Authors: Nada kamaleldin seedahmed gargab , Mohammad Maksoud

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more susceptible to infection as they are in contact with patients with different diseases and conditions. Therefore, vaccination of HCWs can reduce the infection of preventable diseases and consequences related to such infections. The knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of HCWs regarding adult vaccination programs determine HCWs' uptake of vaccines, as well as their recommendation of the vaccine to patients.

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of HCWs regarding adult vaccination programs in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted on healthcare workers at the National Medical Care between the period from---------to-------. The study was conducted via a questionnaire distributed to the participants, which investigated knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of HCWs regarding adult vaccination programs.

Results: A total of 210 HCWs met the criteria and were enrolled. There were 161 (76.7%) who received the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 booster dose, but only 56 (26.7%) recommended adult vaccines to their patients. The mean ±SD score of knowledge and attitude was 4.6±1.5 and 23.4±2.85, respectively. The mean score of knowledge and attitude was significantly influenced by gender, nationality, profession, and years of experience (P˂0.05). There was a linear correlation between knowledge and attitude (R=0.758, P˂0.001).

Conclusion: The HCWs had low knowledge, a positive attitude, and moderate acceptance of adult immunization. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude. Furthermore, higher acceptance of vaccinations was linked with higher knowledge and attitude.

Keywords: Knowledge, attitude, acceptance, HCWs, vaccination programs.