Knowledge influences attitudes toward vaccination in Romania

Abstract

Despite proven effectiveness and safety of vaccinations, immunization rates are decreasing across Europe, most countries having suboptimal vaccination coverage, leading to an increase in the number of cases of preventable contagious diseases. In recent years, the number of parents who have refused to vaccinate their children in Romania has decreased substantially, while the number of fatal complications due to measles outbreak is one of the highest in Europe. Since healthcare professionals have been identified as the main advocates for immunization, knowledge and attitudes of medical students and nurses is of particular interest. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 278 participants, divided into three groups: 183 medical students, 54 nurses and 41 non-medical professionals. The questionnaire included questions on demographics of participants, personal experience with vaccines, knowledge and attitude toward vaccination. The data was collected, centralized and analyzed using statistical methods. The survey was given to the medical students at the beginning of the Immunology course and again at the end, to test whether information received influenced their responses. The study revealed that a great majority of participants were themselves vaccinated [N=262 (94%)] and had/or would vaccinate their children [N=247 (95%)]. Satisfactory overall knowledge about effectiveness and safety concerns was observed, with 98% (N=270) considering vaccines as useful and over 96% (N=276) correctly identified their usefulness. When asked about adverse effects, concerning numbers [N=32, (19%)] of medical students answered incorrectly. After the Immunology course, however, there was significant improvement in knowledge on this topic (P<0.001), correlating with a positive shift in attitude towards current and future vaccines. We predict that better knowledge about vaccines, their efficacy and safety would help build the health provider's confidence in recommending vaccination and thus increased coverage rates.

Attitudes and Knowledge of European Medical Students and Early Graduates about Vaccination and Self-Reported Vaccination Coverage—Multinational Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Such finding indicate that some MS may have difficulties distinguishing between diseases preventable by vaccines and those which are not and might struggle with the whole concept of vaccination. American and European scientific literature provides reports about certain knowledge gaps and disorientation concerning vaccines among healthcare students, including lack of understanding of the mechanism of action, not knowing indications/contraindications and confusing bacterial/viral immunisation [ 24 , 26 , 61 ]. Efforts to provide top-notch medical education for health-care professionals as future vaccine counsellors should not decelerate in addressing those knowledge gaps.…”

Mothers’ Opinions on Vaccinations and Penal Responsibility for Vaccination Avoidance in Nine Selected European Countries: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey

“…In Romania, the main reason for vaccination reluctance proved a lack of knowledge of vaccinations and on their beneficial effects, as confirmed by a study. 52 …”

“…51 The highest rate of respondents opposing financial penalties (71%) was recorded in Romania. 52 Such penalties have not been introduced in that country and, should they be introduced, they would not enjoy much support. This proves that financial sanctions alone may not induce parents into having their children vaccinated.…”

Tingkat Pengetahuan Orang Tua terhadap Penyakit Pneumonia dan Imunisasi Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) di Indonesia

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