Assessment of the Risk and Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Healthcare Workers During the Omicron Transmission Period: A Multicentric Study from Four Hospitals of Mainland China.

Purpose: The SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant emerged and spread rapidly among the population in the early stage of China's normalized prevention and control in December 2022. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are particularly exposed to SARS-CoV-2, it is important to evaluate the impact of the omicron pandemic on HCWs in China. Methods: A self-administered online survey was conducted on infected HCWs from four hospitals of Taizhou. A total of 748 HCWs received the survey via DingTalk, and 328 responded to the questionnaire. The risk factors were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: By December 20, 2022, 748 HCWs tested positive by PCR, and the infection rate was 11.4% (748/6581). Among 328 respondents, the most common symptoms were cough (88.4%), fever (83.5%), runny nose (77.1%), sore throat (73.2%), headache (70.1%), muscle aches (67.1%), and fatigue (53.4%). 69.8% (229/328) of the participants had five or more major onset symptoms, while no severe case was observed. The multivariate analysis indicated that the poor sleep quality (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.31-4.02, P = 0.004) was an independent risk factor for more major onset symptoms, while wore gloves ≥95% times in working (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85, P = 0.011) was significantly related to fewer symptoms. In addition, 239 (72.9%) recipients reported high fever (temperature ≥38.5°C), less common cold (≤3 vs >3 times/year, OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.05-4.65, P = 0.038) was significantly associated with high fever. Conclusion: Our findings imply rapid transmissibility of omicron and multiple-onset symptoms among HCWs. Improved autoimmunity and self-protection measures for HCWs may be helpful in controlling infection and clinical symptoms. Our results provide empirical reference values for improved countermeasures and protective measures for major public health emergencies.

Evaluation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Burnout Syndrome Among Healthcare Workers in Taizhou, China.

Objectives: To evaluate COVID-19 burnout syndrome among healthcare workers in Taizhou, China. Methods: A total of 1,103 qualified healthcare workers in Taizhou were included in the study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) was used to assess burnout syndrome. Results: Among the healthcare workers surveyed, 25.9% experienced COVID-19 burnout syndrome, including 22.3% and 3.6% with mild and moderate burnout, respectively. Multivariate linear regression models revealed associations with emotional exhaustion among healthcare workers, as follows: occupation, education level and professional qualifications. Professional efficacy was impacted by the pandemic, as follows: sex and occupation. The following factors were associated with cynicism among healthcare workers: occupation and underlying disease. Occupation (medical technician vs. physician, ß = -7.40, 95% confidence interval: -12.09 to -2.71, p = 0.002) was significantly related to MBI-GS scores after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion: COVID-19 burnout syndrome was common among healthcare workers in Taizhou, China, and its impact was more burdensome to physicians.

Efficacy of the neutralizing antibodies after the booster dose on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and a two-year longitudinal antibody study on Wild Type convalescents.

OBJECTIVES: Waning vaccine-induced immunity and emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants which may lead to immune escape, pose a major threat to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, enhanced efficacy of the neutralization antibodies (NAb) produced after the booster dose of vaccinations against the Omicron variant is the main focus of vaccine strategy research. In this study we have analyzed the potency of the NAbs and IgGs produced after the third vaccine dose in patients infected with Omicron variant and wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: We enrolled 75 patients with Omicron variant breakthrough infections, and 87 patients with WT infections. We recorded the clinical characteristics and vaccination information of all patients and measured the NAb and anti-S1 (spike protein) + N (nucleocapsid protein) IgG-binding antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in serum samples of Omicron variant-infected patients at admission, and patients with WT COVID-19 infection from the time of admission and discharge, and one-year to two-years follow-ups. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated higher NAb levels, fewer clinical symptoms, and faster viral shedding in Omicron variant infected patients vaccinated with the booster dose. Hybrid immunity (natural infection plus vaccination) induces higher NAb levels than vaccine-only immunity. NAb and IgG levels decreased significantly at one-year follow-up in WT convalescents with natural infection. The NAb and IgG levels in booster-vaccinated COVID-19 patients were higher than those in two-dose-vaccinated patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that booster vaccinations are required to improve the level of protective NAbs. Moreover, our data provide important evidence for vaccination strategies based on existing vaccines.

