Publication: Knowledge and attitude on childhood vaccination among healthcare workers in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
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Date
2022
Authors
Mukhtar, Ahmad Faiq
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Abstract
Introduction and research objectives: Vaccine hesitancy has been recognized as an important issue globally. Healthcare workers (HCWs) had a powerful influence on the public on educating them the right understanding on childhood vaccination. Recent studies have reported that there is increasing numbers of vaccine hesitancy among HCWs. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitudes on childhood vaccinations among HCWs in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 198 HCWs in HUSM, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan who were selected via convenient sampling. Data on their socio-demographic details, working experience, and main source of information regarding childhood vaccination were collected. A validated, Malay version of the Knowledge and Attitude on Childhood Vaccination (KACV) questionnaire was used during the study. Hosmer Lemeshow for fitness model was used. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine associated factors for good knowledge and positive attitude. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean score for knowledge is 27.3 (91%) and the score range is from 12 to 30. While the mean score for attitude is 60.8 (81%) and the score range is from 39 to 75. Female sex [OR (95% CI):3.15, (1.39, 7.12), p < 0.05] and higher education level (degree and above) [OR(95% CI): 2.36 (1.14, 4.89), p < 0.05] are significantly associated with good knowledge. Respondents with a history of side effects of the vaccines among their relatives were about 66 % less likely to have good knowledge [OR (95% CI): 0.342 (0.16, 0.73), p < 0.05]. Positive attitudes toward childhood vaccination were significantly associated with higher levels of knowledge among participants as well as having significantly better knowledge when compared to participants with lower levels of knowledge [OR (95% CI): 3.81, (1.92, 7.57), p <0.001]. On the contrary, participants having direct contact with patients were less likely to have a good attitude [OR (95% CI): 0.207(0.043, 0.10), p<0.05], and those with a history of severe side effects of the vaccines among their relatives were also significantly associated with poor attitude [OR (95% CI: 0.342 (0.16, 0.76), p<0.05]. Conclusion: The education level is associated with good knowledge score. HCWs with relatives having side effects of vaccination is associated with lower knowledge score and more likely to have negative attitude. This study recommends more enhanced education programs on childhood vaccinations for HCWs in HUSM and demand an improved knowledge and attitude on childhood vaccinations. These findings highlight the need for increased efforts by policymakers to educate HCWs to enhance their knowledge and attitude on childhood vaccination. To improve the knowledge and to have positive attitude of childhood vaccination among HCWs, we recommend the development and implementation of vaccination communication strategies that address the determinants of vaccine hesitancy through systematic continuous education programs to targeted HCWs with low score of knowledge and attitude
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Keywords
attitude , healthcare workers