Healthcare Provider Recommendation Research Articles

Optimal Annual COVID-19 Vaccine Boosting Dates Following Previous Booster Vaccination or Breakthrough Infection.

COVID-19 booster vaccinations mitigate transmission and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with infection. However, the optimal date for booster administration remains uncertain. Geographic variation in infection rates throughout the year makes it challenging to intuit the best yearly booster administration date to effectively prevent infection, and also challenging to provide best guidance on how to alter booster administration in response to a breakthrough infection. We leveraged longitudinal antibody and reinfection probabilities with spatiotemporal projections of COVID-19 incidence to develop a geographically informed approach to optimizing the timing of booster vaccination. We assessed the delay in booster vaccination that is warranted following breakthrough infections whenever they occur during the year, enabling a personalized assessment of optimal timing that acknowledges and respects diversity of COVID-19 immune status, addressing a substantial barrier to uptake. Yearly booster vaccination on any date is beneficial to prevention of infection. However, each location exhibits as much as a 3-4-fold range in degree of protection by date of uptake. Optimal COVID-19 booster vaccination dates are location-specific, typically in early autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Infection late in the interval between boosts substantially alters the optimal boosting date. Considerable benefit accrues from aptly timing COVID-19 booster vaccination campaigns, which can be tailored to specific locations. Individuals can acquire the greatest benefit from booster vaccination by timing it optimally, including delaying in cases of infection late in the interval between boosts. These results provide location-specific guidance for public health policy, healthcare provider recommendations, and individual decision-making.

Interventions employed to address vaccine hesitancy among Black populations outside of African and Caribbean countries: a scoping review

BackgroundBlack people are disproportionately affected by structural and social determinants of health, resulting in greater risks of exposure to and deaths from COVID-19. Structural and social determinants of health feed vaccine hesitancy and worsen health disparities.ObjectiveThis scoping review explored interventions that have been employed to address vaccine hesitancy among Black population outside of African and Caribbean countries. This review provides several strategies for addressing this deep-rooted public health problem.MethodsThe scoping review followed the five-step framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. It complies with reporting guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Research studies that examined interventions utilized to promote vaccine confidence within Black populations living outside of African and Caribbean countries were reviewed.FindingsA total of 20 articles met the inclusion criteria for this study: 17 were quantitative studies and three were mixed-method studies. This scoping review highlighted six themes: educational advancement, messaging, multi-component approaches, outreach efforts, enhancing healthcare access, and healthcare provider leadership.ConclusionThe review identified effective interventions for addressing vaccine hesitancy among Black populations outside Africa and the Caribbean, emphasizing education, multidimensional approaches, and healthcare provider recommendations. It calls for more qualitative research and interventions in countries like Canada and the UK to enhance vaccine confidence and reduce mistrust.

The Role of Physical Activity in Cancer Survivorship: A Comprehensive Review

Cancer survivorship is an increasingly important focus in oncology, with physical activity (PA) emerging as a key intervention to enhance health outcomes post-treatment. This review explored the role of PA in improving quality of life (QoL), reducing recurrence risk, and managing treatment-related side effects among cancer survivors. The biological mechanisms of PA, including the reduction of systemic inflammation and improvement of immune function, are discussed. Additionally, the psychological and social benefits, such as reduced anxiety and social support from group-based exercise, are highlighted. Despite these benefits, numerous barriers to PA exist, including physical limitations, psychological challenges, and socioeconomic factors. Facilitators, such as tailored exercise programs and healthcare provider recommendations, can enhance participation. Special considerations, such as cancer type and age, necessitate personalized approaches to PA to maximize benefits for diverse survivor populations. The methodology involved synthesizing data from recent clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and qualitative research. In conclusion, physical activity is a vital component of survivorship care, with the potential to significantly improve both longevity and QoL. Future research should focus on refining exercise prescriptions and developing scalable interventions for widespread implementation in cancer care. Keywords: Cancer survivorship, Physical activity, Quality of life (QoL), Exercise interventions, Cancer recurrence prevention.

