Acceptance of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination by cancer patients in Cyprus: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction The acceptance of an individual to be vaccinated following the introduction of a new vaccine is dependent on multiple factors. Governing factors directing one’s decision to be vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, however, are currently unknown and the present study aims at researching these factors within the population of cancer patients. Methods A cross-sectional self-administered survey was conducted anonymously between 22 January and 12 February 2021, during the second vaccination phase against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Cyprus. The data were collected via an online questionnaire which was formerly used by previously conducted studies. The Mann–Whitney U test was applied for the comparison of means between bivariate variables, while the Kruskal–Wallis test was used for the comparison of means in variables with more than two groups. In addition, Spearman correlation coefficients were applied to explore the correlation of continuous variables. Results The sample size consisted of a total of 211 cancer patients, 64.9% of which were women with a mean age of 52.6 ± 12.4 years. The findings of the current research indicate a moderate vaccination acceptance among cancer patients ( Μ = 3.3 ± 0.7, R = 1–5). Conclusion During the promotion of a vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to cancer patients, particular emphasis on specific demographic characteristics, vaccination history and preferred sources of informing the individual are required. In addition, through reviewing the prospective effectiveness and possible outcomes of the specific vaccine according to cancer type and anti-cancer therapy, many of the existing concerns and reservations from cancer patients are expected to be diminished.

Experiences and perspectives of cancer stakeholders regarding COVID‐19 vaccination

“…Like recent international studies, we found that most cancer patients intended to be or were vaccinated. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Our research also found that additional cancer stakeholder groups, such as family members, HPs, and NGOs, all expressed pro COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and behaviors.…”

“…All stakeholder groups reported barriers to COVID‐19 vaccination uptake in this population, supporting the previous research. Barriers included lack of confidence in science and vaccine efficacy, 16 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 24 fear of side effects, 16 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 30 belief that COVID‐19 is benign, 16 , 23 , 25 and concern about vaccine impact on treatment. 18 , 22 , 26 Notably, most hesitation related to the lack of information about vaccine efficacy and impacts within the cancer context, rather than general antivaccination sentiment.…”

“…International research has reported that while the majority of cancer patients intended to be vaccinated as soon as the COVID‐19 vaccine was available, there were still a proportion who were undecided or hesitant about vaccination. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 The research indicates that cancer patients who are female, 20 , 21 , 23 , 27 , 29 , 30 younger in age, 20 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 27 , 30 less educated/health literate, 19 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 30 have worse health status, 20 , 22 and are non‐white 21 , 27 , 29 are more likely to be hesitant. Commonly reported barriers to vaccine uptake include lack of confidence in science and vaccine efficacy, 16 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 24 fear of side effects, 16 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , …”

“… 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 The research indicates that cancer patients who are female, 20 , 21 , 23 , 27 , 29 , 30 younger in age, 20 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 27 , 30 less educated/health literate, 19 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 30 have worse health status, 20 , 22 and are non‐white 21 , 27 , 29 are more likely to be hesitant. Commonly reported barriers to vaccine uptake include lack of confidence in science and vaccine efficacy, 16 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 24 fear of side effects, 16 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 30 belief that COVID‐19 is benign,…”

“…International research has reported that while the majority of cancer patients intended to be vaccinated as soon as the COVID‐19 vaccine was available, there were still a proportion who were undecided or hesitant about vaccination 16–30 . The research indicates that cancer patients who are female, 20,21,23,27,29,30 younger in age, 20,21,23,24,27,30 less educated/health literate, 19,23,24,26,27,29,30 have worse health status, 20,22 and are non‐white 21,27,29 are more likely to be hesitant.…”