ABSTRACT
Aim: To analyze the level of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception regarding COVID-19 among Chinese residents 1.5 years after the pandemic. Subject and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with both online and paper questionnaires. We included a variety of covariates that were characteristic-related factors such as age, gender, education level, and retirement status, as well as those closely associated with risk perception regarding COVID-19. Results: Participants (n = 3588), 53.49 ± 18.88 years old, from two provinces of China, of which 44.7% were male and 52.03% had a high school or greater level of education, answered the questions. More than 90% of participants had adequate background knowledge about COVID-19 and agreed or even strongly agreed with many attitude items related to the government's role in diagnosis, treatment, and dealing with COVID-19 infections. About three fifths of the participants reported fear of contracting COVID-19, but only a minority (18.63%) felt they were more susceptible than others. Respondents aged 45 years or younger were more likely to fear contracting the virus than those older than 45 years (adjusted OR = 1.464, 95% CI 1.196 to 1.794, P = 0.0002). High education level (adjusted OR = 1.503, 95% CI 1.187 to 1.904, P = 0.0007) and non-retired status (adjusted OR = 1.679, 95% CI 1.354 to 2.083, P < 0.0001) were associated with a higher perception of susceptibility to infection than others. Moreover, respondents who were not retired had a significantly reduced practice score (adjusted OR = 1.554, 95% CI 1.261 to 1.916, P < 0.0001). Age, retirement status, and education level were also associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice level. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the public generally has trust in the COVID-19 vaccine and the government with regard to COVID-19 in China. We recommend that high-risk groups of communities, such as elders and patients with chronic diseases, be given greater consideration in the outbreaks. Health education campaigns combined with workplace preventive intervention should be aimed at improving COVID-19 knowledge and beliefs in order to encourage more optimistic attitudes and to maintain safe practices.
ABSTRACT
Aim: We aimed to investigate factors affecting the willingness and acceptance of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among adults in China and sources of knowledge about the vaccine.Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted from September 8th to 15th, 2020, comprising of 23 questions. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with vaccination willingness and acceptance.Results: A total of 983 questionnaires were included and 81.3% of the participants were willing to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. With a "bachelor degree or above" (OR = 0.56, p = 0.020) and believing that the vaccine would not cause SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 0.50, p = 0.003) were associated with an increased willingness. Aged :30 years (OR = 0.38, p = 0.001), and believing that the vaccine would not cause SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 0.52, p = 0.004) were associated with higher acceptance; while from Henan province (OR = 2.49, p < 0.001), not willing to vaccinate (OR = 3.86, p < 0.001), not suffering from chronic diseases (OR = 2.25, p = 0.013), and thinking it was not safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 (OR = 1.94, p = 0.001) were correlated with a lower acceptance.Conclusions: In conclusion, age, education, and vaccine perception might be key factors affecting the vaccine willingness and acceptance. Triggering positive perception of vaccine, especially by targeting those aged <30 years, or those with below bachelor degree, or without chronic diseases might be key approaches for improving the willingness and acceptance of vaccine in China.