Frequency of tick bites and associated care-seeking behaviors in the United States

Tick-borne diseases are commonly reported in the United States, but frequency of tick bites and care-seeking behaviors following tick bites are poorly understood. We used nationally representative survey data to describe the frequency of tick bites among people living in the United States and how often, where, and why care-seeking associated with tick bites occurs. We found that over 31 million people (nearly 1 in 10) living in the United States might experience a tick bite each year and highlight regional trends in associated care-seeking behaviors. These findings emphasize the need for effective tick bite prevention education and regionally tailored healthcare provider recommendations for management of tick-borne diseases.

Determinants of Prostate Cancer Screening in Korean Men: A Nationwide Study Using the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey 2023.

Research on the prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) screening and reasons for undergoing screening is limited. We aimed to identify the factors influencing PCa screening behavior and explore the underlying motivations among Korean men. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2023 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, which employs a nationally representative random sampling method. This study included 1,784 men aged 40-74 years. The respondents reported their experiences with PCa screening. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with participation in PCa screening. The lifetime PCa screening rate was 18.6%. Among screening modalities, transrectal ultrasonography was the most frequently used (31.9%), followed by prostate-specific antigen tests (25.6%) and digital rectal examinations (21.5%). The multivariable analysis identified several factors that significantly increased the likelihood of screening participation, including older age, living with a spouse, poor self-reported health, and abstinence from alcohol consumption in the previous 12 months. Men who had undergone colorectal cancer screening were more likely to participate in PCa screening (adjusted odds ratio, 4.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.03-7.93) than those who had not. The primary motivations for screening were recommendations from family or social networks (31.9%) and inclusion in health examination packages (24.3%), whereas healthcare provider recommendations (18%) and symptomatic concerns (5.7%) were the least influential. Our findings highlight the importance of providing evidence-based information for PCa screening recommendations and the need for improved communication and implementation of a shared decision-making approach for PCa screening in Korea.

Healthcare provider recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination: Prevalence, disparities, and correlates

ObjectiveWe assessed healthcare provider recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination, disparities across sociodemographic factors, and associations with health care coverage, social norms, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and Fox News preference. MethodsWe utilized random sample survey data of Arkansas residents (N = 2201) collected in October 2022 to identify adults with a personal provider who make up the analytical sample of this study (n = 1804). ResultsOver a third (37.2 %; n = 607) of the weighted sample did not receive a recommendation. Adjusted odds of receiving a recommendation were positively associated with health care coverage (aOR=1.66; 95 % CI [1.05, 2.64]) and negatively associated with perceiving "very few” (aOR=0.48; 95 % CI [0.33, 0.72]) or “some but not many” (aOR=0.57; 95 % CI [0.41, 0.80]) rather than “nearly all” people close to them to be vaccinated. Adjusted odds of receiving a recommendation were negatively associated with being very hesitant (vs. not at all hesitant) (aOR=0.65; 95 % CI [0.47, 0.88]). ConclusionProvider recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination were not provided for a large portion of Arkansas adults, were inconsistently provided across sociodemographic groups, and were associated with health care coverage, social norms, and vaccine hesitancy. Practice implicationsIntervening on disparities in COVID-19 vaccination may require addressing disparities in provider recommendations.

Maternal immunization.

Abstract Pregnant individuals and infants are at risk from vaccine-preventable diseases like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy can protect both the mother and child. Recent progress in developing these vaccines is notable, but vaccine hesitancy and the exclusion of pregnant individuals from clinical trials limit their use. Maternal immunization safeguards mothers from severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes while providing infants with antibodies through the placenta and breast milk. Inactivated vaccines are generally effective and safe during pregnancy. Limited safety and efficacy data due to exclusion from trials hinder vaccine uptake; however, vaccines like tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap), influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 have proven effective, and are recommended vaccines during pregnancy. New vaccines for group B Streptococcus (GBS) and cytomegalovirus are in development, with the GBS vaccine being the most advanced. Combating vaccine hesitancy through strong health care provider recommendations is vital to enhance uptake and protect pregnant individuals and their infants.

