compared with other populations. Vaccination is a key strategy to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear how readily SOT recipients will get vaccinated against COVID-19. We conducted an internet-based survey to investigate the vaccination willingness among Chinese SOT recipients and further explore possible influencing factors. Eight hundred and thirteen respondents participated in the survey. Overall, 46 (5.7%) recipients were vaccinated against COVID-19, while 767 (94.3%) were not. Among those not vaccinated, 175 (22.8%) intended to be vaccinated, while 592 (77.2%) were categorized as vaccine-hesitant. The most common reason for vaccination hesitancy is fear of preexisting comorbidities, followed by fear of side effects and doctors' negative advice. Factors associated with vaccination willingness were as follows: with liver transplantation, the main source of information on COVID-19 vaccines was from medical doctors, scientists, and scientific journals, with at least college-level education, positive intention toward influenza vaccination during the current season, perceived importance of vaccination for SOT recipients, and having been vaccinated against influenza during the last season. Our survey indicated the necessity for SOT recipients to receive more comprehensive and accessible health education about vaccination and emphasized the critical role of transplantation physicians in promoting vaccine acceptance among SOT recipients. We hope that our survey results will help governments to better target communication in the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuting Li
- Department of Oncology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lihong Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianzhou Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jina Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Pediatric health care professionals' vaccine knowledge, awareness and attitude: a survey within the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:183. [PMID: 34503574 PMCID: PMC8426584 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physicians play a key role in driving vaccine acceptance and their recommendations are crucial to address vaccine hesitancy. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, awareness and attitude of Italian Pediatric Health Care Professionals (pHCPs) on vaccinations. Methods An anonymous on-line questionnaire was developed within the Vaccine Committee of Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP) and spontaneously completed by 231 Pediatricians and Pediatric Nurses (PN). Results An accurate vaccine education was reported by 70% of pediatricians and 13% of PN but 11% of pediatricians versus 26% of PN consult social media instead of scientific sources for their vaccine update. The investigation on the pHCPs attitudes to vaccination in a personal and family setting highlights poor adherence to vaccinations. Only 63% of pediatricians versus 16% of PN (p < 0.0001) annually received the Flu vaccine. In their family setting 93% of pediatricians versus 51% of PN recommended all vaccinations (p < 0.0001). Anti-flu, anti-rotavirus, anti-zoster and anti-pneumococcal vaccines were not regularly recommended by all pHCPs due to doubts of uselessness (55% of pediatricians versus 40% of PN) and preference for “natural immunity” (44% of pediatricians versus 40% of PN). Conclusions Our results indicate that pHCPs’ attitude and confidence in regards to vaccines remain suboptimal. Current COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid development of vaccines could increase vaccine hesitancy. Due to the documented pHCPs’ influence in the parental decision, educational interventions are needed to improve their level of knowledge and counselling skills in order to address parental vaccine hesitancy and to maintain continuity of immunization services.
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Liu R, Li GM. Hesitancy in the time of coronavirus: Temporal, spatial, and sociodemographic variations in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. SSM Popul Health 2021; 15:100896. [PMID: 34414255 PMCID: PMC8363184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Leveraging nationally representative survey data on 443,680 respondents from January to March 2021, this study examines the temporal, spatial, and sociodemographic variations in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. Findings reveal multidimensional determinants of vaccination intentions involving confidence, complacency, and circumspection factors. Using descriptive analyses and multilevel mixed-effects regression models, we find persistent partisan divide across states and significant racial disparities, with Blacks more likely to develop vaccine hesitancy due to confidence and circumspection than Whites. Vaccine hesitancy among Blacks declines dramatically across time but varies little across states, indicating new directions to effectively address inequalities in vaccination. Results also show nuanced gender differences, with women more likely to develop hesitancy due to circumspection and men more likely to have hesitancy due to complacency. Moreover, we find important intersection between race, gender, and education that calls for efforts to adequately address the concerns of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Liu
- Department of Educational Policy Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Gabriel Miao Li
- Department of Communication and Media, University of Michigan, USA
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43
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Interventions for vaccine hesitancy. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 71:89-91. [PMID: 34271335 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite overwhelming evidence of the effectiveness and safety of vaccinations, a growing number of people are reluctant to receive recommended vaccinations or refuse them altogether. Vaccination currently prevents 2-3 million deaths a year and a further 1.5 million deaths could be avoided if global coverage of vaccinations improved. However, recently vaccine hesitancy has led to a resurgence of preventable diseases. There is heterogeneity in vaccine hesitant individuals and a diversity of situations in which vaccine hesitancy can arise, thus requiring that interventions to address vaccine hesitancy be context-specific and problem-specific.
