Vaccination intention among healthcare workers during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in relation to knowledge: a cross-sectional study in Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Poland

Abstract

Aim To analyze SARS-CoV-2 vaccination intention and acceptance in relation to the knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Poland. Methods In spring 2020, an online survey was distributed among HCWs by using snowball sampling. The questionnaire was fully completed by 623 respondents: 304 from Croatia, 86 from Slovenia, 90 from Serbia, and 143 from Poland. The survey collected data on demographic characteristics (age, gender, education), vaccination acceptance, and knowledge about COVID-19. Results A total of 31% of respondents declared their intention to be vaccinated when a vaccine against COVID-19 is available, and 45% were undecided. Vaccination intention was associated with age, educational level, and knowledge about the pandemic, and differed significantly among the countries. Younger HCWs (18-25 years) and those with higher education more frequently expressed vaccination acceptance. Vaccination acceptance score was not associated with gender. Conclusions HCWs with higher knowledge were more likely to express vaccination intention. Improving the knowledge about COVID-19 and increasing HCWs’ education might also increase vaccination acceptance among HCWs, and consequently in the general population.