Acceptability of Moringa oleifera seeds flour supplement-added to normal diet by Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) in resource-limited setting

This article aims to assess the acceptability of Moringa oleifera seed supplementation among HIV-positive women in resource-limited settings. The management of HIV/AIDS in resource-constrained settings presents numerous challenges, highlighting the need for affordable supplements to complement standard anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Moringa oleifera, known for its nutritional and medicinal properties, has been noted for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. A descriptive study utilising a Likert-scale survey evaluated participants' familiarity with Moringa oleifera, perceived health benefits, potential risks, ease of dietary integration, and taste acceptability. The findings revealed a generally positive acceptance of Moringa oleifera supplementation, with a mean acceptability score of 2.5750. Notably, 58.2 per cent of participants found the taste palatable, and 72.2 per cent reported ease of incorporation into their daily diet. A significant 90 per cent expressed willingness to use Moringa oleifera if proven effective in suppressing HIV viral load. The study also highlighted the influence of healthcare provider recommendations, with 77.7 per cent of participants more likely to use Moringa oleifera based on professional advice. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera seed supplementation is generally acceptable among People Living with HIV, particularly when supported by healthcare providers. To enhance its use, the study recommends increasing awareness, engaging healthcare professionals, and conducting further research to maximise its potential health benefits for HIV-positive individuals.

Barriers and facilitators to breast cancer screening among high-risk women: a qualitative study.

Women with greater than 20-25% lifetime breast cancer risk are recommended to have breast cancer screening with annual mammogram and supplemental breast MRI. However, few women follow these screening recommendations. The objective of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators of screening among women at high risk for breast cancer, guided by the Health Services Utilization Model (HSUM). Unaffected high-risk women (N=63) completed semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring their experiences with breast cancer screening. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a combined deductive and inductive approach. Most participants (84%) had received a screening mammogram; fewer (33%) had received a screening breast MRI. Only 14% had received neither screening. In line with the HSUM, qualitative analysis identified predisposing factors, enabling factors, and need factors associated with receipt of breast cancer screening. Enabling factors - including financial burden, logistic barriers, social support, and care coordination - were most frequently discussed. Predisposing factors included knowledge, health beliefs, and self-advocacy. Need factors included healthcare provider recommendation, family history of breast cancer, and personal medical history. Although HSUM themes were consistent for both mammography and breast MRI, participants did highlight several important differences in barriers and facilitators between the two screening modalities. Barriers and enabling factors associated with supplemental screening for high-risk women represent possible intervention targets. Future research is needed to develop and test multilevel interventions targeting these factors, with the ultimate goal of increasing access to supplemental screening for high-risk women.

Factors Influencing Herpes Zoster Vaccine Utilization Among Adults Aged 50 and Above Attending Primary Healthcare Center in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a significant health concern for older adults caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. The availability of effective herpes zoster vaccines offers a crucial preventive measure to reduce the incidence and severity of this condition. However, the uptake of the available vaccine remains suboptimal, especially among adults aged 50 and above. Understanding the factors that influence vaccine utilization is not only essential for developing strategies to improve vaccination rates but also has the potential to significantly reduce the disease burden. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors influencing herpes zoster vaccine utilization among adults aged 50 and above attending primary healthcare centerin Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire administered to visitors attending Al-Wazarat Primary Healthcare Center in Riyadh. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data. A total of 403 participants were included in the study, with 73.7% of participants having heard of the disease, yet only 34.2% had received the vaccine. Vaccine uptake was significantly associated with gender, educational level, and healthcare provider recommendations. Common barriers to vaccination included fear of side effects, lack of perceived susceptibility, concerns about vaccine effectiveness, and access to healthcare facilities. Herpes zoster vaccine utilization among older adults in Saudi Arabia is relatively low despite moderate awareness. Enhancing public education through targeted campaigns and strengthening healthcare provider recommendations are crucial to improving vaccine uptake. Addressing specific barriers and misconceptions is essential to reduce the burden of herpes zoster in this population. The need for future research to explore strategies to overcome these challenges and promote higher vaccination rates is urgent and important.

Discharge against medical advice in rural and remote emergency departments: views of healthcare providers.

