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Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020. Therefore, the availability of vaccines will help develop immunity and protect people from this pandemic. The present systematic study examined knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of adolescents towards COVID-19 vaccine in Bangkok, Thailand. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness toward COVID-19 vaccine of key stage 4A-5 students at Satit Prasarnmit International Programme in Bangkok towards COVID-19 vaccine. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using an online questionnaire. A total of 136 students participated. Knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of adolescents toward the COVID-19 vaccine were assessed. Differences between outcomes and socio-demographic characteristics of participants were analyzed through independent t-tests and the ANOVA. The level of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 was analyzed by a generalized linear model. Results: Students revealed moderate knowledge about COVID-19, correctly answering 11.08 out of 15 points (SD = 1.74), a low level of attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine 8.49 out of 15 points (SD = 2.51), and low level of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 vaccine 2.29 out of 5 points (SD = 1.26), in total of 35 points (28 questions). There are statistically significant positive correlations shown between attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine and the level of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 vaccine (I2 = 0.384, P < 0.01%). Conclusion: This study revealed students in Satit Prasarnmit International Programme had moderate knowledge towards COVID-19, negative attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine and low willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19. Furthermore, it indicates that there is a casual relationship between attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine and the willingness of individuals to be vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine acts as a major predictive factor toward the willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, to increase peopleA's willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccine, it is necessary to increase peopleA's attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine.
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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an epidemic that has greatly affected the daily life of people around the world. This epidemic, in addition to affecting lives, also affects other matters such as the economy or government administration that need to find ways to reduce the epidemic rate. That is to provide adequate quality vaccines for the people of the country. Finally, the government finds measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. Objectives: This study aimed to assess an acceptance to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was measured with a question A"When a vaccine for COVID-19 is ready for you, will you get vaccinated?A" Response options were A"yes, A" A"not sureA" and A"no.A" Participants who responded A"not sureA" or A"noA" were asked to provide a reason. Results: A total of 400 responses were received. Overall, 38.5% (n = 154) of participants intended to get vaccinated, 29.5% (n = 117) were unsure, and 32.25% (n = 129) were not planning to get vaccinated. Factors that are independently related to vaccine hesitancy (A"not sureA" or A"yesA" response) include being male, risk perception of getting COVID-19, confidence in the government in handling the pandemic. Conclusion: A total of 400 participants, in the study, 38.5% (n = 154) of participants intended to get vaccinated, 29.5% (n = 117) were unsure, and 32.25% (n = 129) were not planning to get vaccinated. Male participants had a higher chance to refuse to vaccinate more than female 2.69 times. Predictive factors for COVID-19 vaccination were risk perception of contracting COVID-19 and lack of confidence in the government handling the pandemic of COVID-19.
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Objective To investigate the characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in college students during the outbreak of COVID-19, and to explore the mediating role of psychological resilience between social support and PTSD. Methods By using direct selection method, 572 college students in Anhui and Shanghai were selected and administered with General Characteristics Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version(PCL-C), Psychological Resilience Scale(PRS) and Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS). Results Among the participants, 25.0% had moderate PTSD symptoms, 11.7% had obvious PTSD symptoms, and the positive rate of PTSD was 36.7%. The prevalence of PTSD in college students was higher in males than in females (X2=4.31, P < 0.05). The junior students were higher than other students (X2=16.81, P < 0.01). The scores of social support, psychological resilience and PTSD were (33.79+or-4.83), (92.17+or-13.39) and (35.50+or-11.39), respectively. The correlations of all variables were statistically significant(r=-0.49-0.76, P < 0.05);The mediation test showed that social support could not only negatively predict PTSD directly(direct effect was -0.35), but also indirectly affect PTSD through psychological resilience(indirect effect was -0.32). Conclusion More than one third of college students have PTSD symptoms, and psychological resilience plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between social support and PTSD, social support can both directly and negatively predict PTSD and indirectly affect PTSD by increasing an individual's psychological resilience.
