Knowledge and Attitude towards Vaccination among Healthcare Workers: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in a Southern Italian Region.

Giuseppe Di Martino,Piera Scampoli,Arturo Di Girolamo,Francesca Meo,Ferdinando Romano,Fabrizio Cedrone,Michela D’Addezio,Tommaso Staniscia,Pamela Di Giovanni,Maria Bernadette Di Sciascio

doi:10.3390/vaccines8020248

Abstract

Background: In Italy, the loss of confidence towards vaccination resulted in low vaccine coverage, also among healthcare workers (HCWs). Indeed, low vaccination coverage among HCWs can lead to dangerous outbreaks of disease, reduce productivity, and increase absenteeism. The aim of this study was to investigate the vaccine coverage and attitudes toward vaccination among HCWs. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs referred to all hospitals of the Local Health Authority 02 of Abruzzo Region, Italy. The survey was based on the questionnaire proposed by the H-ProImmune Project. Results: A total of 347 HCWs were enrolled in the study. Of these, 57.3% reported missing diphtheritis-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccination, 50.1% reported missing measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination, and 62.5% reported missing flu vaccination. Regarding attitudes, other healthcare professionals reported to believe more in natural immunization compared to vaccination (26.5%; p < 0.001), and they were worried about long-term effects of vaccination (10.2%; p = 0.044). Conclusions: This survey showed all vaccination coverage considered resulted below the 95% threshold. Training on vaccination and mandatory measures may be needed in order to achieve better coverage.

Highlights

Vaccine-preventable diseases are a significant source of both morbidity and mortality in the general population
The aim of this study was to evaluate the vaccine coverage and the attitudes towards vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) working in all the hospitals referred to the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti (LVC), Abruzzo Region, Italy
The study project was presented to all units involved by the Quality and Risk Management Unit referred to the LHA of LVC in July 2019

Summary

Introduction

Vaccine-preventable diseases are a significant source of both morbidity and mortality in the general population. Vaccinations are universally recognized as one of the most effective preventive measures in public health [1]. Immunization programs can reduce the burden due to preventable infectious diseases and can decrease the related morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs [2,3,4]. Health Assembly in 2012, aiming at a world free of vaccine-preventable diseases [6]. In Italy, the loss of confidence towards vaccination resulted in low vaccine coverage, among healthcare workers (HCWs). Low vaccination coverage among HCWs can lead to dangerous outbreaks of disease, reduce productivity, and increase absenteeism. The aim of this study was to investigate the vaccine coverage and attitudes toward vaccination among. Training on vaccination and mandatory measures may be needed in order to achieve better coverage

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion