Knowledge and attitude factors associated with the prevalence of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) booster vaccination in healthcare workers in a large academic hospital in Southern Italy in 2022: a cross-sectional study

Michelangelo Mercogliano; Claudio Fiorilla; Federica Esposito; Michele Sorrentino; Pasquale Domenico Mirizzi; Antonio Parisi; Andrea Tajani; Gaetano Buonocore; Maria Triassi; Raffaele Palladino

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1173482

Knowledge and attitude factors associated with the prevalence of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) booster vaccination in healthcare workers in a large academic hospital in Southern Italy in 2022: a cross-sectional study

Front Public Health. 2023 Jul 13:11:1173482. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1173482. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Public Health, University "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy.
² Clinical Directorate, University Hospital "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy.
³ Interdepartmental Research Center in Healthcare Management and Innovation in Healthcare (CIRMIS), Naples, Italy.
⁴ Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Introduction: In Europe, there is still suboptimal tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster coverage. This study aimed to assess coverage status, knowledge, and attitude on Tdap vaccination in healthcare workers (HcWs) of the University Hospital "Federico II" in Naples, Southern Italy, in 2022, to improve current vaccination strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous questionnaire. Knowledge and attitude were measured as scores. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were employed to identify correlates of Tdap booster and knowledge and attitude toward the vaccination, as appropriate. Models were controlled for age, sex, profession, department, and job seniority.

Results: A total of 206 questionnaires were administered among HcWs, and 143 (69.4%) were medical doctors. In total, 71 (34.47%) HcWs received the Tdap booster. Those who have worked 5-9 years at the hospital had a 78% lower likelihood of being vaccinated with the Tdap booster (5-9 years-OR: 0.22, CI: 0.06 | 0.85) as compared with newly hired HcWs. No differences in the average knowledge score were found. Other healthcare workers had a lower attitude as compared to medical doctors (Other-Coef. -2.15; CI: -4.14 | -0.15) and, as compared with those who worked in a clinical department, those who worked in a diagnostic-therapeutic department or medical management had 3.1 and 2.0 lower attitude scores, on average, respectively (diagnostic-therapeutic-Coef. -3.12, CI: -5.13 | -1.12; public health-Coef. -1.98, CI: -3.41 | -0.56).

Discussion: The study findings support the necessity to implement public health strategies and improve knowledge and attitude toward vaccinations and specifically highlight the importance of Tdap booster every 10 years as a prevention tool to protect high-risk populations.

Keywords: Tdap; attitude; booster; healthcare; knowledge; pertussis; questionnaire; vaccine.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Diphtheria* / prevention & control
Health Personnel
Hospitals, University
Humans
Italy
Prevalence
Tetanus* / prevention & control
Vaccination
Whooping Cough* / prevention & control

Grants and funding

This study was partly funded by SANOFI ITALIA. The founder played no role in the acquisition of data, statistical analysis, and preparation of the manuscript.