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Background: COVID-19 pandemic has affected humanity in several aspects of life. Not only create health problems, but also economic and social problems. To cope with this pandemic, we need to know and understand how to have the COVID-19 preventive behavior. Hence, this study will be focusing on factors that influence people to have COVID-19 preventive behavior. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and COVID-19 preventive behavior of high school students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire. A total of 325 students participated. Knowledge, attitude without presence of rules, and attitude with presence of rules toward COVID-19 preventive behavior were assessed. Independent t-test and analysis of variance were used to analyze differences between outcomes and socio-demographic. COVID-19 preventive behavior was analyzed by a generalized linear model. Results: Students revealed a good level of COVID-19 related knowledge, correctly answering 4.48 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.70) questions in a total of 5, good levels of attitude both without and with the presence of rules, average score was 11.05 (SD = 1.16) of four questions and 15.86 (SD = 2.07) of six questions, respectively, and a good level of COVID-19 preventive behavior, the average scores at 44.28 (SD = 6.68), in a total of 11 questions. Conclusion: This study revealed a good level of knowledge, attitude both without and with the presence of rules and COVID-19 preventive behavior among high school students at Loei Pittayakom School, Thailand. Mainly, the factor that may influence them to get a high score in all four sections is staying active with news and the latest information presented on the internet. In addition, the study demonstrated that there was a relationship between attitude with the presence of rules and COVID-19 preventive behavior. Therefore, having regulations can lead to having preventive behavior.
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Background: "Covishield" and "Covaxin" were the two vaccines which were approved for emergency use in India. As there is uncertainty regarding these vaccines, this study aimed to estimate the proportion of acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19 in West Bengal;to identify the possible barriers of vaccine acceptance prevalent among the study population and;to find out the association of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination with the socio-demographic and other predictor variables. Methods: Oobservational study with cross sectional design was conductedon 294 participants in Muchisa, Budge Budge II and Ward No. 81 of Borough 10, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) selected by Stratified Random Sampling in 2021 using a predesigned, pretested and structured schedule. The statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 16.0. The data were explored using Pearson's chi-square test and logistic regression. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The potential acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination was 59.5% with higher adoption in urban population. The most potential barrier in acceptance of vaccine was "fear of side effects". Higher level of education and history of Covid-19 in the locality were associated with higher acceptance of the vaccination in both the urban and rural areas. Conclusion: A study emphasized on the need for mass campaigns and other behavior change communication activities for addressing the myths surrounding the disease and the newer vaccines and hence improving the currently low vaccine acceptance.
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Background: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has rapidly emerged as a global pandemic that causes millions of deaths worldwide. It is transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets and could cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and fever. Background: The objective of the study was to assess COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior among high school students in Bangkok, Thailand. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a cross sectional online survey among HarrowA's students Y 12A-13. A total of 148 students participated. COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes toward COVID-19, and preventive behaviors were assessed. Differences between outcomes and socio-demographic were analyzed through independent t-test and the Analysis of variance. Preventive behaviors were analyzed by a generalized linear model. Results: The undergraduate students showed a low knowledge about COVID-19, a mean of 6.38 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.69) questions in a total of 11. However, the result showed a standard level of attitude toward preventive behaviors on COVID-19 with an average score of 47.51 from a score range of 14A-70 (SD = 4.45). Finally, preventive behaviors of participants were at a moderate level with an average score of 36.84 from a range from 12 to 60 (SD = 3.93). The data showed a statistically significant positive correlation between attitude toward preventive behavior on COVID-19 and COVID-19 preventive behavior (r = 0.351**, P = 0.01). From a generalized linear model, attitude toward preventive behavior on COVID-19 (Exp (B) = 0.394, Confidence interval [CI]: 0.212A-.485, P < 0.05) and Gender (Exp (B) = 0.203, 95%, CI: 0.376A-2.807, P < 0.05) can be a predictive factor for the preventive behavior of Harrow International school students. Conclusions: The results assessed that Harrow international students had a lower level of COVID-19 general knowledge, but moderate level of attitude and preventive behavior. Moreover, it indicates that there is a causal relationship between attitude toward COVID-19 and preventive behaviors. Thus, attitudes toward COVID-19 are a major predictive factor of having preventive behaviors. Therefore, school and parents should always build awareness and provide safety to the students and remind students with rules that should be followed to secure them from risking of COVID-19.