Applicability of risk compensation to the relationship between health behaviors and COVID-19 vaccination among inpatients in Taizhou, China

Aim Based on the risk compensation theory, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between health behaviors of inpatients and COVID-19 vaccination during the epidemic with regard to the Omicron variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Taizhou, China. Subject and methods We conducted an online self-administered survey with a group of inpatients in a grade III, class A hospital in Taizhou, China, from February 27, 2022, to March 8, 2022. A total of 562 complete questionnaires were collected, and 18 questionnaires completed in under 180 seconds were rejected, leaving a total of 544 (96.8%) valid questionnaires collected. The participants who had received a COVID-19 vaccine were asked to describe the differences in their health behaviors before and after the vaccination, and the data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 22.0 software. Results There were significant differences in the percentage of individuals wearing masks (97.2% and 78.9%, P < 0.001) and the percentage of hand washing after taking off the mask (89.1% and 63.2%, P < 0.001) between the inoculated group and the uninoculated group;however, there were no significant differences in other health behaviors. The participants showed better health behaviors (handwashing and wearing a mask) after the vaccination than prior to it. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the Peltzman effect did not increase risk behaviors during the Omicron epidemic. There was no reduction in health behaviors among inpatients after the COVID-19 vaccine, which may have even improved their health behaviors.

Parental hesitancy against COVID-19 vaccination for children and associated factors in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Since July 2021, some countries and regions have initiated the vaccination of minors against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy will affect the vaccination of minors. We aimed to identify the level of parental hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 in Taiwan and the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, self-administered online questionnaire in Taiwan to assess parental hesitancy and the factors influencing their children's vaccination against COVID-19. RESULTS: Among 384 respondents, 64.1% were hesitant to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19. Mothers were more likely to hesitate to vaccinate their teens than their fathers (67.5% vs. 50%, P < 0.005). Multiple regression results showed that parents who were hesitant to vaccinate themselves (OR = 3.81, 95% CI:2.07-7.02) and those who scored lower on their perception of their children's vaccination (OR = 9.73, 95% CI:5.62-16.84) were more hesitant to vaccinate their children with COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study findings, 64.1% of Taiwanese parents were hesitant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Parents who were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and had negative views of the vaccine for their children were more likely to be hesitant to vaccinate their children. An in-depth discussion of the factors affecting vaccine hesitancy and targeted health education is conducive to promoting vaccination in children with COVID-19.

Applicability of risk compensation to the relationship between health behaviors and COVID-19 vaccination among inpatients in Taizhou, China.

Aim: Based on the risk compensation theory, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between health behaviors of inpatients and COVID-19 vaccination during the epidemic with regard to the Omicron variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Taizhou, China. Subject and methods: We conducted an online self-administered survey with a group of inpatients in a grade III, class A hospital in Taizhou, China, from February 27, 2022, to March 8, 2022. A total of 562 complete questionnaires were collected, and 18 questionnaires completed in under 180 seconds were rejected, leaving a total of 544 (96.8%) valid questionnaires collected. The participants who had received a COVID-19 vaccine were asked to describe the differences in their health behaviors before and after the vaccination, and the data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 22.0 software. Results: There were significant differences in the percentage of individuals wearing masks (97.2% and 78.9%, P < 0.001) and the percentage of hand washing after taking off the mask (89.1% and 63.2%, P < 0.001) between the inoculated group and the uninoculated group; however, there were no significant differences in other health behaviors. The participants showed better health behaviors (handwashing and wearing a mask) after the vaccination than prior to it. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the Peltzman effect did not increase risk behaviors during the Omicron epidemic. There was no reduction in health behaviors among inpatients after the COVID-19 vaccine, which may have even improved their health behaviors.

