Aim The study examined the associated adverse events following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination among healthcare workers during the first dose of the vaccine in the Northern Region of Ghana. Design The study was a cross‐sectional survey involving 463 healthcare workers. Method The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed descriptively, and binary logistics was performed using SPSS version 25. Results The mean age was 33.4 ± 9.7 years, the majority (43.6%) being ≤30 years and males (57.2%). The self‐reported prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine adverse events was 75.5%. Common systemic adverse events comprised headache (47.5%), dizziness (18.4%) and local adverse events included generalized body pains (44.0%) and abscess around the injection sites (11.2%). The study found a high prevalence of self‐reported SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine adverse events involving both systemic and local adverse events. Our study gives useful information that can be used for public health‐targeted interventions to boost public confidence in SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines.

Aim The inability of nurses to express their own emotions, understand others' emotions and show empathy could result in communication gaps that could affect patient care outcomes. This study investigates the factors associated with the levels of alexithymia, empathy and communication skills among nursing students. Design A survey was conducted among 365 nursing students, and data were collected using an online questionnaire. Methods Data analyses were done using SPSS software version 22. Results There was a significant positive association between age and empathy and a negative association between the number of times a nurse took the entrance exam. The level of education and interest in nursing correlate with communication skills. All the predictor variables of alexithymia in this current study were not significant. Emphasis should be placed on improving nursing students' empathy and communication skills. Student nurses should be taught how to recognize and express their emotions. To assess their mental health, they must be screened regularly.