Attitudes, Practices and Sources of Information Towards COVID‑19 Vaccination in a Sample of Italian Healthcare Workers

Introduction: Vaccination of Healthcare workers (HCWs) is a crucial element of the strategy against COVID-19 to conduct an effective immunization campaign among general population. Objectives: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess attitudes, sources of information and practices among HCWs in relation to COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: From February 19th to April 23rd 2021 an anonymous voluntary questionnaire was sent to the mailing list of SIMPIOS and to the main National Health Service structures. Data collected through the Survey-Monkey platform was subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis to identify factors significantly and independently associated with the variables of interest. Results: 2137 HCWs answered. Hesitancy is greater in females, in those with lower concern about COVID-19, in nurses, auxiliary nurses (AN) and healthcare assistants. The most hesitant professionals are more likely not to recommend vaccination to either their patients or their relatives, while concern about COVID-19 increases the practice of recommending vaccination to family members, but not to patients. HCWs are mostly in favor of mandatory vaccination (61.22%). Female sex, a lower education level, greater hesitancy and refusal to adhere to flu vaccination campaigns are factors influencing the aversion to mandatory vaccination. Institutional source of information (eg. World Health Organization) are the most used by all categories. Scientific literature is more used by professionals working in the northern regions of Italy and by those dealing with infection control and hospital hygiene, infectious diseases, emergencies and critical area. HCWs working in south-central regions, nurses, AN, healthcare technicians, administrators and HCWs with a lower education level are more likely to choose internet, television, newspapers, family and friends’ advice as sources of information. Conclusion: Communication in support of COVID-19 immunization campaigns should consider the differences between the various HCWs professional categories, to reach all professionals in a homogeneous way, involving even the most hesitant ones.