Healthcare University Courses Fail to Improve Opinions, Knowledge, and Attitudes toward Vaccines among Healthcare Students: A Southern Italy Cross-Sectional Study

Marco Palella, Chiara Copat, Alfina Grasso, Antonio Cristaldi, Gea Oliveri Conti, Margherita Ferrante () and Maria Fiore ()
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Marco Palella: Medical Specialization School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
Chiara Copat: Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
Alfina Grasso: Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
Antonio Cristaldi: Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
Gea Oliveri Conti: Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
Margherita Ferrante: Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
Maria Fiore: Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: (1) Background: Healthcare providers have a crucial role in contrasting vaccine hesitancy (VH). We aimed to investigate opinions, knowledge, and attitudes toward vaccines in healthcare students (HS) at the University of Catania (Italy). (2) Methods: A survey was conducted from 1 October 2019 to 31 January 2020. Data on the opinions, knowledge, and attitudes of HS toward vaccinations were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The opinion answers were added to calculate the VH index (<18 = low, 19–22 = medium, >23 = high). Data were summarized by the VH index, degree, year of study, and sex differences, using descriptive statistics. (3) Results: A total of 1275 students (53.7% females) participated in the study, with a median (IQR) age of 21 (19–22) years. The median level of VH was 20 (17–23), with slightly higher values in males. We found an inverse trend between VH and opinions, knowledge, and attitudes toward vaccines. The same trend was confirmed in all study courses. Furthermore, the comparison between sexes revealed a higher level of knowledge in women. (4) Conclusions: The results highlight a lack of knowledge about vaccines, as well as contrasting opinions and attitudes among future health professionals. Therefore, future interventions on these topics in the preparation of future healthcare providers are needed.

Keywords: vaccine hesitancy; healthcare students; vaccination; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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