Correlation Between Ontological Insecurity and Daily Epidemic Prevention Behavior Among Inpatients During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study evaluates inpatients' ontological insecurity and daily epidemic prevention behavior during the pandemic and explores the factors influencing daily epidemic prevention behaviors. The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in December 2019 caused a global public health crisis that has affected the very structure of society and the order of daily life. Ontological security is the ability to predict the impact of changes in social environments on personal security, such as during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was used to collect data from 1185 inpatients of a hospital in Zhejiang, China, from July 11 to August 9, 2021. Our questionnaire recorded information on demographics, ontological insecurity, and daily epidemic prevention behaviors. The Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Spearman's correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the influencing factors of daily epidemic prevention behavior on ontological security. Results showed a negative correlation between inpatients' ontological insecurity and daily epidemic prevention behavior (r = -.253, P < .001). The logistic regression analysis showed that the independent factors affecting daily epidemic prevention behavior include ontological insecurity (OR: 0.952; 95% CI: 0.937-0.968) (P < .001), sex (OR: 1.292; 95% CI: 1.004-1.663), age (OR: 0.880; 95%: 0.790-0.980), education (OR: 1.307; 95% CI: 1.098-1.556), and occupation [famers vs civil servants, staff or professional (OR: 0.596; 95% CI: 0.374-0.949),other versus civil servants, staff, or professional (OR: 0.693; 95% CI: 0.503-0.953)] (P < .05). Inpatients were shown to have good ontological security during the COVID-19 epidemic, younger patients, female patients, patients with stronger ontological security, patients with a higher educational level, and those who work in a fixed unit or organization showed higher levels of daily epidemic prevention behavior. Hospital managers should strengthen the intervention management of epidemic prevention behavior based on patient characteristics.

Parameters and Morphological Changes of Erythrocytes and Platelets of COVID-19 Subjects: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Purpose: Information about dynamic changes occurring in the parameters and morphology of erythrocytes and platelets during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and convalescence is scarce. To explore potential associations between dynamic erythrocyte and platelet parameters, morphological changes, and the course or severity of the disease is essential. Patients and Methods: From January 17th, 2020, to February 20th, 2022, we followed up on 35 patients with non-severe and 11 patients with severe COVID-19 following their discharge. We collected clinical features, dynamic complete blood count (CBC), and peripheral blood smears (PBS) and analyzed parameter and morphological changes of erythrocytes and platelets depending on the course or severity of the disease. The course of the disease included four periods, namely onset (T1), discharge (T2), 1-year follow-up (T3), and 2-year follow-up (T4). Results: Red blood cell (RBC) counts and hemoglobin were the lowest in T2, followed by T1, and lower in T1 and T2 than in T3 and T4. Inversely, the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) was the highest in T2, followed by T1, and higher than in T3 and T4. Compared to non-severe patients, the platelet of severe patients was lower in T1 and T2. In contrast, the mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) tended to be higher in severe patients. Similarly, anisocytosis was more common in peripheral blood smears at early stages and in severe patients. Finally, large platelets were more common in severe patients. Conclusion: Anisocytosis of erythrocytes and large platelets are found in patients with severe COVID-19, these changes may help primary hospitals to identify patients with a high risk of severe COVID-19 at an early stage.

Relationship between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and willingness to pay for the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine of oncology patients in Taizhou, China.