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Background: Over a year of the spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), there is now the development of COVID- 19 vaccines with various developers. In Thailand, there are two developers;Sinovac and AstraZeneca. Due to the limited supply, the government of Thailand announced the first very first group to be vaccinated is health workers and persons younger than 18 were not recommended to take the vaccine. According to the Thailand situation, knowing the willingness of Grade 12 students is important because they are the next group of people to take the vaccine. The government should consider the factors that make them or make them not take the vaccine for the country to pass through the COVID-19. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and understanding regarding COVID19, risk perception of getting COVID-19, level of news perception about COVID-19, and the concern with the willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 among grade 12 students of Chonkanyanukoon school. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire in April 2021. A total of 246 students participated. Questions related to knowledge and understanding regarding COVID19, risk perception of getting COVID-19, level of news perception about COVID-19, and the concern with a willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 were assessed. Differences between outcomes and socio-demographics were analyzed through independent t-test and the ANOVA. For the willingness to vaccinate was analyzed by a generalized linear model. This study is quantitative research, which involves developing a survey. The survey is in the format of Google Forms which was developed from March 01 to April 27, 2021, and was sent out to Grade 12 students of Chonkanyanukoon school, Chonburi, Thailand students on April 08. The survey was voluntary and 246 responses were received. Results: Students revealed good knowledge and understanding regarding COVID-19, correctly answering 8.5 scores (standard deviation [S.D.] = 1.64) from 10 questions, moderate level of risk perception at an average score of 17.17 (S.D. = 5.99) out of 25 questions, and a high Level of COVID-19 news perception which the average score of 7.97 (S.D. = 1.48) from ten questions and willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 with the average score of 3.10 (S.D. = 1.73) out of five questions. The news perceptions of COVID-19 (Beta = 0.314, P = 0.01) and the chance of contracting COVID-19 (Beta= 0.130, P = 0.01). Conclusion: This study provides useful data to identify the probability of the students taking the COVID- 19 vaccine. Consistency is essential to promote good knowledge and attitude in taking the COVID19 vaccine.
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Background: The spread of pathogens rapidly affects all aspects of life. Although the medicine is more advanced, the epidemic situations still can occurred. This continues to increase and is a major public health problem. Therefore, public health maintenance behavior has the effect of inhibiting the spread of pathogens. Breaking the chain of pathogen spread can reduce the spread of bacterial infections and the severity of the epidemic. Objectives: This study aimed to assess community knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior toward pathogen spreading among high school students in Chonburi, Thailand. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire. A total of 329 students participated. Knowledge about infection prevention, attitude toward preventive behavior, attitude toward preventive rules and regulation supported, and pathogen transmission preventive behavior were assessed. Independent t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze differences between outcomes and sociodemographic. Results: Students revealed a poor level of knowledge about infection prevention, correctly answering 2.52 (SD = 1.31) question in a total of 5, a high level of attitude toward preventive behavior, average score was 23.31 (SD = 2.22) of 25, and a high level of attitude toward preventive rules and regulation supported, the average scores at 21.48 (SD = 2.71), question in a total of 25, and a high level of pathogen transmission preventive behavior at the average score of 29.69 (SD = 4.06) questions in a total of 35. Conclusion: This research revealed that the high school students of Chonburi Science School at Prince Chulabhorn have a low level of knowledge about pathogens, and shows that they have a positive attitude toward prevention behavior, a good attitude toward supporting prevention rules and regulations, and good prevention behavior. Students have very little knowledge because the school does not have guidance, but some students can discover information by themselves through internet channels as long as they have equipment and connections. Therefore, this study can provide positive attitudes for a young teenager because he is constantly listening and following the rules. Therefore, specific knowledge about the basic prevention of pathogen transmission and infection is essential for all, and should be taught and strengthened in schools where all students know and are aware of this need, and all students will regularly take action to protect themselves such as wearing a mask and washing hands with alcohol gel.
