Medical Students' Attitudes Toward the COVID-19 Vaccine
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Vangsness Kella L, Eklof Lillian, Moore Savannah, Coffey Todd, Evans Jessica, Sloan Richard
Primary Institution: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hypothesis
How do demographic factors influence medical students' attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and their perceptions of vaccine education in medical school curricula?
Conclusion
Despite high compliance, this cohort significantly demonstrated concern toward the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly those who were unvaccinated, had conservative political associations, and belonged to certain religious groups.
Supporting Evidence
- 97.9% of students had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine.
- 68.44% supported mandatory vaccinations.
- 66.4% supported vaccine personal choice.
- 25.1% reported not receiving sufficient vaccine education in medical school.
- 100% of very conservative students endorsed vaccine personal choice.
Takeaway
Most medical students got the COVID-19 vaccine, but many are still worried about it and don't feel they learned enough about vaccines in school.
Methodology
A 28-question anonymous online survey was distributed to 640 medical students, evaluating attitudes using a 5-point Likert scale and testing associations with demographic factors using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test.
Potential Biases
Responses may not represent all medical students due to the optional nature of the survey.
Limitations
Selection bias from one medical school and potential gaps in demographic reporting.
Participant Demographics
{"gender_distribution":{"male":55.74,"female":41.8,"non-binary":0.41,"prefer_not_to_answer":1.23},"year_of_education":{"first_year":31.97,"second_year":27.87,"third_year":20.49,"fourth_year":19.67},"religious_affiliation":{"Christian":19.75,"Atheist":11.11,"Agnostic":12.76,"Latter-day_Saints":16.87,"Muslim":2.88,"Other":3.29},"political_affiliation":{"very_conservative":8.2,"sightly_conservative":18.44,"neutral":13.11,"sightly_liberal":24.59,"very_liberal":18.85,"independent":11.48}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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