ABSTRACT
Background@#Vaccination is an effective public health measure. Health workers, who are at risk of acquiring infectious diseases due to their occupation, are important targets of vaccination. However, previous studies have shown varying rates of vaccine uptake among health workers. @*Objective@#This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, risk perceptions, and intention towards COVID-19 and vaccination of Filipino health workers in the city of Manila, Philippines. @*Methodology@#The study employed a sequential mixed methods design. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the study variables. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the level of COVID-related knowledge, attitude, risk perception, and intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors that were associated with intention. @*Results@#Majority (89.4%) had a good knowledge of COVID-19 but had little to moderate knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines. Around half reported feeling unsure about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines while the remaining half expressed intent to get the vaccine. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of intention to get vaccinated were higher among those with positive perceived self-efficacy, behavioral intention, external cues to action, perceived vaccine efficacy, and good knowledge on COVID-19 infection prevention. @*Conclusion@#Health workers play a crucial role in the promotion of public health measures such as vaccination to control the spread of COVID-19. The study confirms the need for strengthening education and communication strategies focusing on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent the spread of false information and promote vaccine uptake among health workers.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , KnowledgeABSTRACT
@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> The primary preventive services of TSeKaP promote disease prevention among marginalized groups. The threat of non-utilization, however, undermines the effective implementation of the program. To fill in the knowledge gap regarding utilization of primary preventive services, rate of utilization and factors associated with utilization of primary preventive services must be determined.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To determine the rate of utilization and the association of selected factors with utilization of primary preventive services of TSeKaP among PhilHealth Indigent Member of Manila.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Using a two-stage cluster sampling, 145 PhilHealth Indigent Members were randomly selected and interviewed. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine associations. FGDs were also conducted to gather reasons related to utilization.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:</strong> Among those surveyed, 68.28% were found to have utilized at least one primary preventive service. Age (p-value=0.021), knowledge (p-value=0.015), familiarity (p-value=0.029), and accessibility (p-value=0.013) were found to be associated with utilization. Utilization generally increases as the age group increases. Those with satisfactory knowledge on TSeKaP, those familiar with their health center, and those who report that their health center is accessible were 1.45 times, 2.12 times and 2.83 times more likely to utilize than their counterparts, respectively. Results showing a significant proportion of non-utilization emphasize the need to improve implementation strategies by improving not only the knowledge of respondents' on TSeKaP but also their familiarity with their health centers. The use of various communication channels, such as barangay bulletin, public address system, radio or television, may aid the dissemination of pertinent information regarding the program as perceived by the respondents.</p>