The aim of the study was to explore, in one remote hospital, emergency department healthcare providers' experience and perceptions of the factors surrounding a patient's decision to discharge against medical advice (DAMA). The secondary objective was to gain insight into staff experiences of the current protocols for managing DAMA cases and explore their recommendations for reducing DAMA incidence. This was a cross-sectional study involving a survey and semi-structured interviews exploring healthcare providers' (n=19) perceptions of factors perceived to be influencing DAMA, current practice for managing DAMA and recommendations for practice improvements. Health professionals (doctors, nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers) all worked in the emergency department of a remote community hospital, Queensland, Australia. Responses relating to influencing factors for DAMA were provided on a three-point rating scale from 'no influence/little influence' to 'very strong influence'. DAMA management protocol responses were a three-point rating scale from 'rarely/never' to 'always'. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after the survey and explored participants' perceptions in greater detail and current DAMA management protocol. Feedback from the total of 19 participants across the professions presented four prominent yet interconnected themes: patient, culture, health service and health provider, and health literacy and education-related factors. Factors that were perceived to have a strong influence on DAMA events included alcohol and drug abuse (100%), a lack of culturally sensitive healthcare services (94.7%), and family commitments or obligations (89.5%). Healthcare provider recommendations for preventing DAMA presented themes of right communication, culturally safe care (right place, right time) and the right staff to support DAMA prevention. The healthcare providers described the pivotal role the Indigenous Liaison Officer (ILO) plays and the importance of this position being filled. DAMA is a multifaceted issue, influenced by both personal and hospital system-related factors. Participants agreed that the presence of ILO and/or Aboriginal Health Workers in the emergency department may reduce DAMA occurrences for Indigenous Australians who are disproportionately represented in DAMA rates, particularly in rural and remote regions of Australia.

Exploring meningococcal serogroup B vaccination conversations under shared clinical decision-making in the US

Objective In 2019, the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated their meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccination recommendation for 16–‍23-year-olds from individual to shared clinical decision-making (SCDM). SCDM recommendations are individually based and informed by a decision process between patients and healthcare providers (HCPs). MenB vaccination among 16–23-year-olds remains low. We examined recorded conversations in which MenB vaccine-related discussions between HCPs and patients/caregivers took place, and how these interactions changed following the updated SCDM recommendation. Methods An analysis of recordings where MenB vaccination was discussed between HCPs and patients (16–‍23 years old)/caregivers was conducted using retrospective anonymized dialogue data (January 2015–October 2022). Shared decision-making strength was measured using a modified OPTION5 framework. Results Of 97 included recorded conversations, the average duration was 11.3 min. Within these conversations, MenB disease was discussed for 0.25 min (38.9% of words in total vaccine-preventable diseases discussion) and MenB vaccination was discussed for 1.36 min (60.9% of words in total vaccine discussion), on average. HCPs spoke 78.8% of MenB vaccine-related words and most (99.0%) initiated the MenB vaccination discussion. In 40.2% of recordings, HCPs acknowledged the MenB vaccine without providing a clear recommendation. HCP recommendations often favored MenB vaccination (87.0%) and recommendations were 21.4% stronger post-recommendation change to SCDM. As measured by the modified OPTION5 framework, most recordings did not reflect a high degree of shared decision-making between HCPs and patients/caregivers. Conclusions MenB vaccination discussions were brief, and the degree of shared decision-making was low. Targeted education of HCPs and patients/caregivers may improve MenB vaccination awareness, SCDM implementation, and vaccine uptake.

Development of a Digital Patient Assistant for the Management of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: Patient-Centric Design Study.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an enigmatic and debilitating disorder of gut-brain interaction that is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe vomiting and nausea. It significantly impairs patients' quality of life and can lead to frequent medical visits and substantial health care costs. The diagnosis for CVS is often protracted and complex, primarily due to its exclusionary diagnosis nature and the lack of specific biomarkers. This typically leads to a considerable delay in accurate diagnosis, contributing to increased patient morbidity. Additionally, the absence of approved therapies for CVS worsens patient hardship and reflects the urgent need for innovative, patient-centric solutions to improve CVS management. We aim to develop a digital patient assistant (DPA) for patients with CVS to address their unique needs, and iteratively enhance the technical features and user experience on the initial DPA versions. The development of the DPA for CVS used a design thinking approach, prioritizing user needs. A literature review and Patient Advisory Board shaped the initial prototype, focusing on diagnostic support and symptom tracking. Iterative development, informed by the design thinking approach and feedback from patients with CVS and caregivers through interviews and smartphone testing, led to significant enhancements in user interaction and artificial intelligence integration. The final DPA's effectiveness was validated using the System Usability Scale and feedback questions, ensuring it met the specific needs of the CVS community. The DPA developed for CVS integrates an introductory bot, daily and weekly check-in bots, and a knowledge hub, all accessible via a patient dashboard. This multicomponent solution effectively addresses key unmet needs in CVS management: efficient symptom and impacts tracking, access to comprehensive disease information, and a digital health platform for disease management. Significant improvements, based on user feedback, include the implementation of artificial intelligence features like intent recognition and data syncing, enhancing the bot interaction and reducing the burden on patients. The inclusion of the knowledge hub provides educational resources, contributing to better disease understanding and management. The DPA achieved a System Usability Scale score of 80 out of 100, indicating high ease of use and relevance. Patient feedback highlighted the DPA's potential in disease management and suggested further applications, such as integration into health care provider recommendations for patients with suspected or confirmed CVS. This positive response underscores the DPA's role in enhancing patient engagement and disease management through a patient-centered digital solution. The development of this DPA for patients with CVS, via an iterative design thinking approach, offers a patient-centric solution for disease management. The DPA development framework may also serve to guide future patient digital support and research scenarios.