OBJECTIVE: This population-based study aimed to determine the hesitancy and willingness to pay (WTP) for the booster dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine among patients with cancer in Taizhou, China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A self-administered online questionnaire was administered to patients with cancer in Taizhou, China. The chi-square test, binary logistic regression model were used to evaluate the WTP for the booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The minimum sample size was 218, determined by G*Power software (latest ver. 3.1.9.7). A total of 354 patients received the survey, and 256 (72.3%) patients responded. RESULTS: Overall, 69.9% (179/256) of respondents were willing to pay for the booster dose, and 78.8% (141/179) of these patients were willing to pay 1-99 CNY. Furthermore, 50.4% (129/256) of respondents were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Being unhesitant was significantly associated with WTP for the booster dose (aOR: 3.040; 95% CI: 1.669-5.540). CONCLUSION: Hesitant patients with cancer had a lower WTP for the booster dose against COVID-19 than non-hesitant participants. These results imply that further health education programmes are essential to decrease the hesitancy of patients with cancer and enhance booster dose vaccination rates for public health improvements.KEY MESSAGESOur research showed that 70% of patients with cancer are willing to pay for the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and most are willing to pay less than 100 CNY, and this result reflects the economic value and affordability of the third dose of vaccination.COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant patients with cancer had a lower willingness to pay for a booster dose against COVID-19 than non-hesitant participants and few patients are still unwilling to pay among patients do not hesitate to receive the third dose.Therefore, promoting willingness to pay among oncology patients and addressing vaccine hesitancy remains key.

Longitudinal observation of viral load in patients infected with Omicron variant and its relationship with clinical symptoms.

Objective: In 2022, a new coronavirus variant (Omicron) infection epidemic broke out in Shanghai, China. However, it is unclear whether the duration of this omicron variant is different from that of the prototype strain. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 157 cases of Omicron variant infection in Taizhou Public Health Center from March 29, 2022, to April 18, 2022, and observed the dynamics of nucleic acid Ct values during the admission and discharge of patients. Clinical and laboratory indicators of these patients were also obtained. Results: Compared to the prototype strain, the Omicron variant showed a broad population susceptibility in infected individuals (regardless of age and presence of underlying disease) and had slight damage to the immune system and renal function; the viral loads peaked was 2-3 days from disease onset; the median duration of omicron variant was 15-18 days; the nucleic acid Ct value of nasopharyngeal swabs of infected patients is lower than that of throat swabs, and the Ct value of oropharyngeal swabs is unstable during the recovery period. Conclusion: Therefore, we found that the time to peak viral load of this Omicron variant was 2-3 days after the onset of the disease, and the duration was 15-18 days; symptomatic patients had higher viral load and longer hospitalization time. This finding will provide a basis for understanding omicron variants and formulating the national prevention and control strategy.

Physical condition, psychological status, and posttraumatic stress disorder among recovered COVID-19 subjects: A mediation analysis.

The physical condition of individuals who contracted COVID-19 had a profound influence on mitigating the physical and psychological impact of the disease and the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little attention has been focused on the influence of physical condition on PTSD among recovered COVID-19 subjects. This study explored the relationship between physical and psychological status and PTSD and the potential mechanisms. Questionnaires were completed by 73 (50.7%, 73/144) COVID-19 recovered subjects who were diagnosed in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China. We conducted a face-to-face survey from January 17 to March 10, 2020. The mediation analysis approach was applied in this research. Our data show that recovered COVID-19 subjects who were in better physical condition exhibited fewer psychological problems [B (95%CI), (-1.65 -3.04, -0.26)] and lower PTSD [B (95%CI), -6.13 (-9.43, -2.83)]. In addition, the worse the psychological status of recovered COVID-19 subjects was, the stronger the PTSD (B [95%CI], 0.58 [0.02, 1.14]). Moreover, psychological status could significantly mediate the impact of physical condition on PTSD (ß1θ2 = -0.87). Together, COVID-19 recovered subjects who have better physical condition could decrease their PTSD, and the worse the physical condition of COVID-19 recovered subjects would increase their psychological problems. Our finding about psychological status could significantly mediate the impact of the physical condition on PTSD might be useful for medical institutions and the government seeking to help with the follow-up rehabilitation training of recovered COVID-19 subjects.

