Knowledge, Attitudes And Beliefs Research Articles

'Getting control of Corona takes many angles': COVID-19 vaccine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among refugee/immigrant/migrant communities in four US cities.

The objectives of the study were to (i) document refugee, immigrant and migrant (RIM) communities' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KABs) related to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine and (ii) identify best practices for developing and disseminating culturally and linguistically responsive health messaging addressing those KABs. Thirteen online focus groups (OFGs) in 10 languages were conducted. Each OFG was conducted in the participants' native language. OFGs were recorded, transcribed, translated and uploaded to qualitative software for coding. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results suggest that while there was some variation between different language groups (e.g. whether religious leaders were seen as trusted sources of information about COVID), there were also important commonalities. Most language groups (i) alluded to hearing about or having gaps in knowledge about COVID-19/the COVID-19 vaccine, (ii) reported hearing negative or conflicting stories about the vaccine and (iii) shared concerns about the negative side effects of the vaccine. There continues to be a need for health messaging in RIM communities that is culturally and linguistically concordant and follows health literacy guidelines. Message content about the COVID-19 vaccine should focus on vaccine importance, effectiveness and safety, should be multimodal and should be primarily delivered by healthcare professionals and community members who have already been vaccinated.

Determinants of parental vaccine hesitancy in Canada: results from the 2017 Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey

BackgroundIn 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated vaccine hesitancy as one of the ten leading threats to global health. Vaccine hesitancy exists when vaccination services are available and accessible, but vaccine uptake is lower than anticipated. It is often attributed to lack of trust in vaccine safety and effectiveness, or low level of concern about the risk of many vaccine-preventable diseases. This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with parental vaccine hesitancy and vaccine refusal in Canada using data from the 2017 Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey (CNICS).MethodThe 2017 CNICS was a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey to estimate national vaccine uptake and to collect information about parents’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (KAB) regarding vaccination. Using the KAB questions, parental vaccine hesitancy (i.e., parental hesitation, delay or refusal of at least one recommended vaccination) and refusal (i.e., unvaccinated children) by sociodemographic factors was estimated using weighted prevalence proportions. A multinomial logistic regression model was fitted to examine associations between parental vaccine hesitancy or refusal and sociodemographic factors among parents of two-year-old children in Canada. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of being vaccine-hesitant or vaccine-refusing versus being non-vaccine-hesitant were generated.ResultsBoth unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions models showed that parents with lower household income (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.5), and those with a higher number of children in the household (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.5) had higher vaccine hesitancy. Conversely, lower vaccine hesitancy was observed among non-immigrant parents (aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.6). In addition, lower household income (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3–12.9), and higher number of children in the household (aOR 6.9, 95% CI 2.1–22.9) were significantly associated with parental vaccine refusal. Regional variations were also observed.ConclusionSeveral sociodemographic determinants are associated with parental vaccine hesitancy and refusal. The findings of the study could help public health officials and policymakers to develop and implement targeted interventions to improve childhood vaccination programs.

Determinants of vaccine refusal, delay and reluctance in parents of 2-year-old children in Canada: Findings from the 2017 Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey (cNICS)

Vaccine hesitancy is a barrier to improving childhood vaccination rates in Canada, but the scope of this problem is unclear due to inconsistent measurement of vaccine uptake indicators. Using 2017 data from a Canadian national vaccine coverage survey, this study analyzed the impact of demographics and parental knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB) on vaccine decisions (refusal, delay and reluctance) in parents of 2-year-old children who had received at least one vaccine. The findings show that 16.8% had refused a vaccine, specifically influenza (73%), rotavirus (13%) and varicella (9%); female parents or those from Quebec or the Territories more likely to refuse. 12.8% were reluctant to accept a vaccine, usually influenza (34%), MMR (21%) and varicella (19%), but eventually accepted them upon advice from a health care provider. 13.1% had delayed a vaccine, usually because their child had health issues (54%) or was too young (18.6%) and was predicted by five or six person households. Recent immigration to Canada decreased likelihood of refusal, delay, or reluctance; however, after 10 years in Canada, these parents were as likely to refuse or be reluctant as parents born in Canada. Poor KAB increased likelihood of refusal and delay by 5 times, and reluctance by 15 times, while moderate KAB increased likelihood of refusal (OR 1.6), delay (OR 2.3) and reluctance (OR 3.6). Future research into vaccine decisions by female and/or single parents, and predictors of vaccine KAB would provide valuable information and help protect our children from vaccine preventable diseases.