A stepped wedge trial of a healthcare provider–focused intervention to increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine initiation among survivors of childhood cancer.

10010 Background: Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers. HPV vaccination is highly protective against HPV acquisition. However, we have previously shown that initiation rates among survivors are low, primarily due to lack of healthcare provider recommendation for the vaccine. Methods: We conducted a stepped wedge trial from 2021 to 2023 to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based healthcare provider-focused intervention (HPV PROTECT; NCT04469569) in increasing HPV vaccine initiation rates 1y following implementation. The intervention includes provider communication training to enhance vaccine recommendation skills, audit/feedback regarding clinic vaccination rates, and patient-directed resources in multiple languages tailored to pediatric oncology settings. We measured the effectiveness of the intervention in a racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse sample of HPV vaccine naïve childhood cancer survivors, aged 9-17y, and ≥1y post-completion of therapy returning to pediatric oncology clinics for follow-up care at 6 sites. The primary outcome of interest was HPV vaccine initiation rates (abstracted from state vaccine registries) at end of each study year. Baseline data were collected for all sites in Y1, three sites were randomly selected to receive the intervention in Y2, and the remaining three in Y3. The intervention effect was tested using a longitudinal logistic regression model for initiation with intervention as the main fixed effect, adjusting for survivor age, cancer diagnosis, time off-therapy, sex, race, ethnicity, and receipt of hematopoietic cell transplantation. The secular trend (estimated using pre-intervention data from Y1 and Y2) was included as an offset, and site was included as a random effect. The intervention effect was reported as odds ratio (OR) for initiation with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of 1779 unique vaccine naïve survivors (47.1 % leukemia; 55.1% male; 51.5% non-Hispanic white) completed 2689 clinic visits across 6 sites. Median (range) age at diagnosis was 5.1y (0-16.5), at study entry was 12.3y (9-17.9), and median time off-therapy was 5.5y (1.0-17.3). Overall incident HPV vaccine initiation was 16.0% at baseline. The adjusted odds of vaccine initiation were 1.3-fold (95%CI, 1.03-1.6; p = 0.03) higher post-intervention vs. pre-intervention, accounting for secular trend OR of 1.1. Overall prevalence of vaccine initiation increased from 51.9% pre-intervention to 61.3% post-intervention. Conclusions: The improvement in childhood cancer survivor HPV vaccine initiation rates in a diverse sample following implementation of a healthcare provider-focused intervention underscores the potential for pediatric oncology providers to positively impact HPV vaccine uptake in this vulnerable population. Clinical trial information: NCT04469569 .

Getting to the bottom of why children with spina bifida use the emergency department: A qualitative analysis of parent and stakeholder perspectives