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Arat A, Moore HC, Goldfeld S, Östberg V, Sheppeard V, Gidding HF. Childhood vaccination coverage in Australia: an equity perspective. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1337. [PMID: 34229652 PMCID: PMC8261950 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11345-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study describes trends in social inequities in first dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR1) vaccination coverage in Western Australia (WA) and New South Wales (NSW). Using probabilistically-linked administrative data for 1.2 million children born between 2002 and 2011, we compared levels and trends in MMR1 vaccination coverage measured at age 24 months by maternal country of birth, Aboriginal status, maternal age at delivery, socio-economic status, and remoteness in two states. RESULTS Vaccination coverage was 3-4% points lower among children of mothers who gave birth before the age of 20 years, mothers born overseas, mothers with an Aboriginal background, and parents with a low socio-economic status compared to children that did not belong to these social groups. In both states, between 2007 and 2011 there was a decline of 2.1% points in MMR1 vaccination coverage for children whose mothers were born overseas. In 2011, WA had lower coverage among the Aboriginal population (89.5%) and children of young mothers (89.3%) compared to NSW (92.2 and 92.1% respectively). CONCLUSION Despite overall high coverage of MMR1 vaccination, coverage inequalities increased especially for children of mothers born overseas. Strategic immunisation plans and policy interventions are important for equitable vaccination levels. Future policy should target children of mothers born overseas and Aboriginal children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Arat
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hannah C Moore
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sharon Goldfeld
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Viveca Östberg
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vicky Sheppeard
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Health Protection NSW, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather F Gidding
- Women and Babies Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
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VISALLI GIUSEPPA, FACCIOLÀ ALESSIO, MAZZITELLI FRANCESCO, LAGANÀ PASQUALINA, DI PIETRO ANGELA. Health education intervention to improve vaccination knowledge and attitudes in a cohort of obstetrics students. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2021; 62:E110-E116. [PMID: 34322625 PMCID: PMC8283633 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.1.1811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction To improve the vaccination coverage in pregnant women it is important to increase their knowledge of vaccines and related preventable diseases. Midwifes can play an important role because they are often the first contact for woman during her pregnancy. This study aimed to explore the vaccination knowledge and attitudes in a cohort of Obstetrics students in Italy and improve their knowledge through an informative health education intervention. Methods The study consisted in the administration of a first questionnaire followed by a health education intervention concerning all aspects of vaccinations. Then, a second questionnaire to evaluate the efficacy of the educational program was administered. Results From the pre-intervention questionnaire resulted that almost the whole sample (97.1%) were favorable to vaccines in general. Moreover, 65.7% of the participants declared a sufficient level of vaccination knowledge but 62.9% found herself unprepared to answer questions and provide information about vaccinations. Concerning the answers about vaccination in pregnancy, the correct answers went from 17.1 to 68.6% respectively before and after educational intervention. The training intervention obtained a total consensus (100%). The most part of the students (85.7%) declared that the received information changed some of their beliefs and the entire sample (100%) stated that it improved their preparation. Conclusions Our results revealed some critical issues in the preparation of midwifes about vaccinations and confirm the necessity to carry out health intervention campaigns to these health professionals that, for the role they play, they must necessarily be well prepared.
