1
|
Dodoo CC, Hanson-Yamoah E, Adedia D, Erzuah I, Yamoah P, Brobbey F, Cobbold C, Mensah J. Using machine learning algorithms to predict COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A year after the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana. Vaccine X 2024; 18:100466. [PMID: 38444651 PMCID: PMC10911946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100466] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of vaccine hesitancy on global health is one that carries dire consequences. This was evident during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, where numerous theories and rumours emerged. To facilitate targeted actions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance, it is essential to identify and understand the barriers that hinder vaccine uptake, particularly regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in Ghana, one year after its introduction in the country. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing self-administered questionnaires to determine factors, including barriers, that predict COVID-19 vaccine uptake among clients visiting a tertiary and quaternary hospital using some machine learning algorithms. Among the findings, machine learning models were developed and compared, with the best model employed to predict and guide interventions tailored to specific populations and contexts. A random forest model was utilized for prediction, revealing that the type of facility respondents visited and the presence of underlying medical conditions were significant factors in determining an individual's likelihood of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The results showed that machine learning algorithms can be of great use in determining COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ebo Hanson-Yamoah
- School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - David Adedia
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Irene Erzuah
- School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Peter Yamoah
- School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen L, Li Z, Lu X, Deng Y, Lu K, Li T, Lu L, Wang Z, Lu J. Changes in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy at different times among residents in Guangzhou, China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1164475. [PMID: 37383261 PMCID: PMC10294687 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1164475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccination as a fundamental pillar of promoting public health and interest is critical to limiting the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many citizens are still hesitant about this epidemic prevention measure. This article aimed to understand the COVID-19 vaccination and hesitancy rates among Guangzhou residents at different points in time as well as to explore the relevant factors that cause vaccination hesitancy. Methods We conducted a total of nine cross-sectional surveys by enrolling 12,977 questionnaires among Guangzhou residents through the online survey software called "WenJuanXing" between April 2021 and December 2022, and residents made their choices by judging their willingness to vaccinate. These surveys collected data on the participants' sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status, vaccine hesitancy, and factors influencing this hesitancy. The Chi-squared test was used for univariate analysis and the multivariate logistic regression model was used to further adjust the influence of the confounding factors to evaluate the main factors affecting the hesitancy of the COVID-19 vaccine at different periods. Results Over the course of 2021-2022, a total of 12,977 residents in the study area were surveyed. The vaccine hesitancy rates fluctuated over time. From April to June 2021, the vaccine hesitancy rate decreased from 30% to 9.1% and then increased to 13.7% in November. However, from April to December 2022, the hesitancy rate continued to rise from 13.4% to 30.4%. Vaccination rates, the epidemic waves of COVID-19, and changes in policies may all be possible factors that contributed to these fluctuations in vaccine hesitancy rates. We found statistically significant correlations between factors, such as residence, education, and occupation, and vaccine hesitancy at certain points of time. The results of the surveys in April and June 2021 showed that rural residents showed higher vaccine hesitancy rate than urban residents. Their lower education level was associated with higher vaccine hesitancy. Workers and farmers are more likely to have vaccine hesitancy than people with other occupations. The univariate analysis showed that people with underlying medical conditions and lower perceived health status were more likely to experience vaccine hesitation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the health status of individuals is the most important factor leading to vaccine hesitancy, and residents' underestimation of domestic risks and overconfidence in personal protection measures were also contributing factors. At different stages, vaccine hesitancy among residents was related to vaccine side effects, safety and efficacy, convenience fluctuation, and various factors. Conclusion In the present study, we found that vaccine hesitancy did not display a consistent downward trend but it fluctuated over time. Higher education, residing in urban areas, lower perceived disease risk, and concerns about the vaccine's safety and side effects were risk factors for vaccine hesitancy. Implementing appropriate interventions and educational programs tailored to address these risk factors may prove to be effective in enhancing public confidence on vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Li
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Lu
- Department of English and American Studies, Faculty of Languages and Literatures, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Yibin Deng
- Centre for Medical Laboratory Science, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Katie Lu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiegang Li
- Department of Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Lu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Hotline Management, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiachun Lu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Understanding the Barriers and Attitudes toward Influenza Vaccine Uptake in the Adult General Population: A Rapid Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11010180. [PMID: 36680024 PMCID: PMC9861815 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a common respiratory infection associated with a substantial clinical, humanistic, and economic burden globally. Vaccines are essential to prevent and control influenza and are recommended by public-health agencies, such as the WHO and US CDC; however, vaccination rates vary considerably across the globe. This review aimed to investigate the perceived barriers and attitudes to influenza vaccination in the global population, in order to identify strategies that may improve influenza vaccination coverage. A structured literature search was undertaken to identify studies that reported on patient-reported attitudes towards influenza vaccination, focused on the adult general population in 16 prespecified countries. Eighty studies were included in this review. Negative attitude towards healthcare were found to be the most agreed upon barrier to vaccine uptake (31.1% agreement). The most agreed promoter of influenza vaccination was trust in healthcare services (62.0% agreement). Approximately 50% of participants intended to receive the influenza vaccine in the following season. To improve influenza vaccination coverage, healthcare workers must strengthen the foundation of substantial trust in healthcare services and provide educational materials that improve influenza vaccination knowledge among the adult general population.
