Evaluation of Medical Students' Knowledge and Attitude Towards Vaccines

Abstract

Introduction: Determining the knowledge and attitudes of medical students is important in planning interventions to increase vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of medical students about adult and childhood vaccines and the factors affecting them. Materials and Methods: The population of the cross-sectional study consisted of 404 students studying in the 1st and 6th grades at a medical faculty in the 2018-2019 academic year. No sample selection was made and it was aimed to reach the entire population. The dependent variable of the study was the knowledge and attitude variables were the sociodemographic characteristics and vaccination status of the participants. In the data collection process, a 74-question questionnaire form created by the researchers by reviewing the literature was used. Knowledge score was calculated from 22 questions asked to measure the level of knowledge about vaccines. Attitude score was calculated from 28 questions asked to measure attitudes towards vaccines. Results: Three hundred thirty eight (83%) people participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was 9.4 +/- 5.7 and the mean attitude score was 62.7 +/- 10.9. Period 6 students had a higher knowledge score and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). According to the multiple analysis, the knowledge score on vaccines was found to be lower in first graders, those who did not receive Hepatitis B vaccine, those who did not know about paid vaccines and those who said I would not have my children vaccinated/I do not know if the government pays for paid vaccines. Attitude scores were lower among those who did not know about paid vaccines and those who said that they would not/do not get paid vaccines for their children. Conclusion: While the level of knowledge of medical students about vaccines was found to be low, their attitudes towards vaccines were positive. It is recommended to include more activities that will positively affect the knowledge and attitude towards vaccines in the medical education process.