Title : Influence of advocacy among health care providers on COVID-19 vaccine mistrust: Prospective cohort study in eastern region of Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
Background: Adverse effects of the vaccines have an influence in the confidence of the community regarding vaccine safety consequently resulting in reduced acceptance rates. This study aims to evaluate the effort of advocacy among Health Care Providers (HCPs) on increasing acceptance of vaccines and to identify common side effects post vaccination.
Methods: An evaluation survey was carried out in two stages, 10 months apart and was distributed to all HCPs electronically.
Results: Out of the total HCPs who received the survey, there were 609 respondents of which 529 respondents were females (86.9%) with 364 aged between 26-35 years old (59.8%). 246 respondents (40.4%) had more than 10 years of experience and 464 (76.2%) were nurses. Common adverse effects observed were: injection site pain (39.4%), fever(4.4%),(24.6%),headache (4.9%),Itching and body ache (1.0%). Univariate analysis revealed adverse effects were more frequent in younger participants.
Conclusion: The results showed high rates of vaccination acceptance and advocacy among HPCs influenced by health policy makers and leaders’ campaigns. The study revealed only minor side effects with the being local pain and fever followed by headache and fatigue. Keywords: Health care providers, COVID-19 vaccine, adverse effects, acceptance, advocate and Saudi Arabia.