Longitudinal observation of viral load in patients infected with Omicron variant and its relationship with clinical symptoms

Objective In 2022, a new coronavirus variant (Omicron) infection epidemic broke out in Shanghai, China. However, it is unclear whether the duration of this omicron variant is different from that of the prototype strain. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 157 cases of Omicron variant infection in Taizhou Public Health Center from March 29, 2022, to April 18, 2022, and observed the dynamics of nucleic acid Ct values during the admission and discharge of patients. Clinical and laboratory indicators of these patients were also obtained. Results Compared to the prototype strain, the Omicron variant showed a broad population susceptibility in infected individuals (regardless of age and presence of underlying disease) and had slight damage to the immune system and renal function;the viral loads peaked was 2-3 days from disease onset;the median duration of omicron variant was 15-18 days;the nucleic acid Ct value of nasopharyngeal swabs of infected patients is lower than that of throat swabs, and the Ct value of oropharyngeal swabs is unstable during the recovery period. Conclusion Therefore, we found that the time to peak viral load of this Omicron variant was 2-3 days after the onset of the disease, and the duration was 15-18 days;symptomatic patients had higher viral load and longer hospitalization time. This finding will provide a basis for understanding omicron variants and formulating the national prevention and control strategy.

Effects of Tocilizumab on Adults With COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a worldwide disaster, has already affected lots of people. Effective care and therapy are currently being evaluated in full swing. Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate the effects of tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor, on treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Data Sources Study Selection and Data Extraction: We conducted a meta-analysis and searched for relevant studies on Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library without restrictions on language from inception until February 1, 2021. Fifteen studies were included for this meta-analysis. Two authors independently selected and screened these studies, assessed the quality of included studies, and extracted related information. Results: Fifteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. The main studies showed that tocilizumab was associated with lower mortality (risk ratio = 0.62, 95% confidence interval = 0.46-0.83; and hazard ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence interval = 0.51-0.72). Using tocilizumab might also affect biochemistry indicators (lowered C-reactive protein and ferritin, increased lymphocyte count). Conclusion: These current bodies of evidence could indicate that early use of tocilizumab was associated with lower mortality in adult patients with COVID-19. Early use of tocilizumab could reduce the mortality rate of adult patients with COVID-19 without obvious fatal side effects, which may be a treatment option in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Systematic Review Registration: The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID:242811).

Parents' willingness to pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine in Taiwan, China: A cross-sectional study.

Most COVID-19 studies aim to assess factors influencing willingness to pay for vaccines between the public and medical staff. However, few studies focus on parents' willingness to pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine. The current study aimed to assess parents' willingness to pay for their children's vaccination against COVID-19 and its influencing factors. This population-based cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire. The inclusion criterion was parents with at least one child younger than 18 years. The final analysis included 384 valid data points. A total of 89.1% of the parents indicated that they are willing to pay for their children's vaccination against COVID-19. Among them, both fathers' and mothers' willingness to pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine was 89.6%. The mean and median willingness to pay were% would pay for their children. Excluding other confounding factors, willingness to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and hesitation to vaccinate their children were significantly associated with parents' willingness to pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine. We found that 89.1% of the parents in Taiwan would pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine. Parents' willingness to pay for themselves and hesitation to vaccinate their children were associated with willingness to pay. Reducing hesitation about vaccines and developing policies for vaccine payment may have a positive impact on willingness to pay for vaccines and promoting COVID-19 vaccination.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding COVID-19 among hospitalized patients in Taizhou, China.