Collapse
|
4
|
Arif SI, Aldukhail AM, Albaqami MD, Silvano RC, Titi MA, Arif BI, Amer YS, Wahabi H. Predictors of healthcare workers' intention to vaccinate against COVID-19: A cross sectional study from Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:2314-2322. [PMID: 34899014 PMCID: PMC8645262 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination is considered the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent the complications of the disease. Nevertheless, no awareness campaigns were conducted in Saudi Arabia until March 1, 2021, when the Vaxzevria, or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222), vaccine became available. OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine the factors that can predict healthcare workers' acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2021, in our university tertiary hospital (King Saud University Medical City [KSUMC]), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study targeted potential participants among healthcare workers at KSUMC. We assessed healthcare workers' perceptions and beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine via a questionnaire that was distributed via social media applications such as WhatsApp, Twitter, and Google. Participants were informed about the questionnaire before they filled it out, and they were asked to respond to three screening questions before beginning the main questionnaire. These screening questions ensured that the participants met the inclusion criteria. Included participants were over the age of 18, agreed to answer the questions, and were residents of Saudi Arabia. The participants filled out the self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 529 participants completed the questionnaires. All participants were vaccinated, 68% were female, 55% were married, 35% had been working for less than five years, and 65% had a bachelor's degree. More than half of participants had not previously been infected with COVID-19, and most did not interact with COVID-19 patients. More convenient access to the vaccine increased the odds ratio of participant vaccination by 0.39. An increase in the number of vaccinated friends and family members increased the odds ratio of participant vaccination by 0.30. However, COVID- 19 vaccination mandates decreased the odds ratio of participant vaccination by 0.27. The fitted linear regression model explained 32% of the variation observed in the dependent variable, acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the adjusted R squared was 0.32. The fitted regression model was statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval; the p-value was 0.00001. CONCLUSION In Saudi Arabia, there is an immense need to increase uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. This requires encouraging more positive beliefs and attitudes regarding vaccination in general and the COVID-19 vaccine in particular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Ibrahim Arif
- Arab Board Family Medicine ARBFM, College of Medicine and University Hospitals, King Saud University Medical City, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Rodella Cabauatan Silvano
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Philippine Regulation Commission - Registered Nurse, OHSC Nurse, KSUMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maher A. Titi
- Research Chair of Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation, Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Quality Management Department, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar I. Arif
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser S. Amer
- Research Chair of Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation, Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Quality Management Department, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Pediatrics Department, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Alexandria Center for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hayfaa Wahabi
- Research Chair of Evidence Based Health Care and Knowledge Translation, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mubarak AS, Baabbad AS, Almalki NA, Alrbaiai GT, Alsufyani GA, Kabrah DK. Beliefs, barriers, and acceptance associated with COVID-19 vaccination among Taif University students in Saudi Arabia. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:224-232. [PMID: 35309633 PMCID: PMC8930104 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1255_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of global concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30, 2020. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods for halting the pandemic and preventing complications. Vaccine hesitancy is a possible threat to global public health. Understanding the key determinants that influence the community's preferences and demands for a future vaccine may aid in the development of strategies to improve the global vaccination program. The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs, barriers, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among Taif University students in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Method This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, based study in Taif University, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a designed self-administered questionnaire that was shared as a link through social media. 332 students were considered eligible to participate voluntarily. Data were analyzed using the (SPSS) program version 25. Results Out of 332 participants, 278 (83.7%) were accepting to take the covid vaccine, while 54 (16.3%) refused. Believes in vaccine safety and effectiveness and trust in the ability of the vaccine to prevent the complication, were all associated with high acceptance rate. Fear about side effects is considered a major factor for vaccination refusal. Conclusion Most of the participants have the willingness to be vaccinated. The majority of students who agreed to take the vaccine were in the medical field, and that is mostly due to their high knowledge exposure. This indicates the importance of raising the awareness of the non-medical students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali S. Mubarak
