Attitudes and Intentions Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine Among Healthcare Professionals in French Guiana
Introduction - Against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the concerning spread of the more transmissible 20J/501Y.V3 (P1) variant, an mRNA vaccine became available in French Guiana starting in mid-January 2021. This study aimed to assess vaccination intentions among healthcare professionals in French Guiana. Methods - A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 22 to March 26, 2021, among a sample of healthcare workers in French Guiana using a widely distributed anonymous online questionnaire. Results - A total of 579 healthcare professionals agreed to participate in this study, including 220 physicians and 200 nurses, most of whom worked in hospitals (54%) or in private practice (22%). Overall, 65.6% of respondents stated that they wanted to get vaccinated or had already been vaccinated against COVID-19, while 24.3% of respondents stated that they did not want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and 11.2% were uncertain. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with a greater intention to get vaccinated were older age, level of concern regarding COVID-19, trust in information provided about vaccines, and having been vaccinated against the flu the previous year. Conversely, reluctance toward certain vaccinations in general (ORa=0.23, 95% CI: [0.13–0.41]) and being from the Antilles or French Guiana (0.39 [0.21–0.73]) were associated with greater distrust of vaccination. Conclusion—Negative views and attitudes toward vaccines are a major public health concern among healthcare professionals in French Guiana. Regional specificities, general vaccine hesitancy, and concerns about future side effects in particular represent significant barriers and/or factors. Low trust in the government and science is a significant factor in the refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine among non-medical staff. Public health messages containing information on vaccine safety should be tailored to address these concerns.
Author(s): Granier Sybille, Brureau Képha, Breton Jacques, Michaud Céline, Gaillet Mélanie, Agostini Camille, Ballet Mathilde, Nacher Mathieu, Valdes Audrey, Abboud Philippe, Adenis Antoine, Djossou Félix, Epelboin Loïc, Douine Maylis, Vignier Nicolas
Publishing year: 2022
Pages: 2-9
Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2022, n° 14 - série Covid-19, p. 2-9
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