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Affiliation(s)
- GIUSEPPA VISALLI
- Correspondence: Giuseppa Visalli, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via C. Valeria, Gazzi 98100, Messina Italy - Tel.: +39 090 221 3349 - Fax: +39 090221 3351 - E-mail:
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Pires C. What Is the State-of-the-Art in Clinical Trials on Vaccine Hesitancy 2015-2020? Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:348. [PMID: 33916427 PMCID: PMC8065658 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine hesitancy is related to a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination. AIM to perform a systematic review of clinical trials on vaccine hesitancy (2015-2020). METHODS a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria (PRISMA). Five databases were screened-PubMed, Cochrane Library, DOAJ, SciELO and b-on-which comprise multiple resources. KEYWORDS "Vaccine hesitancy" and ("randomized controlled trial" or "clinical trial"). INCLUSION CRITERIA trials about "vaccine hesitancy" enrolling patients and/or health professionals (2015-2020). EXCLUSION CRITERIA studies about other topics, repeated and qualitative studies, reviews and papers written in languages other than English, Portuguese, French or Spanish. RESULTS a total of 35 trials out of 90 were selected (19 PubMed, 14 Cochrane Library, 0 DOAJ, 0 SciELO and 2 b-on). Selected trials were classified into five topics: children/pediatric (n = 5); online or electronic information (n = 5); vaccination against a specific disease (n = 15) (e.g., influenza or COVID-2019); miscellaneous (n = 4); and educational strategies (n = 6). CONCLUSION the provision of online or electronic information (e.g., through virtual reality, social websites of experts, or apps), communication-based interventions and training of health professionals, residents or subjects seemed to improve vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Pires
- Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, CBIOS-Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias-Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Campo Grande 376, 1740-024 Lisboa, Portugal
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Wang X, Lin L, Xu J, Wang W, Zhou X. Expectant parents' vaccine decisions influenced by the 2018 Chinese vaccine crisis: A cross-sectional study. Prev Med 2021; 145:106423. [PMID: 33440190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunization programs have been challenged by vaccine crises. Between 2013 and 2018, China has experienced three major vaccine scandals and crises, which has partly impaired Chinese public trust in domestically produced vaccines. This study aims to explore the associations between parental trust toward CDC-released crisis communication information, parents' critical understanding of crisis information, parental confidence in vaccine efficacy, and parental vaccine decisions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1065 expectant parents two weeks after the 2018 vaccine crisis was revealed. The proportion of parental hesitancy toward domestically produced vaccines and overall vaccination increased from 30.6% to 82.7% and 8.3% to 52.1%, respectively, after the crisis. Parents with higher levels of trust toward crisis communication information were less likely to report vaccine hesitancy toward both domestically produced vaccines and vaccines overall after the crisis. Parents with better critical understanding of crisis information were less likely to report a vaccine hesitancy toward overall vaccine and more likely to maintain a vaccine intention. Additionally, parents with lower levels of confidence in vaccine efficacy were more likely to became vaccine hesitant but were also more likely to maintain their vaccine intentions after the crisis. It is crucial to guarantee the safety of vaccines, maintain parental confidence in vaccine efficacy, and eliminate the potential risks that result in parental vaccine hesitancy. Future crisis communication strategies are encouraged to ensure timely responses to sustain public confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Wang
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Leesa Lin
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7TH, UK.