Children with Spina Bifida (SB) have considerable healthcare utilization, including Emergency Department use (EDU). We aimed to elicit reasons for EDU using qualitative analysis of interviews with both patient-caregiver dyads and stakeholders. A cohort of children with SB followed at our institution between 2016 and 2020 was identified and patient and clinical characteristics abstracted. Purposeful sampling by age and degree of past EDU was performed. Semi-structured interviews of dyads were performed using iteratively revised interview guides. Spanish-language interviews were conducted by a native Spanish speaker and transcripts professionally translated. Supplemental interviews with stakeholders, namely knowledgeable healthcare professionals, were also conducted. A qualitative framework approach was used for analysis, including open followed by closed independent coding with calculation of inter-rater reliability. A final interpretation of coding reports assessing convergence, divergence, and variation in themes across participant characteristics. 116 families (4 Spanish-speaking) and 7 stakeholders were interviewed. Sampling yielded a heterogenous cohort for EDU (56% with 0-10, 44% with >10 visits) and age (25% 0-4, 44% 5-11, 31%>11 years). IRR was optimal (κ=0.9). Themes in perceived reasons for EDU were 1) desire for "one-stop-shop" care, 2) an emergent medical problem, 3) providers' instructions, 4) negative past healthcare experience, 5) intrinsic caregiver moderators, and 6) temporospatial influences. Themes 1, 2, and 5 predominated in dyads, whereas themes 6, 3, and 5 were most common in stakeholders. Stakeholders focused largely on negative institutional and patient characteristics. Among dyads only, theme #1 was disproportionately emphasized by Spanish-speaking patients. Families desired access to coordinated expert care, testing and imaging. The ED offers this for children with SB, regardless of clinical acuity. This may be especially valued by families with inherent challenges to navigating the healthcare system. Negative experiences in community clinical settings, healthcare provider recommendations and intrinsic parental factors were themes that seemed to contribute to seeking this "one-stop-shop" type of care. Care coordination may reduce ED reliance, but themes for the interviews suggest a systems-based efforts should weave in the community care setting. For both stakeholders and caregivers, the ED represented a valued form of immediate access to multispecialty, expert care and testing in the context of perceived lack of timely, coordinated outpatient care. This may be moderated by intrinsic caregiver factors and negative past experiences. Although stakeholders discussed ideas that fit into patient-caregiver themes, the also uniquely focused on systems-based and patient-caregiver limitations.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance of Pregnant Women in Thailand.

This study investigated the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate among pregnant women in Thailand and explored factors influencing their willingness to receive the vaccine, to enhance vaccine uptake among hesitant pregnant women in the future. A prospective study was conducted at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand, in October 2022. The data was collected using face-to-face questionnaires comprising 29 closed-end questions. Pregnant women aged 18 years old or over visiting the antenatal care clinic were included. The study included 200 participants, revealing a COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate of 17%. Healthcare provider recommendations significantly increased vaccine acceptance by nearly two-fold (30.77%, p-value < 0.01). The major cause of vaccine hesitancy was the concern about vaccine safety that potentially harmed their babies (77.44%). The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate among pregnant women in Thailand was low. Healthcare provider recommendations played a pivotal role in positively impacting vaccine acceptance, highlighting their importance in increasing acceptance rates in the future.

Perceptions, Attitudes, and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Residents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, with significant associations with various cancers. Despite the availability of HPV vaccines, vaccination uptake remains suboptimal in many regions, including Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional survey-based study aimed to assess perceptions, attitudes, and barriers related to HPV vaccination among residents in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited using a stratified sampling method, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered electronically. A total of 600 participants were included in the study, with diverse demographic profiles observed. The largest age group was 26-35 years old, comprising 42.7% (n = 256) of the sample. The distribution of gender was approximately equal, with 54.7% (n = 328) male participants. Notable perception and knowledge about HPV were observed, with 49.7% (n = 298) reporting being very familiar. Furthermore, 85.8% (n = 515) believed that HPV could cause serious health problems, and 63.7% (n = 382) perceived the vaccine to be very effective. Positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination were prevalent, with a significant proportion expressing a willingness to recommend the vaccine to themselves (70.0%, n = 420) and their children (65.0%, n = 390). Healthcare provider recommendation emerged as a key influencing factor, with 73.8% (n = 443) citing it as influential. Despite favorable attitudes, barriers to HPV vaccination were reported, including vaccine cost (22.5%, n = 135) and lack of awareness (13.7%, n = 82). However, a substantial proportion of unvaccinated participants cited not applicable reasons (57.2%, n = 343), indicating prior vaccination. Factors associated with HPV vaccination uptake included higher education levels, with those holding a master's degree or above exhibiting higher odds of vaccination uptake (OR (odds ratio): 1.80, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.35-2.40, p < 0.001). Age (26-35 vs. 18-25) also showed a borderline significant association (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.98-1.60, p = 0.074). The study highlights the importance of understanding perceptions and barriers to HPV vaccination to inform public health policies and programs in Saudi Arabia. Addressing identified barriers, such as educational campaigns and improving access to vaccination services, is essential for enhancing HPV vaccination coverage and reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in the region.