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Objective: Aim of study's determine frequency of hesitations of parents to COVID-19 vaccinate their children and parents the behaviors of take COVID-19 public health measures(PHM) for their children who applied to a university hospital in Turkey. Methods: This descriptive study is study of parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and PHM in parents with children aged 5-12 years admitted to university hospital in Turkey, January-February 2022. Participants' sociodemographic, COVID-19 infection and vaccinations characteristics, status of parents taking PHM, COVID-19 Fear Scale are independent variables. Student's t test, ANOVA, chi-square test in univariate analyses, logistic-linear regression models in multivariate analyzes are used. Type-1 error value is 0.05. Analyzes are made using SPSS23.0. Results: Parents' mean age's 37.1+or-6.4, 68.7% of them female. Children's mean age's 8.5+or-2.3, 53.8% of them male. 17.9% of parents consider their knowledge of protection from COVID-19 and vaccines minimally sufficient/insufficient, 28.7% of them have negative attitude towards PHM for their children. 48.8% of parents have hesitations their children vaccination. As multiple analysis's result;fathers who've never been vaccinated, increase risk of hesitations 6.21 times (OR: 6.21;95%CI=2.16-17.82);parent's negative attitude towards PHM increases risk of hesitations 2.69 times (OR: 2.69;95%CI=1.35-5.35);each unit increase in mother's PHM behavior score affects hesitations 0.89 times (OR: 0.89;95%CI=0.84-0.95). While it's found that father's PHM behavior score had the most effect on parent's PHM behavior score, COVID-19 Fear Scale score had the least effect. Conclusion: Nearly one every two parents have COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for their children. Fathers are main actors for taking PHM for COVID-19, so fathers as well as mothers should be considered target persons for children COVID-19 vaccine.
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IMMUNION (Improving IMMunisation cooperation in the European UNION) is a European project having the objective to support vaccine strategies. The project (active from April 2021 to March 2023) has contributed to improve knowledge on vaccines and vaccinations among health professionals and the information circulation in different target groups, through a multistakeholder collaboration including institutions, associations and media. The IMMUNION consortium has been focusing on activities of survey, professional training and communication, even with the aim to sustain visibility and role of the Coalition for Vaccination. In particular, ISS has coordinated the Work Package on finalising vaccine communication tools to increase vaccination compliance in target communities.
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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or Coronavirus disease 2019 has rapidly affected all aspects of life around and become a major threat to public health around the world. One of the most important actions that need to be taken to stop the pandemic is vaccinations. Managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the long term, unwillingness to receive vaccinations, and negative attitudes toward vaccines are major barriers. Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess willing of Thai adolescents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among high school students in Sacred Heart Convent School of Bangkok. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire. A total of 80 students participated. Knowledge about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine, Risk Perception of COVID-19 infection, and Confidence in the government in handling the pandemic. Independent t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze differences between outcomes and sociodemographic. Attitudes toward vaccination were analyzed by a generalized linear model. Results: This study showed that the vaccine acceptance rate was 15% and vaccine refusal was 85%. 15% of female participants accepted to be vaccinated against COVID-19 while all-male participants refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In the age of 17 participants, 6.25% showed the highest willingness to be vaccinated. Of the students who did not vaccinate Influenza 13.75% accepted to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Of the students who live in urban areas, 51.25% and single house 66.25% refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 respectively. Conclusion: This study indicates confidence in the government in handling the pandemic influenced the willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19.
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Background: Uncertainty about any kind of medication will be a potential threat. Hesitancy regarding vaccination is a danger to overall global public health. Since it's the first-time global efforts were made to develop a vaccine against the pandemic of COVID-19. So, this is unknown its acceptance in the community. Getting information regarding the key determinants that influence and potential myths about the vaccine might help full to develop strategies that can help improve the vaccination programs globally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, its determinants, and myths about the vaccine among people in Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive web-based based study was done, using snowball sampling, bilingual, and a self-administered close-ended questionnaire was sent to participants through google forms on social media platforms and email. Results: A total of 463 participants from all over Pakistan showed the minimum level of secondary education. The occupational status of the participants showed that (45.1%) were currently employed. Vaccination and their perception can be influenced by educational/socioeconomic statuses, participants were also asked about factors they considered to be the most influential in terms of encouraging and discouraging. Fear of getting an infection was the most encouraging factor (39.1%) for people to get vaccinated, whereas adverse effects via social and digital media were the most demotivating factor (36.5%). Participants were asked the reasons for their reluctance;most were afraid of an allergic reaction to the vaccine. The various myths and misconceptions associated with the Covid vaccine showed by logistic regression analysis for factors that were potentially associated with the intake of covid vaccination. Conclusion: Addressing educational/sociodemographic factors relating to the COVID-19 vaccination might help encourage the uptake of the vaccination program globally which also tackles future pandemics.
