COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among Syrian population: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 continues to spread globally and in the absence of an effective treatment, the vaccine remains the best hope for controlling this disease. In this study, we seek to find out the extent to which people in Syria accept the Corona vaccine and what are the factors that affect their decision. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria during the period from January 3 to March 17, 2021. A structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed in two phases: The first phase included distributing the questionnaire as a Google Form on social media platforms. In the second phase, a paper version of the questionnaire was handed to patients, their companions, and workers in public hospitals. SPSS v.25 and R v.4.1.1 were used to analyze the data. Pearson Chi-square test and Logistic Regression were used to study the associations between categorical groups. RESULTS: Of 7531 respondents, 3505 (46.5%) were males and 4026 (53.5%) were females. 3124 (41.5%) were 18-24 years old. Healthcare workers were participants' main sources of information (50.9%), followed by Social Media users (46.3%). 2790 (37%) of the participant are willing to be vaccinated, and 2334 (31%) were uncertain about it. Fear of possible side effects was the main reason for the reluctance to take the vaccine 1615 (62.4%), followed by mistrust of the vaccine formula 1522 (58.8%). 2218 (29.5%) participants think COVID-19 poses a major risk to them personally. Vaccination intention was significantly associated with gender, residence, financial status, educational level, and geographic origin. CONCLUSION: This study showed very negatively important results. The study participants Vaccination acceptance rate is almost the lowest when compared to its peers. A Lot of efforts should be made to correct misinformation about the vaccine and answer all questions about it, especially with a health system that has been ravaged by war for 10 years.

Messaging apps use in undergraduate medical education: The case of National Medical Unified Examination.

The Internet and social media became an integral aspect of our life. WhatsApp has the potential to increase collaboration, problem-solving, networking, easily sharing ideas, and study material among medical students. In order to achieve a more student-centered learning environment. Three months before the National Unified Medical Examination (NUME), the Faculty of Medicine of Syrian Private University deanship created a special WhatsApp group included students preparing for October 2018. NUME and university academic staff and professors from different specialties. We assessed the effect of the WhatsApp group on the academic performance measured by NUME grades. We conclude that WhatsApp Messenger groups have a positive effect on the NUME score. More participation in the group correlated with more NUME scores. It may be an important measure especially in the era of Social Distancing during COVID-19 pandemic as frequent and large classes are avoided as much as possible.