Knowledge and attitude factors associated with prevalence of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) booster vaccination in healthcare workers in a large academic hospital in Southern Italy in 2022: a cross-sectional study
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Author(s)
Mercogliano, Michelangelo
Fiorilla, Claudio
Esposito, Federica
Sorrentino, Michele
Mirizzi, Pasquale D
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Introduction: In Europe, there is still suboptimal tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster coverage. This study aimed to assess coverage status, knowledge, and attitude on Tdap vaccination in healthcare workers (HcWs) of the University Hospital “Federico II” in Naples, Southern Italy, in 2022, to improve current vaccination strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous questionnaire. Knowledge and attitude were measured as scores. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were employed to identify correlates of Tdap booster and knowledge and attitude toward the vaccination, as appropriate. Models were controlled for age, sex, profession, department, and job seniority.
Results: A total of 206 questionnaires were administered among HcWs, and 143 (69.4%) were medical doctors. In total, 71 (34.47%) HcWs received the Tdap booster. Those who have worked 5–9 years at the hospital had a 78% lower likelihood of being vaccinated with the Tdap booster (5–9 years—OR: 0.22, CI: 0.06 | 0.85) as compared with newly hired HcWs. No differences in the average knowledge score were found. Other healthcare workers had a lower attitude as compared to medical doctors (Other—Coef. −2.15; CI: −4.14 | −0.15) and, as compared with those who worked in a clinical department, those who worked in a diagnostic–therapeutic department or medical management had 3.1 and 2.0 lower attitude scores, on average, respectively (diagnostic–therapeutic—Coef. −3.12, CI: −5.13 | −1.12; public health—Coef. −1.98, CI: −3.41 | −0.56).
Discussion: The study findings support the necessity to implement public health strategies and improve knowledge and attitude toward vaccinations and specifically highlight the importance of Tdap booster every 10 years as a prevention tool to protect high-risk populations.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous questionnaire. Knowledge and attitude were measured as scores. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were employed to identify correlates of Tdap booster and knowledge and attitude toward the vaccination, as appropriate. Models were controlled for age, sex, profession, department, and job seniority.
Results: A total of 206 questionnaires were administered among HcWs, and 143 (69.4%) were medical doctors. In total, 71 (34.47%) HcWs received the Tdap booster. Those who have worked 5–9 years at the hospital had a 78% lower likelihood of being vaccinated with the Tdap booster (5–9 years—OR: 0.22, CI: 0.06 | 0.85) as compared with newly hired HcWs. No differences in the average knowledge score were found. Other healthcare workers had a lower attitude as compared to medical doctors (Other—Coef. −2.15; CI: −4.14 | −0.15) and, as compared with those who worked in a clinical department, those who worked in a diagnostic–therapeutic department or medical management had 3.1 and 2.0 lower attitude scores, on average, respectively (diagnostic–therapeutic—Coef. −3.12, CI: −5.13 | −1.12; public health—Coef. −1.98, CI: −3.41 | −0.56).
Discussion: The study findings support the necessity to implement public health strategies and improve knowledge and attitude toward vaccinations and specifically highlight the importance of Tdap booster every 10 years as a prevention tool to protect high-risk populations.
Date Issued
2023-07-13
Date Acceptance
2023-06-13
Citation
Frontiers in Public Health, 2023, 11, pp.1-7
ISSN
2296-2565
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Start Page
1
End Page
7
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Public Health
Volume
11
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2023 Mercogliano, Fiorilla, Esposito, Sorrentino, Mirizzi, Parisi, Tajani, Buonocore, Triassi and Palladino. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1173482/full
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
1173482
Date Publish Online
2023-07-13