Knowledge, attitude and perception of medical students on COVID-19 vaccines: A study carried out in a Nigerian University

Abstract

ObjectiveVaccine development, distribution, and immunization of large populations have been identified as vital mitigation strategies for curbing the spread of COVID-19. However, vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to this. The knowledge and perception of COVID-19 vaccines can improve vaccine acceptance. The purpose of this study was to assess medical students' knowledge, attitude, and perception of COVID-19 vaccines.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional web-based survey conducted among undergraduate students from the faculties of Basic medical sciences and Clinical sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The students' knowledge was ranked as excellent (>70%), good (50–69%) and poor (<50%) while perception was categorized into positive (>50%), and negative (<50%). The difference in knowledge based on demographics was analyzed using the Independent sample t-test. The association between demographics, and students' perception was carried out using the Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests. Analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 25.ResultsA total of 233 students consented to participate in the study out of which 51.1% were female. Forty-eight students (20.6%) had good knowledge while 41.2% of the participants accepted to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Positive perception was reported among 51.1% (119) of the students.ConclusionThere was poor knowledge and positive perception among majority of the students. Educational intervention in form of training should be done to improve medical students' knowledge and perception toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Acceptability and perception of COVID-19 vaccines among foreign medical students in China: A cross-sectional study

“…These results are supported by the data statistic of respondents (6.7%) who still need to receive the vaccine. This finding confirms the literature and, however, the hesitancy rate of 6% among foreign medical students in China is lesser compared to 10% (31), 30% (30) in India, and 37% in Uganda (32).…”

“…The authors model logistic regression in equations (1–2) to capture the outcome variable, and qualitative term acceptance in a linear relationship with the independent variables ( 32 ). The independent variables or predictors are “is COVID-19 vaccine safe in your own opinion”; “how many doses do you think you can receive of COVID-19”; “home continent”; “think that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe with some side effects,” and “think it not possible to get COVID-19 after taking the COVID-19 vaccine.” Also, the authors included control variables (mediator variables) such as gender, age group, marital status, and religion since these may influence the respondents' behavior in different ways.…”

“…Consistent with the literature, we used a data sampling technique developed by Yamane [8/11] to generate the sample size. Consistent with [8/11], we used Yamane (1967:886) 32 to calculate a sample size with a 95% confidence level and P = 0.05 32 . That is, according to Yamane, the sample size is (n) =N/(1+N(e) 2 ), where N is the population size and e is the level of precision.…”

“…As a result of the high hesitancy among medical students, it is an important subject, and currently, there needs to be more studies among foreign medical students in Chinese universities ( 31 ). The results could be instructive for decision-makers as they try to maximize the spread of vaccines ( 32 ). Therefore, this study seeks to contribute to the literature debate in the context of foreign medical students in Chinese universities.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions, and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination among Pharmacy and Non-Pharmacy Students

“…Thus, students in the healthcare discipline, particularly medicine and pharmacy, although not limited to these, may play a pivotal role in the conflict resolution of vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination drive. In this context, the pharmacy students, as future healthcare workers, having adequate knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, may be inured with the responsibility to provide vaccine recommendations and counseling to vaccine hesitant patients [ 11 ].…”