Influenza vaccination among Dutch general practitioners and their attitude toward influenza vaccination in the elderly

ABSTRACT Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KABs) toward influenza vaccination (IV) play a key role in HCWs’ decisions to receive vaccination and can strongly influence patients’ IV uptake. We examined the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of GPs toward IV, exploring their opinion on IV in the elderly, mandatory HCW vaccination and the desirability of an IV trial in the elderly with hospitalization/mortality as effect measure. From November 2018 to March 2019, surveys were emailed to GPs and GP-practices (n = 1676) in three regions of the Netherlands. We assessed the self-reported IV in GPs, reasons for (not) advising IV to personnel, (not) supporting mandatory IV for personnel and (not) desiring a trial on IV in the elderly on hospitalization/mortality. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine predictors for GP IV. A total of 552 surveys were completed and 71.9% of the GPs reported receiving IV. Determinants for IV in GPs were male sex (aOR 1.62, 95%CI 1.06–2.49, p = .03) and age ≥60 y (aOR 5.25, 95%CI 1.51–18.32, p = .01). Seventy-nine percent of the GPs recommend IV for their practice personnel. Mandatory IV for personnel was supported by 41.2% of the GPs with GP self-reporting IV being the only determinant (aOR 10.03 (95%CI 5.69–17.70 p = .00)). An IV trial on hospitalization and/or mortality was desired by 60.5% of the GPs. We concluded that the majority of Dutch GPs receives IV and recommends IV to their personnel. These high rates along with the hesitancy of GPs toward mandatory HCW IV should be considered when policymakers decide on a mandate for IV in HCW in general.

Delayed measles vaccination of toddlers in Canada: Associated socio-demographic factors and parental knowledge, attitudes and beliefs

ABSTRACTDelaying vaccination increases the period of vulnerability of children against vaccine-preventable diseases. We used a nationally representative sample of Canadian two-year-old children to explore factors associated with delays in the uptake of the first dose of measles-containing vaccine, recommended in Canada for children at 12 months of age. Distribution of delays was determined using data from the 2013 Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey. Logistic regression was used to examine sociodemographic factors and knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB) associated with the two outcomes of interest: delays of one to six months (vaccination at 13 to 18 months of age) and delays of seven to 18 months (vaccination at 19 to 23 months of age). Overall, 69% (95% confidence interval [CI] 67–71) of children received their first valid dose on time. Twenty-nine percent (95% CI 27–31) and 11% (95% CI 9–12) of children were unvaccinated before turning 13 and 16 months of age, respectively. Factors associated with delays of one to six months were being a girl, being born outside Canada, and the jurisdiction of residence. Being from a single-parent family, being born outside Canada and the jurisdiction of residence were associated with delays of seven to 18 months, suggesting that potential barriers might be at play. Associations between KAB and vaccination delays indicate that vaccine hesitancy could contribute to measles vaccination delays in Canada. Barriers in accessing vaccination services and the role of vaccine hesitancy in timely vaccination must be better understood to reduce vaccination delays in toddlers in Canada.

Preparing the Future: An interprofessional approach to prepare future health and service-delivery professionals to attain an AIDS-free generation

Abstract Background Less than 30% of the 1.2 million persons living with HIV in the United States are successfully treated. There is a deficit in knowledge and skills to address the HIV epidemic among the health and service delivery workforce. Purpose The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of a didactic and hands-on interprofessional HIV curriculum among a health and service delivery professions students in a US urban area using a Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (KAB) framework. Methods A pre- and post-test evaluation was distributed to students in the 2012–2013 academic year. Open-ended questions gathered free-form insight from participants. A total of 179 students (82% response rate) from the five academic disciplines completed the evaluations. Discussion The Preparing the Future program accomplished its goal of increasing knowledge and attitudes about HIV among participants. Educating health and service delivery professions students about HIV provides an opportunity to influence knowledge and attitudes.