Objection: This study investigated the relationship between the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among hospitalized patients regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19. Method: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among hospitalized patients between July 8 and August 11, 2021, at a tertiary hospital in Taizhou, China. We performed descriptive analysis, t test, ANOVA (analysis of variance), and generalized linear regression modeling on the exported data. All data were analyzed using R software, version 4.1.0. Results: A total of 1185 valid questionnaires were returned. The average score of the participants on COVID-19 behaviors was 69.3 (SD = 15.6, with a full score of 87), indicating that most inpatients had good COVID-19 prevention and control behaviors. In addition, we found that inpatients with higher COVID-19 awareness also behaved better (B (95%CI) = 1.00 (0.73-1.27)) and were more willing to recommend vaccination to other people (OR (95%CI) = 1.11 (1.06-1.17)). Moreover, hospitalized patients who had positive attitudes toward implementing COVID-19 prevention and control measures had better practices (B (95%CI) = 2.50 (2.24-2.76)) and more willingness to recommend vaccinations (OR (95%CI) = 1.20 (1.14-1.26)). Conclusion: The research showed that the COVID-19 behaviors of hospitalized patients were positively associated with their knowledge and attitudes. These findings suggested that, for inpatients, hospitals should focus on teaching basic prevention knowledge of COVID-19. Targeted education initiatives should also be developed for patients from rural areas, especially those over 60 years of age, to help improve their knowledge and cultivate good prevention and control behaviors. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-022-01796-y.

Willingness of college students to receive COVID-19 heterologous vaccination in Taizhou, China.

This study aimed to determine the willingness of college students to choose COVID-19 heterologous vaccination and its associated influencing factors in Taizhou, China. A population-based, self-administered online questionnaire was conducted from March 15 to 17, 2022. Of the 2,463 participants who had received the invitation, 1,821 responded to the survey (response rate = 73.9%). Only 14% (86/614) of those willing to receive a booster would chose a heterologous vaccination; the perception of better effectiveness of a COVID-19 heterologous vaccination booster was the significant factor (X2 = 22.671, p < .001). Additionally, female college students'older age (χ2 = 7.523, P = .023), major of medical (χ2 = 6.294, P = .012), and better perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 heterologous vaccination booster (χ2 = 22.659, P < .001), were more willing to receive heterologous booster doses. Chinese college students have a strong willingness to receive booster shots, but the percentage of those willing to receive a heterologous vaccine is only 14.0%, and the lack of understanding of its effectiveness is an important factor in the low proportion of heterologous vaccine selection. Health education, public health awareness, and the disclosure of heterologous vaccine information can help improve the public's understanding of heterologous vaccines and provide them with more choices.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy between family decision-makers and non-decision-makers among college teachers.

BACKGROUND: Teachers with high educational levels significantly impact the health-related knowledge and attitudes of young students and their family members. This study aimed to investigate the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy and associated factors, and compare the differences between decision-makers and non-decision-makers among college teachers. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was administered across mainland China from 4 to 7 August 2021. Overall, 251 college teachers were included using snowball sampling. A multivariable logistic regression model was applied to explore the association between decision-makers and hesitancy to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: Overall, 42.2% of the teachers were hesitant to being vaccinated against COVID-19. The hesitancy rate was lower among primary decision-makers than that among non-decision-makers (34.8% vs. 60.3%, p < .001). Primary decision-makers were less hesitant regarding COVID-19 vaccination than non-decision-makers (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.20-0.70); remarkably, whereas those engaged in nursing education versus non-medical related professional education (OR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.29-5.49), and partial versus full-course vaccination recipients (OR = 4.48, 95% CI: 1.76-11.42) were more likely to be hesitant regarding COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that a high proportion of college teachers in China are hesitant to receiving COVID-19 vaccination, and that primary decision-makers are less likely to exhibit hesitancy to being vaccinated against COVID-19 than non-decision-makers in their family. Family decision-makers among teachers can be considered a priority for COVID-19 vaccine promotion, thereby enhancing vaccine acceptance among vulnerable populations-including older adults and children-and preventing adverse outcomes.KEY MESSAGESQuestion: How prevalent is COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among college teachers? Do differences exist between decision-makers and non-decision-makers?Findings: We found that a substantial proportion of college teachers are hesitant to being vaccinated against COVID-19, and that family decision-makers exhibited a lower hesitancy rate than non-decision-makers.Meaning: Our findings indicate that distinguishing between family decision-makers and non-decision-makers is necessary to facilitate vaccination promotion interventions among college teachers.