- Consultant, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ameera S. Baabbad
- Medical intern, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada A. Almalki
- Medical intern, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghaida T. Alrbaiai
- Medical intern, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadi A. Alsufyani
- Medical intern, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danah K. Kabrah
- Medical intern, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Magadmi RM, Kamel FO. Beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination among the general population in Saudi Arabia. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1438. [PMID: 34289817 PMCID: PMC8294288 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing a vaccine against COVID-19 is considered a key strategy to end the pandemic. However, public acceptance is reliant on beliefs and perception toward the vaccine. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination among the Saudi population. METHODS An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed across the main regions of Saudi Arabia on May 2020. The questionnaire addressed the socio-demographic variables, beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccination, and potential barriers that may prevent participants from being vaccinated. The association between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and sociodemographic variables were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predicting variables of vaccine acceptance. RESULTS Out of 3101 participants, 44.7% were accepting of COVID-19 vaccination if available, whereas 55.3% admitted hesitancy. Younger, male, who received seasonal influenza vaccine were more likely to accept taking the vaccine. The study found that concerns about side effects were the key barrier for vaccine acceptance. Furthermore, the majority of refusers may accept the vaccine if additional studies confirmed safety and effectiveness. CONCLUSION Results can be utilized in planning vaccination campaigns while waiting for vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rania M Magadmi
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 42751, Jeddah, 21551, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Fatemah O Kamel
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 42751, Jeddah, 21551, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rampally V, Mondal H, Mondal S. Global search trends on common vaccine-related information in English on the Internet. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:698-705. [PMID: 32318405 PMCID: PMC7113945 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1001_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The knowledge about Internet search trends helps to know the information-seeking behavior of the Internet users and this would help in formulating Information Education and Communication strategy. AIM The aim of this study was to explore the global Internet search trends about vaccine-related information in English. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, we conducted a pilot interview with 15 participants (convenience sample from a tertiary care hospital) to make a list of five common query keywords (viz., When, Where, Cost, Side effect, Schedule) for vaccine-related search. Then, we obtained the search trends from "Google trends" for 5 years with the five query keywords prefixed with vaccine (e.g. vaccine when). In the second phase, individual vaccine search was conducted with a particular vaccine name and query keyword (e.g. measles vaccine side effect). RESULTS Five-year search trend showed that the highest volume of search was for "schedule" (36.79%), followed by "when" (26.57%), "cost" (21.97%), and "where" (11.99%). The "side effect" showed the lowest volume of search (2.68%) (χ2 = 10595, P < 0.0001). The search volume was increased over the years. The highest volume of the "when" and "where" were searched from the USA. The "cost" was searched in the highest volume from Australia. "Side effect" and "schedule" of the vaccine were searched with the highest volume from Philippines and Nepal, respectively. CONCLUSION This study provides a glimpse of global vaccine-related search trends over a period of 5 years. Information on the "schedule" and "when" to get the vaccine should be strengthened for wider dissemination of knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Rampally
- Department of General Medicine, ESI Medical College, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Himel Mondal
- Department of Physiology, Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital, Balangir, Odisha, India
| | - Shaikat Mondal
- Department of Physiology, Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India
| |
Collapse
|