A Population-based Study into Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (KAB) about HIV/AIDS

Abstract Background: It has been reported that three factors may be responsible for the social stigma associated with disease: widespread ignorance, little information andmisconceptions about the disease in society. Objectives: This study is aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HIV/AIDS in residents of Mashhad, the largest city in northeast Iran. Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted over three days, starting on December 1 2013, since this day was the World’s AIDS day. Each day the investigating group carried out the study in a different crowded place in the city. Using a convenience samplingmethod,members of the public were asked to fill in a questionnaire, which included the world health organization’s instru- ment for assessing knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HIV/AIDS. The data obtained were evaluated by frequency and percentage ratios, Chi-square ( 2 ),Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, using the significance level P < 0.05. Results: Three hundred and eighty five individuals participated in this study. Themedian age was 27 years and the interquartile range was 21 - 45 years. The data analysis showed that most participants had good knowledge in this general domain: 70.2% of the answers in this domain were correct (47.1% in males and 23.1% in females). In general, the respondents’ attitudes toward AIDS were found to be tolerable and the total score showed significant differences according to educational level (P < 0.001). The majority of the respon- dents indicated that television, newspapers,magazines, and bookswere theirmajor sources of information about AIDS. Approximately 80% of participants needed specific information about the disease, with the preventionmethods being themost frequently requested information. Conclusions: This study showed that wemust putmore effort in translating knowledge into behavior.

Parental Vaccine Hesitancy in Quebec (Canada).

Introduction: "Vaccine hesitancy" is a concept frequently used in the discourse around vaccine acceptance. This study aims to contribute to the ongoing reflections on tools and indicators of vaccine hesitancy by providing results of a knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB) survey conducted among parents.Methods: Data were collected in 2014 through a computer-assisted telephone interview survey administered to a sample of parents of children aged between 2 months and 17 years of age.Results: The majority of the 589 parents included in the analyses agreed on the importance of vaccination to protect their children’s health and to prevent the spread of diseases in the community. The majority of the parents (81%) reported that their child had received all doses of recommended vaccines and 40% of parents indicated having hesitated to have their child vaccinated. Fear of adverse events and low perceived vulnerability of the child or severity of the disease were the most frequent reasons mentioned by these vaccine-hesitant parents. In multivariate analyses, KAB items remaining significantly associated both with an incomplete vaccination status of the child and parents’ vaccine hesitancy were: not thinking that it is important to have the child vaccinated to prevent the spreading of diseases in the community; not trusting the received vaccination information and having felt pressure to have the child vaccinated.Discussion: Further researches will be needed to better understand when, how and why these beliefs are formed in order to prevent the onset of vaccine hesitancy.

Flu vaccine experiences and beliefs influence vaccination decision making more than knowledge

Mass immunization programs have proven to be a primary preventive measure to limit the spread of many infectious diseases worldwide. Nurses are trained to be leaders in preventing potential global health problems, but they are one of the groups with the lowest rates of compliancy in receiving influenza vaccination. Since nursing faculty are important role models in molding attitudes and behaviors of future nurses (their students), we set out to explore the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of the nursing faculty and their students regarding influenza vaccine decision making. Our study included an assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KABs) of the nursing faculty and students related to influenza vaccination and whether their KABs influence the decision to receive or decline the vaccination. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire and our study indicated that personal experiences—either positive or negative—had a direct effect on influenza vaccine decision-making. Additionally, personal experiences influenced beliefs, and beliefs were shown to influence decision-making regarding vaccination. While beliefs and personal experiences had a direct effect on vaccine decision-making, knowledge had only an indirect effect through beliefs. Our study demonstrated that even though nursing practice is supposed to be driven by evidence-based medical practices, personal practices by nurses may be more influenced by personal beliefs than medical knowledge.

