ABSTRACT
The need for advanced care planning, including advanced directives (ADs), has become evident since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought end-of-life care to a global audience. To study the influence of COVID-19 on AD completion among healthcare workers, a total of 3301 individuals, including healthcare and non-healthcare workers, were surveyed between August 1,2020 and November 1, 2020. Respondents were asked to report whether they had spoken with anyone since the onset of the pandemic regarding their wishes in case they became critically ill. Most participants reported that COVID-19 did not change their opinion on AD completion. The results of our survey also suggest the opinions of healthcare students on AD completion were not changed by COVID-19. Further research is needed to explore whether religious beliefs, culture, lack of knowledge, or fear of the topic can help to explain behaviors among healthcare workers.
ABSTRACT
Several COVID-19 vaccines currently are being administered to individuals in the United States. To determine factors that influence vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among the general public, we conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey between August 1, 2020 and November 1, 2020 to assess demographics as well as perceptions on the use of face masks, the role of government mandates, and personal experiences with COVID-19. Of 2986 participants, 44% reported that they would accept a COVID-19 vaccine today if it was available to them, 36.3% of the sample reported that they would wait, 8.5% were unsure, and 8.0% would never get the vaccine. Of those individuals who stated they would never get the vaccine, 46.6% were less likely to believe masks were effective compared with the 98.1% of those who reported that they would get the vaccine. In addition, individuals who said they would not get the vaccine also were less likely to believe that there should be a government mask mandate compared with those who would receive the vaccine. Of respondents who reported having no physical contact with a COVID-19-positive family member, 46% were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine today if it were available to them. This figure lowered to 41.5% if physical contact with a COVID-19-positive individual did occur. Factors that influenced willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine include gender, race, age, personal contact with COVID-19-positive individuals, and belief in and use of face masks. The results of this study have helped to elucidate some of the commonly reported reasons behind vaccine acceptance and hesitancy, all of which should be taken into account in the development of policies and guidelines in the current environment of growing distrust of public health measures.