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Background: Covid-19 has been declared a global pandemic by WHO. Health Care Workers (HCWs) being the front-line warriors have been most exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vaccine hesitancy against Covid-19 has been seen among HCWs. The main aim of the research was to find the hesitancy rates of vaccine among HCWs and the pulling and pushing factors to get vaccinated. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on HCWs. Questionnaires on Google forms were sent to all participants through their WhatsApp number and data was analysed through SPSS version 23.0. Results: Out of 81 HCWs selected, 51.9% (n=42) were initially hesitant when the vaccine was first introduced. The main pulling factor initially to get vaccinated was to shield loved ones, 38.75% (n=31) and 46.2% (n=37) of them received a booster dose of vaccine mainly due to employment requirements. Out of the total, 19.75% (n=16) are still hesitant even after vaccination and the most common pushing factors were fear of the side effects and inadequately tested vaccines. Conclusion: Though the majority of the HCWs got vaccinated, vaccine hesitancy is still present among the HCWs and the major reason is uncertainty about the side effects it could cause in the long term.
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The Covid-19 vaccination policy for children caused a different response in the community, especially from parents. There are still parents who decide not to vaccinate their children. This study aims to look at the factors that influence the decision of parents to give Covid-19 vaccinations to their children. Some of the independent variables in this study were the children's characteristics, parent characteristics, the history of Covid-19 sufferers in the family, and the history of Covid-19 vaccination in relatives' children. This is a cross-sectional survey study with a sample of 280 parents with children aged 6-11 years in Greater Jakarta. The results showed there were still many respondents who said they were afraid of the side effects of the covid-19 vaccination in children (39.4%), did not know the directions for the vaccine and did not know that the covid-19 vaccination could be given to children (15.2%) and still have doubts about the covid-19 vaccination in children (6.1%). The dominant variable that influences parents' decisions in giving vaccinations to children is the children's age (p-value: 0,001, odds ratio: 1,677, confidence interval: 1,252-2,246), number of children (p-value: 0,013 odds ratio: 0,304, confidence interval: 0,070-1,445) and the history of Covid-19 vaccination in relatives' children (p-value: 0,000, odds ratio: 4,881, confidence interval: 2,175-10,954). This study concludes that there are doubts and obstacles for parents in making decisions to give covid-19 vaccinations to their children. To make a positive response from parents to the covid-19 vaccination policy, good information and examples of the covid-19 vaccination policy for children are needed.
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Our manuscript focuses on vegetables and fruits as functional foods. Our questionnaire survey was conducted at the end of the third wave of the pandemic, however, we also paid increased attention to lifestyle, mostly dietary, changes in the active stages of the coronavirus pandemic, especially vegetable and fruit consumption patterns. Our quantitative analysis was carried out with the help of 9 questionnaires, including 4 cumulative closed-ended questionnaires, which were divided into four main groups of statistical activities. We first analysed demographic data and then focused on health status, knowledge of concepts, and assessment of consumer needs. For the statistical evaluation of our survey, we performed a descriptive statistical analysis, including a distribution analysis of demography and related issues. Next, we calculated the appropriate type of correlation between the questions, which was evaluated in Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The number of respondents was n = 109, of which 37% were male and 63% female. Before evaluating our results, we also asked a research question: To what extent did the attitudes related to regular exercise, healthy eating and the importance of health change during the active stages of the pandemic? Based on our empirical analyses, an increase in extremes can be observed with regular exercise. In terms of general health, there was an increase in the "extremely important" category. In the active phase of the pandemic, the number of vegetable consumers was lower, and among the proponents of a healthy diet, the consumption of fruit foods was not significantly higher. Based on our conclusions, this is due on the one hand to the restrictions during the pandemic and on the other hand to the endowment of fruit-containing foods with negative properties (e.g. made with the addition of sugar).
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This study assessed the knowledge and perception of Nigerians about COVID-19 vaccination. A cross-sectional survey was conducted comprising Health and Non-health workers in Nigeria. The knowledge, attitude, and perception of respondents on COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria was obtained through an online. Logistic regression was employed to determine which factor imparted on COVID-19 vaccination decision. The study showed a significant relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and immigration requirements. The survey showed that 74.07% of the health workers had been vaccinated, while 47.06% of non-Health Workers had been vaccinated. This study recommends that Governments at all levels should create more awareness of the importance of COVID-19 vaccination to increase the number of vaccinated individuals.