Flu vaccine experiences and beliefs influence vaccination decision making more than knowledge

Mass immunization programs have proven to be a primary preventive measure to limit the spread of many infectious diseases worldwide. Nurses are trained to be leaders in preventing potential global health problems, but they are one of the groups with the lowest rates of compliancy in receiving influenza vaccination. Since nursing faculty are important role models in molding attitudes and behaviors of future nurses (their students), we set out to explore the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of the nursing faculty and their students regarding influenza vaccine decision making. Our study included an assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KABs) of the nursing faculty and students related to influenza vaccination and whether their KABs influence the decision to receive or decline the vaccination.&nbsp; A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire and our study indicated that personal experiences—either positive or negative—had a direct effect on influenza vaccine decision-making.&nbsp; Additionally, personal experiences influenced beliefs, and beliefs were shown to influence decision-making regarding vaccination.&nbsp; While beliefs and personal experiences had a direct effect on vaccine decision-making, knowledge had only an indirect effect through beliefs. Our study demonstrated that even though nursing practice is supposed to be driven by evidence-based medical practices, personal practices by nurses may be more influenced by personal beliefs than medical knowledge.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs of Meditation in College Students: Barriers and Opportunities

College students have a high burden of stress resulting from balancing college life, academic studies, work, and family. Meditation has been shown to be an effective coping tool for dealing with stress. Current uses of meditation and mindfulness to enhance college student success is also presented. Studies regarding various benefits of meditation have addressed the need for understanding barriers to meditation. To determine barriers and opportunities for meditation and related practices, a Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (KAB) survey was conducted to determine student perceptions regarding the use of meditation in a college population. The constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM) were utilized to categorize student responses. Opportunities for promoting meditation are presented, including increase mindfulness, better sleep quality, enhanced forgiveness, reduced mood disturbance, increased GPA, and increased awareness and stopping of incessant and destructive thoughts. Ignorance of the benefits of meditative practices were identified as the primary barrier

Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about chronic noncancer pain in primary care: a Canadian survey of physicians and pharmacists.

Primary care providers' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB) regarding chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) are a barrier to optimal management. To evaluate and identify the determinants of the KAB of primary care physicians and pharmacists, and to document clinician preferences regarding the content and format of a continuing education program (CEP). Physicians and pharmacists of 486 CNCP patients participated. Physicians completed the original version of the KnowPain-50 questionnaire. Pharmacists completed a modified version. A multivariate linear regression model was developed to identify the determinants of their KAB. A total of 137 of 387 (35.4%) physicians and 110&nbsp;of 278&nbsp;(39.5%) pharmacists completed the survey. Compared with the physicians, the pharmacists surveyed included more women (64% versus 38%) and had less clinical experience (15 years versus 26 years). The mean KnowPain-50 score was 69.3% (95% CI 68.0% to 70.5%) for physicians and 63.8% (95% CI 62.5% to 65.1%) for pharmacists. Low scores were observed on all aspects of pain management: initial assessment (physicians, 68.3%; pharmacists, 65.4%); definition of treatment goals and expectations (76.1%; 61.6%); development of a treatment plan (66.4%; 59.0%); and reassessment and management of longitudinal care (64.3%; 53.1%). Ten hours of reported CEP sessions increased the KAB score by 0.3 points. All clinicians considered a CEP for CNCP to be essential. Physicians preferred an interactive format, while pharmacists had no clear preferences. A CEP to improve primary care providers' knowledge and competency in managing CNCP, and to reduce false beliefs and inappropriate attitudes regarding CNCP is relevant and perceived as necessary by clinicians.

