ABSTRACT
Objectives: COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of infection hospitalization, and death. Despite the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, some caregivers are hesitant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. In this study, we explored the factors that influence Omani mothers' intentions to vaccinate their 5-11 year-old children. Methods: Of the 954 mothers approached, 700 (73.4%) participated in a cross-sectional face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire in Muscat, Oman, between 20 February and 13 March 2022. Data on age, income, level of education, trust in doctors, vaccine hesitancy, and intention to vaccinate their children were collected. Logistic regression was used to assess determinants of mothers' intention to vaccinate their children. Results: Most mothers had 1-2 children (n = 525, 75.0%), had a college degree or higher education (73.0%), and were employed (70.8%). More than half (n = 392, 56.0%) reported that they were likely or very likely to get their children vaccinated. The intention to get children vaccinated was associated with older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.08; p =0.003), trust in their doctor (OR = 2.12, 95%, CI: 1.71-2.62; p < 0.001), and low vaccine hesitancy (OR = 25.91, 95% CI: 16.92-39.64; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Understanding the factors that influence caregivers' intentions to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 is important for the development of evidence-based vaccine campaigns. To increase and sustain high vaccination rates for COVID-19 vaccination in children, it is critical to address the factors that cause caregiver hesitation about vaccines.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is emerging as one of the world's greatest health problems, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing at an alarming rate and globally reaching epidemic proportions. With this increasing incidence, emphasis is now being placed on implementing primary prevention, early detection, and educational prevention programmes. This study was undertaken to estimate the level of knowledge of T2DM among high school students and to explore the factors influencing the knowledge of T2DM. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four secondary schools in two wilayats (districts) of Muscat governate, Oman, namely Al-Amerat and Quriyat. The study was conducted using a validated English questionnaire covering all aspects of T2DM in one-to-one interviews. A scoring system was used to assess the students' knowledge. RESULTS: Of the 541 students enrolled in the study (45% male and 55% female), only 24% achieved a score of over 10 out of 20. The key areas of poor knowledge were wrong perceptions about diabetic meals (73%), and the possibility of a cure for diabetes (63%). CONCLUSION: Overall poor knowledge levels about T2DM were found among school students. National efforts and school-health-based interventions are highly recommended to increase awareness about diabetes among this age group.