| | - Jiayao Xu
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Weiyi Wang
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Xudong Zhou
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Benis A, Seidmann A, Ashkenazi S. Reasons for Taking the COVID-19 Vaccine by US Social Media Users. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9040315. [PMID: 33805283 PMCID: PMC8067223 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Political and public health leaders promoting COVID-19 vaccination should identify the most relevant criteria driving the vaccination decision. Social media is increasingly used as a source of vaccination data and as a powerful communication tool to increase vaccination. In December 2020, we performed a cross-sectional social media-based survey addressing personal sentiments toward COVID-19 vaccination in the USA. Our primary research objective is to identify socio-demographic characteristics and the reasons for the 1644 survey participants’ attitudes regarding vaccination. We present clear evidence that, contrary to the prevailing public perceptions, young audiences using social media have mostly a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination (81.5%). These younger individuals want to protect their families and their relatives (96.7%); they see vaccination as an act of civic responsibility (91.9%) and express strong confidence in their healthcare providers (87.7%). Another critical factor is the younger population’s fear of personal COVID-19 infection (88.2%); moreover, the greater the number of children the participants have, the greater is their intent to get the COVID-19 vaccine. These results enable a practical public-messaging pathway to reinforce vaccination campaigns addressing the younger population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arriel Benis
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon 5810201, Israel
- Faculty of Digital Technologies in Medicine, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon 5810201, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Abraham Seidmann
- Department of Information Systems, Questrom Business School, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Health Analytics and Digital Health, Digital Business Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shai Ashkenazi
- School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
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Chung-Delgado K, Valdivia Venero JE, Vu TM. Vaccine Hesitancy: Characteristics of the Refusal of Childhood Vaccination in a Peruvian Population. Cureus 2021; 13:e14105. [PMID: 33907645 PMCID: PMC8067775 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14105] [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] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the determinants of vaccine hesitancy is paramount to reinstate confidence in immunizations. The objective of this investigation was to explore the characteristics of the vaccination decision-making process that may result in the refusal of childhood immunization in Peru, during February-June 2020. A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving telephone interviews was executed in Peru. The Parents Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey was used. A demographic analysis was done, followed by an unadjusted exploratory subgroup analysis. Out of 552 subjects, 9.8% were considered vaccine hesitant, 70.3% had purposively delayed vaccination, 88.4% thought fewer vaccines were better and 52.2% were concerned about vaccine safety. The level of hesitancy was inversely proportional to the level of education and the number of children at home. Mothers and subjects aged ≤29 years showed a greater level of vaccine hesitancy. This population displays a vaccine-hesitant conduct. Vaccine safety and the number of vaccines to administer are important determining factors. This behavior could be influenced by variables such as level of education, number of children at home, parental relationship, and age. These results help understand local vaccination behaviors. More studies are encouraged to confirm and validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kocfa Chung-Delgado
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, GBR
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, PER
| | | | - Tuong M Vu
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, GBR
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Gavaruzzi T, Caserotti M, Leo I, Tasso A, Speri L, Ferro A, Fretti E, Sannino A, Rubaltelli E, Lotto L. The Role of Emotional Competences in Parents' Vaccine Hesitancy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030298. [PMID: 33810071 PMCID: PMC8005154 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of parents’ emotional competencies on vaccine hesitancy and decision making has been seldom examined. Two studies investigated the relationship between parents’ attitudes towards childhood vaccines and self-reported behavior (Study 1) and between parents’ emotional competence and attitudes towards vaccines (Study 2). In Study 1, predictors of temporal, partial, or complete vaccine refusal (having voluntarily postponed/forgone some/all vaccines) were examined in 2778 parents. In Study 2, psychological predictors of the attitude towards vaccines were examined in 593 parents, using the Profile of Emotional Competence and the valence of mental images spontaneously associated with the term “vaccine”. In Study 1, attitudes were aggregated in three independent factors (concerns about vaccine safety; diseases prevented by vaccines; and naturalistic views) that independently predicted vaccine refusal. In Study 2, a significant mediational analysis showed a positive indirect effect of intrapersonal emotional competences on attitudes towards vaccines, through mental images associated with the word “vaccine”. Parents’ intrapersonal emotional competences affected all dimensions of attitudes towards vaccines, suggesting that being able to manage, identify, and recognize one’s own emotions is central to vaccine acceptance. These findings suggest that intervention strategies, rather than stressing the pro-social benefits of vaccinating, should focus on aspects related to one’s own emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gavaruzzi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.L.); (E.R.); (L.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8271284
| | - Marta Caserotti
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.L.); (E.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Irene Leo
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.L.); (E.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Alessandra Tasso
- Department of Humanities, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Speri
- Department of Prevention, AULSS 9 Scaligera, 37122 Verona, Italy; (L.S.); (E.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonio Ferro
- Department of Prevention, APSS Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Elena Fretti
- Department of Prevention, AULSS 9 Scaligera, 37122 Verona, Italy; (L.S.); (E.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Sannino
- Department of Prevention, AULSS 9 Scaligera, 37122 Verona, Italy; (L.S.); (E.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Enrico Rubaltelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.L.); (E.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Lorella Lotto
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (I.L.); (E.R.); (L.L.)
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