Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers Toward COVID-19 Vaccination Among Health-Care Workers in Nineveh Health Directorate, Iraq

Abstract

Background: The rapid dissemination of COVID-19 has highlighted the critical importance of vaccination to break the cycle of disease dissemination within the community. Vaccination protects both individuals and others from infection. Objectives: To study the knowledge, attitudes, and barriersregarding COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in health institutions in Nineveh governorate, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,296 health-care workers in the Nineveh Health Directorate over a six-month period. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire consisting of three parts: (1) socio-demographic characteristics, (2) general information, and (3) attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. A three-point Likert scale was used, and the mean scores were calculated.Result: The study revealed that 51.1% of participants were male, 45.2% had a university education, 69.3% were medical staff, and 54.6% were working in hospitals. Nearly half (46.9%) had 10 years or less of work experience, and the vast majority (86.6%) had been vaccinated. The grand mean score for general information was 2.5. Two-thirds of participants (61.1%) were vaccinated by Pfizer. The main reasons for refusing vaccination were fear of vaccine-related complications (67.8%) and the COVID-19-related death of a relative (58.7%). Conversely, the most common reason for accepting vaccination was direct contact with an infected person (71.8%).The grand mean score for attitude was 2.1. A significant association was found between greater work experience and higher knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccination (P = 0.010). Conclusion: Health-care workers in the Nineveh Health Directorate demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and high uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. However, targeted educational programs are needed to strengthen awareness among younger and less experienced staff.