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COVID-19 vaccination is one of the most effective ways in the prevention and control of the pandemic worldwide. Achieving high levels of vaccine coverage is a key in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health systems, aged care systems, and communities. However, in many countries and regions, COVID-19 vaccine hesitation and rejection gradually become a huge hurdle for open-up the world again and for the recovery of the global economy. Vaccine hesitancy was already a growing concern worldwide even before COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly reduced the vaccine coverage and hindered the speed of vaccination. Therefore, it was listed as one of the top 10 threats to global health in 2019. The reasons for vaccine hesitancy and rejection remain complex and omnifarious. Targeted interventions tailored to vaccine hesitancy and refusal in specific populations may increase vaccine uptake. The communication-based interventions in health education and health promotion can effectively address the issues of vaccine hesitancy, such as raising vaccine knowledge and prevention awareness in specific populations, improving vaccine availability and accessibility, enforcing vaccination or implementing regulations to those unvaccinated, integrating the newest vaccine knowledge and evidence into routine health practices and procedures, addressing mistrust via dialogue and improving authority of healthcare providers and institutions.
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Objective: To understand the awareness level towards coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) prevention and the willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine among people living with HIV/AIDS, and to discuss the related factors. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among people living with HIV/AIDS who visited the HIV clinic in the PLA General Hospital from June to December 2021.A general descriptive analysis, univariate and binary logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze data. Results: A total of 169 questionnaires were analyzed. Among them, 93.5%(158/169) would like to know more about COVID-19 related knowledge, 88.2%(149/169) were reminded to inject vaccine, 98.8%(167/169) would be far away from medium and high risk areas, 97.0%(164/169) would persuade others to follow the disease preventive requirements, 14.2%(24/169) thought that the propaganda was exaggerated, 30.8%(52/169) were worried about the safety of the vaccine, 80.5%(136/169) thought that they would feel relieved after the vaccination, and 98.2%(166/169) agreed that vaccination was the most effective way to fight against COVID-19. However, only 60.4%(102/169) were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine. The major factors affecting vaccination intention were age and feeling safe after vaccination. Conclusions: People living with HIV/AIDS are more cautious about COVID-19 vaccination, therefore the coverage rate is relatively low.It is necessary for health providers to understand the specific situation of people living with HIV, and to enhance the heath education on the safety of COVID-19 vaccine especially among people with HIV/AIDS in order to improve the willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine.
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Introduction: Sri Lanka adopted various control measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 including early detection by widespread testing, contact tracing and isolation. However, some people were not willing to accept testing due to several reasons. This is the first study from Sri Lanka conducted to determine people's level of willingness to undergo a COVID-19 swab test. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 non-COVID-19 patients who visited the outpatient department at a Teaching hospital in northern Sri Lanka. Data collection was done over a one month period in July 2021. The data collected was entered and analysed using SPSS version 28. Results: The mean age of the participants was 43.4, and a majority of the participants were female (62.8%). A significant proportion of the participants (37.9% CI: 34.3-43.6) were not willing to accept the test to screen for COVID-19. Among the 162 patients who were not willing to accept the test, 56.2% reported fear regarding testing, and 37.6% reported fear of getting a positive result. A significant association was observed between people's willingness to accept the test and their gender (P-0.022) and knowledge of the test (P-0.001). Conclusion: As a considerable proportion of participants were not willing to accept COVID-19 screen testing, and people's knowledge regarding testing significantly influenced their acceptance of such testing, this study concludes that the public can be educated further about the COVID-19 infection, identifying the symptoms of disease by themselves, available testing methods, the importance of testing early and how they will be treated if they get positive test results.
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Background: The correct use of face masks is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable measure to assess attitudes and behaviors related to mask use in social settings. Methods: A methodological study was conducted with 489 people aged 18 years and older. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form and the Mask Use Scale. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, dependent-samples t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficients. Results: Of the 48 items in the draft scale, 10 items with item-total correlations below 0.30 were removed from the scale. All remaining items had positive and significant item-total correlation coefficients (p < 0.001). Mean scores in the test and retest showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Cronbach's alpha coefficients were .76 for the mask use subscale, .77 for the hygiene subscale, .78 for the cloth mask subscale, .77 for the requirement subscale, .80 for the mask selection subscale, and .93 for the entire scale. Concluison: The Mask Use Scale is a valid and reliable tool and can be used to determine adults' attitudes and behavior related to the use of face masks in social settings.