Knowledge Levels, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Health Care Professionals regarding COVID-19 Vaccines

Abstract

Background Shortly after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines were developed. Vaccination of the society in a short time may be the most important step in the fight against the pandemic. Health workers can be considered role models for society. Aim We aimed to investigate the COVID-19 vaccination status of health care workers. Methods The universe of our cross-sectional and descriptive study consisted of doctors, nurses, secretaries, interns, and other health care professionals. In the light of the literature, a questionnaire was prepared that questioned the attitudes and behaviors of the participants about vaccines. Face-to-face interviews were conducted during the visits. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 806 volunteers, 51.4% (414) male and 48.6% (392) female, with a mean age of 32.7 ± 9.3 years, were included in the study. In total, 4.6% (37) of the participants in the study had not received any COVID-19 vaccine. Male participants were vaccinated statistically significantly more than female participants (p = 0.044). Of those vaccinated against COVID-19, 98.3% (774) had received at least two doses. Also, 26.9% (217) of health care workers had COVID-19 disease. The rate of those whose first-degree relatives had COVID-19 was 42.2% (340). A total of 87.3% (704) of health care workers reported that COVID-19 vaccines were safe. Also, 25.3% (204), 29.5% (238), and 35.0% (282) of the participants reported that state officials' vaccination in front of the media, social media news, and national media news, respectively, affected the decision to vaccinate. Conclusion Although male health care workers have received more COVID-19 vaccines than female health care workers, vaccination rates of health care workers are at an acceptable level. Health workers comply with the calendar recommended by the ministry.