ABSTRACT
Introduction: Since the announcement of the start of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines development, many myths and vaccine opponents have come to the fore. Therefore, in this scenario, it is imperative to have an instrument to assess the population perception of this subject matter. Objective: To validate a scale to measure the perception of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines acceptance. Methods: This is an instrumental and multicentre study, through which a list of possible reasons for whether or not people would be vaccinated was generated. After submitting them to 15 experts, a pilot survey was conducted virtually in a population of almost 3000 participants in the 24 regions of Peru. Descriptive statistics and the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were conducted using the FACTOR program. Results: The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) coefficient (KMO = 0.917) and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity (3343.3;gl = 136;p <0.001) were conducted. According to EFA results, two factors were found to explain 58.17% of the total variance. The fit indices show that the proposed model is adequate (χ2 = 826.321;df = 43;p = 0.001;RMR = 0.054;GFI = 0.952;AGFI = 0.927;CFI = 0.946;TLI = 0.931;and RMSEA = 0.078). Finally, Cronbach’s α was found to be very satisfactory for the generated scale (α = 0.831;95% CI = 0.82 – 0.84). Conclusion: A simple and efficient scale was validated to assess positive and negative perceptions of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (the VAC-COVID-19 scale), with a Cronbach’s coefficient of 0.831. © 2021 by Author/s and Licensed by Modestum.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many students are worried that they may lose their academic term. Objective: Validate a scale to measure the perception of possible academic impacts among Peruvian university students. Method: A validation process was conducted of a test measuring the perception of university students about possible academic impacts. The validation was based on a scientific bibliography search, development of a preliminary overview, validation of the test by 59 experts: epidemiologists, researchers and physicians, exploratory factor analysis, and statistical analysis. Results: In terms of relevance, item 7 was found to be more essential or important than the others (V = 1.00;CI 95 %: 0.73-0.96). Item 8 (M = 3.80;σ = 1.152) exhibits the highest mean, and item 6 the lowest (M = 3.03;SD = 1.342). AFE relevance is justified by the KMO index (0.85) and Bartlett's test (12577.0;gl = 28;p = < 0.001), both of which were found to be acceptable and significant. A Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.899 was obtained, with a confidence interval of 95%, SD 0.882-0.898, indicating a good consistency level. Conclusions: A single factor scale was validated which measures the perception of university students about the possible impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on their studies. It is necessary to evaluate each reality, and the tool may serve as a base scale for that purpose. © 2021, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated diverse reactions, but these have not yet been measured in the Latin American population. Objective: To determine the factors associated with the perception of fatalism in the face of COVID-19 infection in inhabitants of 20 cities in Peru. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter study with a sample size of 2 466 people from 20 cities of Peru that measured fatalism during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted through a validated survey (Cronbach's alpha: 0,78) consisting of 7 items. Statistical analysis was conducted in terms of each city, and p < 0,05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 2 466 respondents, 36 % were depressed, 26 % thought that they might die, 17 % say that this was evidence of the end of the world, and 9 % could make a fatal decision. Women were more likely to engage in three of the fatalistic behaviors (becoming infected, p=0,020;infecting others, p = 0,004, and becoming depressed, p = 0,020). At an older age there were 5 perceptions (infecting others, p =0,007;becoming complicated, p < 0,001;becoming depressed, p < 0,001, thinking they would die, p < 0,001;or committing suicide, p = 0,014). Those at risk of complications of COVID-19 had 4 perceptions (infecting others, p = 0,024;becoming complicated, p = 0,002;thinking they would die, p < 0,001;and thinking that this is a sign of the end of the world, p = 0,039). Respondents who were agnostic exhibited a lower frequency in 5 perceptions, while atheist respondents showed a lower frequency in 2 perceptions. Conclusion: Many fatalistic ideas are found among the population in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.