Factors associated with pregnant women’s willingness to receive maternal pertussis vaccination in Guizhou Province, China: An exploratory cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The rise in pertussis incidence among infants in Guizhou, China underscores the need for maternal acellular pertussis vaccine (aP) immunization, a key strategy in protecting infants from severe health consequences. However, the willingness of pregnant women in Guizhou to receive this vaccine is not well-understood. This study aimed to explore pregnant women’s intentions toward maternal pertussis vaccination in Guizhou and identify the associated factors. A questionnaire based on the health belief model, was administered in an exploratory cross-sectional study from January to February 2022. Data from 564 participants were collected and analyzed. The chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Poisson regression were used to identify potential factors associated with vaccination intentions. Participants’ median age was 27 y (interquartile range (IQR): 24–31), and the median number of children per participant was one. The study found that only 36.0% of the participants intended to receive the aP vaccine while 64.0% were uncertain or negative in this regard. Significant factors associated with intentions to vaccinate included perceived barriers and cues for action and perceived benefits. The major barriers for low vaccination intentions were safety concerns for both the fetus and the mother, and family members’ negative attitudes. Free vaccines, perceiving preventive benefits, observing other pregnant women getting vaccinated, and healthcare provider recommendations may facilitate vaccination intentions. Multiple immune strategies should be developed or optimized to cope with the resurgence of pertussis.

Social Processes and COVID-19 Vaccination of Children of Hesitant Mothers.

Investigate relationships between pediatric COVID-19 vaccination and social processes of healthcare provider recommendations and school encouragement to provide insights into social processes that may support pediatric COVID-19 vaccination among hesitant mothers. We analyzed survey data from a subsample (n = 509) of vaccine-hesitant mothers to child patients (ages 2 to 17) in regional clinics across Arkansas. Data were collected between September 16th and December 6th, 2022. Full information maximum likelihood multivariable logistic regression was conducted to evaluate associations with pediatric COVID-19 vaccination. Adjusted odds of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination were more than three times greater when a child's healthcare provider recommended vaccination compared to when they did not (aOR = 3.52; 95% CI[2.06, 6.01]). Adjusted odds of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination were 85% greater when a child's school encouraged parents to vaccinate compared to when the school did not (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI[1.13, 3.03]). For pediatric COVID-19 vaccination, having a personal healthcare provider is not significantly different from having no personal healthcare provider if they do not recommend the child be vaccinated. Clinical and public health interventions should consider social processes of healthcare provider recommendations and school encouragement.

An Evaluation of Messages to Promote Parental Intent to Vaccinate Children Aged

Effective health communication can increase intent to vaccinate. We compared 8 messages that may influence parents' intent to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. In a cross-sectional survey of adults in the United States administered online in August 2021, 1837 parents and legal guardians were exposed to 8 messages (individual choice, gain/practical benefits, nonexpert, health care provider recommendation, altruism/community good, safety/effectiveness, safety, and effectiveness) to determine message reception and influence on intent to vaccinate their children. Parents responded to 10 questions using a Likert scale. We computed odds ratios (ORs) for each message, with an OR >1.0 indicating greater observed odds of participant agreement with the follow-up statement as compared with a reference message. We compared outcomes individually across messages with ordinal logistic regression fit using generalized estimating equations. The individual choice message had the highest odds of agreement for understanding intent (OR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.94-2.27), followed by the health care provider recommendation message (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.46-1.71). The individual choice message had the highest odds of memorability, relatability, and trustworthiness. The altruism/community good message was at or near second best. The altruism/community good message had the highest or near-highest odds of increasing parents' intent to vaccinate their children, asking friends and family for their thoughts, and searching for additional information. The message that most motivated parents to vaccinate their children depended on parental intent to vaccinate prior to being exposed to the tested messages. Messages with themes of individual choice, health care provider recommendation, and altruism/community good may be used in future message campaigns. Further research is needed to refine message concepts related to altruism/community good.