Description
Background:
Final-year nursing students are actively involved in the delivery of public immunization programmes as part of workplace-based learning, and require adequate knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes regarding vaccines.
Objectives:
To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding vaccines of final year nursing students at a South African University.
Method:
This quantitative cross-sectional study, through the use of an online survey questionnaire, to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and explore perceptions of final year nursing students at a South African university regarding vaccines. Total population sampling was applied, including all the nursing students in the final year class, and descriptive data analysis was utilized.
Results:
There were 68 participants enrolled in the study (85% response rate). Participants displayed good knowledge regarding vaccines (average score of 52.54/70 +/- 5.01 SD), and overall positive perceptions of their training on vaccines and its safety. Knowledge gaps were identified in the mechanisms through which vaccines confer immunity in the human body and the cold chain requirements for the storage of vaccines. Of concern was the prevalent misconception among 78% of participants that vaccines are not effective.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study suggest that final year nursing students have a good level of knowledge regarding vaccines. However, an improved understanding of the mechanism of vaccines will aid nursing students in confronting and addressing misperceptions, ultimately leading to improved vaccine uptake. Curriculum planners should review and address current teaching on how to confront misperceptions about vaccines and address vaccine hesitancy. By doing so, future nursing professionals can develop the necessary skills to effectively engage with hesitant individuals and promote informed decision-making regarding vaccines.
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