Assessing the Favourability of COVID-19 Vaccine and the Influence of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs on Vaccination Readiness Among Medical Students in Tehran

Abstract

Background: Vaccines are highly effective tools to combat COVID-19. Public vaccination in Iran began in February 2021. Healthcare personnel, constitute a priority for vaccination. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the willingness of medical students to accept the COVID-19 vaccine and explore the impact of attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs on their vaccination readiness. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical sciences students at Tehran Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University, Iran, between October and November 2021. An online anonymous questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes, and beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants' self-reportings determined vaccine rejection and acceptance, and data was completed and analyzed using SPSS-25. Results: Most respondents had a strong desire to get the vaccine (96.4%), while 62.6% hadn’t received yet. The preferred vaccine was Sputnik-V, followed by Oxford/AstraZeneca, COV-Iran Barekat, and Sinopharm. A 84.7% of them were asked about the COVID-19 vaccine by the public, but only 54.4% had received adequate training. Also, 77.3% believed, vaccination would be the final step in eradicating COVID-19. Conclusion: Collaboration between the government and universities is crucial to educate medical students to have a better public guide and awareness. Also, as vaccine efficacy and safety were mutual concerns, educating the medical students might greatly help.