Compliance with Preventive Measures and COVID-19 Vaccination Intention among Medical and Other Healthcare Students

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 15;19(18):11656. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191811656.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate compliance with preventive measures and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among Slovenian students of healthcare and medicine, identify the predictive socio-demographic factors, establish the possible causes, and propose vaccination strategies and programs in response to the findings.

Methods: Data were collected using an online survey as part of a large cross-sectional study of full-time students engaged in higher-level study. The survey took place between 9 February and 8 March 2021.

Results: A total of 56.3% of medical and other healthcare students surveyed expressed their intention to receive the vaccine at the earliest opportunity, 22.4% said that they would do so at a later date and 21.3% said that they did not intend to get vaccinated. The medical students surveyed showed a greater readiness to get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity than those studying other healthcare disciplines, men more than women, and single persons more than those in a relationship. Students attending a vocational college, professional higher education or university study program (Bologna first cycle) showed less readiness than other students to get vaccinated as soon as they were able.

Conclusion: Our research found that 56.3% of those studying health-related subjects intended to get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. There were significant differences between medical and other healthcare students, as well as differences resulting from the level of higher education study being undertaken. In addition, the conclusions show that there needs to be a strengthening of communication with students regarding COVID-19 and the importance of vaccination. Lessons that we learned in this pandemic should prepare us for the future. Clearer and more effective communication and education in the future regarding the importance of vaccination is the most effective way of preventing communicable diseases.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine; college students; fear; immunization; mistrust; pandemics; vaccination; vaccine hesitancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines*
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control
  • Intention
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Students, Medical*
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Influenza Vaccines

Grants and funding

This publication arises from the project Measures in the field of COVID-19 spread management with a focus on vulnerable populations. This research is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union under the European Social Fund in the framework of the EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic (Grant No. C2711-21-053701). The content of this article represents the views of the authors only and is their sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for the use that may be made of the information it contains.