Attitudes and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Nurses and Midwives in Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Healthcare workers are at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and have been identified as a priority target group for COVID-19 vaccines. This study aimed to determine the COVID-19 vaccination intention among nurses and midwives in Cyprus and reveal the influential factors that affected their decision. An Internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 8 and 28, 2020. Data collection was accomplished using a self-administered questionnaire with questions about socio-demographic characteristics, questions assessing general vaccination-related intentions and behaviors, and the intention to accept COVID-19 vaccination. A sample of 437 responders answered the survey, with 93% being nurses and 7% midwives. A small proportion of the participants would accept a vaccine against COVID-19, while 70% could be qualified as “vaccine hesitant.” The main reasons for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine were concerns about the vaccine's expedited development and fear of side effects. More females, individuals with a larger median age, and a higher number of years of working experience, intended to accept the COVID-19 vaccination, compared with those not intended to accept and undecided groups (p < 0.01). Having a seasonal flu vaccination in the last 5 years, receiving the vaccines recommended for health professionals, and working in the private sector were associated with a higher probability of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. A considerable rate of nurses and midwives in Cyprus reported unwillingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to vaccine-related concerns. Our findings highlight the need for forthcoming vaccination campaigns and programs to tackle coronavirus vaccine hesitancy barriers to achieve the desirable vaccination coverage.

Prevalence and Impact Factors of COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in China

“…In our study, researchers observed a high rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy/refusal (73.52%) among breast cancer survivors, which was higher than previous studies on the subject in Mexico (34%) (18). The primary reason for vaccine hesitancy was that patients did not know whom to ask about the vaccination, which was different from concern about adverse effects in the study of Villarreal-Garza C et al (18). Endocrine or targeted therapy, self-perceived feel, and notification from communities or units were identified as independent factors for vaccine hesitancy.…”

“…The nature of motives behind vaccine hesitancy could be complex, including such as policy and social factors, vaccine safety and effectiveness, and knowledge and experience of participants. In our study, researchers observed a high rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy/refusal (73.52%) among breast cancer survivors, which was higher than previous studies on the subject in Mexico (34%) (18). The primary reason for vaccine hesitancy was that patients did not know whom to ask about the vaccination, which was different from concern about adverse effects in the study of Villarreal-Garza C et al (18).…”

“…Moreover, we found that opinions from doctors in charge of the treatment and vaccination could influence the decision of patients. A similar study (18) highlighted the same in its findings. Doctors play a central role in strengthening the confidence and trust of the public in vaccination.…”

“…Studying vaccine hesitancy among breast cancer patients had great significance. Recently, Villarreal-Garza et al studied vaccine hesitancy among 540 breast cancer patients residing in Mexico by social media channels of non-governmental organizations and observed a 34% vaccine hesitancy rate (18). This study discussed the willingness to vaccination but did not report the vaccination rate and related side effects.…”

Knowledge of mothers regarding children’s vaccinations in Cyprus: A cross-sectional study

“…Of interest, a recent large-scale study which was conducted in eighteen European countries concerning vaccine confidence among parents, reported that vaccine confidence was highest in Portugal and Cyprus and lowest in Bulgaria and Poland and specifically 78% of Cypriots were reported as not at all hesitant [ 31 ]. However, a recent research study among nurses and midwives in Cyprus identified negative attitudes towards the vaccination of their children with the COVID-19 vaccine [ 32 ].…”