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IntroductionThe year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic that killed more than one million people. Scientists around the world are looking for prophylactic treatment against this virus.ObjectivesThe objective of our study was to assess the acceptability of prophylactic treatment against COVID-19 by paramedics.MethodsDescriptive and cross-sectional study including paramedics (nurses, orderlies) from the military hospital of Tunis. Data collection was carried out by a clinical psychologist. We studied the acceptability of prophylactic treatment by paramedics, reasons for refusal and factors that may affect this choice.ResultsA total of 161 paramedics agreed to answer our questionnaire. The average age was 37.73 years. The average number of years worked was 14.95 years. There were 85 women (52.8%) and 76 men (47.2%). Only 59 (36.6%) agreed to take prophylactic treatment for COVID-19. The main reason for refusal was fear of side effects 57 (34.7%). Sufficient hindsight was the main factor that could make them change their decisions. This refusal was definitive for 55 (34.2%) paramedics.ConclusionsFear of drug side effects exceeds the fear of COVID.19. An information and communication strategy on the value of prophylactic treatments during a pandemic must be developed.

IntroductionThe year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Health services were overwhelmed by the demands for care. Paramedics were both the main actors in the fight and the victims of this pandemic.ObjectivesThe objective of our work was to assess paramedics’ feelings and beliefs about COVID-19.MethodsDescriptive and cross-sectional study including paramedics (nurses, orderlies) from the military hospital of Tunis. Data collection was carried out by a clinical psychologist. we studied paramedics’ feelings and beliefs about COVID-19.ResultsA total of 161 paramedics agreed to answer our questionnaire. The average age was 37.73 years. The average number of years worked was 14.95 years. There were 85 women (52.8%) and 76 men (47.2%). The feelings about COVID-19 were anxiety in 127 (78.9%) paramedics and indifference in 34 (21.1%). The factors that could influence the spread of the pandemic were divine influence (25.5%), the organized fight against viruses (70.2%), our genetics (9.9%), mutations of the virus (6.8%), the BCG vaccine (21.7%), the Tunisian climate (5.6%), our food (13%).ConclusionsThe beliefs and feelings of paramedics regarding COVID-19 are many and varied. These factors must be taken into consideration because they influence the involvement of paramedics in the fight against the virus and their compliance with health and safety rules.

IntroductionThe year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic that killed more than one million people. Scientists around the world are looking for an effective vaccine against this virus.ObjectivesThe objective of our study was to assess the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine by paramedics.MethodsDescriptive and cross-sectional study including paramedics (nurses, orderlies) from the military hospital of Tunis. Data collection was carried out by a clinical psychologist. We studied the associations between the different characteristics of our population and the decision to accept or refuse vaccination against COVID-19.ResultsA total of 161 paramedics agreed to answer our questionnaire. The average age was 37.73 years. The average number of years worked was 14.95 years. There were 85 women (52.8%) and 76 men (47.2%). The rapid discovery of the vaccine was hoped for by 94.4%. Vaccination was considered a means of collective protection by 84.5%. However, only 52.8% agreed to be vaccinated by the COVID-19 vaccine. The main factors significantly associated with refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine were previous refusal of influenza vaccination (p = 0.006).ConclusionsApprehension about vaccination does not appear to be sparing the future COVID-19 vaccine. To achieve vaccination coverage that would protect health care workers, several awareness and communication activities must be carried out.