Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude & Behavior towards COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Medical Students from Central India

ABSTRACT

Background: Vaccination for COVID-19 is the most effective measure for controlling the pandemic. Knowledge, attitude & behaviour study among medical students towards COVID-19 vaccination presented a unique opportunity to study and to address barriers to vaccination and their associations. Objective: To study knowledge, attitude and behaviour of MBBS 2nd& 3rd year students towards COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving MBBS students from the 2nd and 3rd professional years. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and disseminated among the students. The questionnaire consisted of items related to knowledge, attitude, and behaviour towards COVID-19 vaccination. Responses obtained were analysed. Results: It was found that 100% of the participants were vaccinated and majority of the participants were well informed regarding COVID-19 vaccine and its schedule, ADRs. Majority were of the opinion that taking COVID-19 vaccine was a social responsibility and they were motivated to take booster dose if offered. Most of the participants admitted to motivating their family and friends to get vaccinated and follow social distancing protocols. Conclusion: We found that the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of medical students towards COVID-19 vaccination was favourable. The positive result of this study highlighted the measures taken by the government and health care workers towards educating people about COVID-19 and its vaccination.