Post-vaccination adverse reactions, decision regret, and willingness to pay for the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers: A mediation analysis.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between post-vaccination adverse reactions, decision regret, and willingness to pay (WTP) for the booster dose. An online survey was conducted in Taizhou, China. Questionnaires were completed by 1,085 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 1,054 (97.1%) have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Mediation analysis method was adopted. Our study presented that post-vaccination adverse reactions in HCWs could decrease their WTP for the booster dose. Of note, HCWs experienced adverse reactions after vaccination would more likely regret their previous vaccination decisions, which, in turn, further reduced their WTP for a booster shot. Decision regret mediated the relationship between adverse post-vaccination reactions and WTP for the booster dose. The findings implied inextricable relationships among post-vaccination adverse reactions, decision regret, and WTP of the booster dose. It suggested that these post-vaccination adverse reactions should be further incorporated into vaccine campaigns to improve vaccine intention and potentially increase willingness to pay for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Determinants of the willingness of medical staff to vaccinate their children with a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Taizhou, China.

The study aimed to determine the willingness of medical staff to have their children vaccinated with a COVID-19 booster in Taizhou, China. From March 21 to April 19, 2022, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the willingness of medical staff to vaccinate their children with a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of the 1,252 medical staff in a tertiary grade hospital in Taizhou who were invited to answer the structured questionnaire, 514 (41.1%) samples had valid information for further data analysis. Four hundred thirty-seven medical staff (85.0%) were willing to have their children receive vaccine boosters. After adjustments for confounding factors, the opinion ('Do you think your child needs a booster vaccination against COVID-19?') (yes vs. no, OR = 6.91, 95% CI: 3.29-14.54), the viewpoint ('What are your thoughts the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine boosters for children?' (≥12 vs. <12, OR = 13.81, 95% CI: 4.03-), and the attitude ('Your attitude to whether your child is boosting the Covid-19 vaccine?') (yes vs. no, OR = 4.66, 95% CI: 2.30-9.44) were significantly associated with their willingness to have their children receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster. A moderate percentage of the respondents expressed willingness to have their children receive booster vaccines. The findings implied that factors affecting medical staffs' willingness to vaccinate their children with a COVID-19 vaccine booster included viewpoint, opinion, and attitudes.

Relationship between nosocomial infections and coronavirus disease 2019 in the neurosurgery unit: clinical characteristics and outcomes from a Chinese Tertiary-Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of infection prevention and control. We found that the incidence of nosocomial infection in neurosurgery has changed. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of "coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention and control measures" on nosocomial infections in neurosurgery. METHODS: To explore changes in nosocomial infections in neurosurgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical data of inpatients undergoing neurosurgery at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province between January 1 and April 30, 2020 (COVID-19 era) were first analyzed and then compared with those from same period in 2019 (first pre-COVID-19 era). We also analyzed data between May 1 and December 31, 2020 (post-COVID-19 era) at the same time in 2019 (second pre-COVID-19 era). RESULTS: The nosocomial infection rate was 7.85% (54/688) in the first pre-COVID-19 era and 4.30% (26/605) in the COVID-19 era (P = 0.01). The respiratory system infection rate between the first pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras was 6.1% vs. 2.0% (P < 0.01), while the urinary system infection rate was 1.7% vs. 2.0% (P = 0.84). Between the first pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras, respiratory system and urinary infections accounted for 77.78% (42/54) vs. 46.15% (12/26) and 22.22% (12/54) vs. 46.15% (12/26) of the total nosocomial infections, respectively (P < 0.01). Between the second pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 eras, respiratory system and urinary accounted for 53.66% (44/82) vs. 40.63% (39/96) and 24.39% (20/82) vs. 40.63% (39/96) of the total nosocomial infections, respectively (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of nosocomial infections in neurosurgery reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction was primarily observed in respiratory infections, while the proportion of urinary infections increased significantly.