Canadian paediatricians’ opinions on rotavirus vaccination

Rotavirus is the leading cause of dehydration and hospitalization due to gastroenteritis (GE) in young children. Almost all children are affected by the age of 5years. Two safe and effective rotavirus vaccines are available for clinical use in Canada. In the context where rotavirus vaccination is recommended, but not publicly funded, we have assessed paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB) regarding rotavirus disease and its prevention by vaccination. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire based upon the Health Belief Model and the Analytical framework for immunization programs was mailed to all 1852 Canadian paediatricians. The response rate was 50%. The majority of respondents rated consequences of rotavirus infection for young patients as moderate. Sixty-six percent considered that rotavirus disease occur frequently without vaccination and 62% estimated that the disease generates a significant economic burden. Sixty-nine percent of respondents considered rotavirus vaccines to be safe and 61%, to be effective. The reduction of severe GE cases was seen as the main benefit of rotavirus vaccination, while the risk of adverse events was the principal perceived barrier. Fifty-three percent (53%) indicated a strong intention to recommend rotavirus vaccines. In multivariate analysis, main determinant of paediatricians’ intention to recommend rotavirus vaccines was the perceived health and economic burden of rotavirus diseases (partial R2=0.49, p<0.0001). More than half of surveyed paediatricians were willing to recommend rotavirus vaccines to their patients, but the proportion of respondents who had a strong intention to do so remains low when compared to several other new vaccines. As with other new vaccines, rotavirus vaccine uptake risks to remain low in Canada as long as it is not publicly funded.

Abstract P1-10-13: Mexican American Men and Female Cancer Screening: Is the TexasMexico Border Different?

Abstract Background Husband/partner support is a major determinant of breast/cervical cancer screening in Hispanic women and may adversely affect these rates in south Texas border communities. The Esperanza y Vida/Life Skills project is a pilot, community based, breast/cervical cancer education, screening, and treatment program for Hispanic women and men. The current study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB) about breast/cervical cancer screening among Mexican American men in 3 border communities. Methods Semi-structured, bilingual interviews were conducted in male focus groups held in Laredo, Eagle Pass and Nueces County Texas. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed, coded and content analysis used to identify themes across codes. Each participant completed a bilingual survey of beast/cervical cancer KAB. Results 27 male participants median age 59y (range 26-91y; age distribution &amp;lt;50-29%, 50-69 37%, 70+-33%) were recruited by our community partners. 85.2% had lived at their current residence &amp;gt;2y. 56% had less than a high school education and 14.8% had no education. Annual household income was less than $10,000 in 59% and 63% were unemployed. Bumping/bruising and touching the breast were believed to increase breast cancer risk in 41% and 33% of men respectively. While 55.5% correctly identified family history as a breast cancer risk factor only 25.9% identified age. Only 11/27 (42.6%) associated advancing age with an increased likelihood of cervical cancer. Clinical breast exam and Pap testing frequency were correctly identified by 51.8% and 41% of men respectively. Qualitatively, men feared cancer and were likely to have a fatalistic view of it. They expressed some knowledge of breast and cervical cancer, but also had questions and concerns about it. Performance of screening exams by male providers did not pose a barrier but the men preferred that female nurses be present during sensitive exams. They did not express any jealousy or negative feelings towards having their wives screened by males. The men recognized the importance of cancer screening and actively supported screening in their spouses. Screening and early detection were important to keep the family together as was support for women who had cancer. Men felt it was important for them to ‘push’ their wives to get screened. They expressed concern about limited community resources for cancer information and mainly identified clinics, physicians and hospitals as primary cancer information resources. The men identified a need for more primary care physicians who had cancer screening service access. They were embarrassed about teaching their daughters about breast and cervical cancer screening and felt that was more of the mother's role. Conclusions Men in Texas-Mexico border communities were willing to openly discuss breast and cervical cancer. They recognized the importance of cancer screening, family education/awareness and actively support screening in their spouses. Male providers did not pose a barrier to cancer screening for Mexican men. The men have some knowledge, but would benefit from additional information and resources within their communities. Addressing cultural barriers, knowledge issues and access will be helpful in these communities. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-13.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (KAB) Regarding Reporting of Adverse Events Following Immunizations (AEFI)

Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (KAB) Regarding Reporting of Adverse Events Following Immunizations (AEFI)