Knowledge, attitudes and good practices concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines among Italian nursing students: a cross-sectional study

Knowledge, attitudes and good practices concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines among Italian nursing students: a cross-sectional study

Authors

Keywords:

Knowledge, Attitude, Good Practice, Nursing Student, COVID 19

Abstract

Background and aim: During the Covid-19 pandemic, the world implemented strategies to contain and prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Nurses played a key role in informing and educating the population on correct health management and the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aims to analyse Italian nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and good practices concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenience sample of nursing students from a nursing-degree programme of University of Rome Tor Vergata was considered. The Knowledge, Attitudes and Good Practices concerning SARS-CoV-2 among Nursing Students (KAGP-COV-Ns) questionnaire was used. Results: A convenience sample of 303 nursing students enrolled in a three-year degree program was considered. Of the participants, 74.6% were female, with a mean age of 23.86 years (standard deviation 5.41). The participants demonstrated good knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its risk factors, and associated symptoms. However, they exhibited inadequate knowledge regarding the incubation time of SARS-CoV-2, the gold-standard test, and treatment options. In our study, first- and third-year students differed in terms of knowledge and good practices, with the latter performing better on the questionnaire. Overall, participants displayed positive attitudes towards SARS-CoV-2 infection but showed a lower positive attitude towards providing information to citizens and becoming nurse vaccinators. Conclusions: Our study revealed that a subset of students exhibited vaccine hesitancy. A deeper understanding of this phenomenon would be very valuable for planning future strategies to promote adherence to preventive practices related to Covid-19 or other pandemics. 

Author Biographies

Massimo Maurici, Tor Vergata University of Rome

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention

Ilaria Simonelli , Tor Vergata University of Rome

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention

Stefano Ungaro, Tor Vergata University of Rome

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention

Rocco Mazzotta, University of Tor Vergata Rome

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention

Lavinia Gentile , University of Tor Vergata Rome

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention

Valentina Zeffiro, University of Tor Vergata Rome

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention

Alessandra Pancaldi, University of Tor Vergata Rome

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention

Rosaria Alvaro, University of Tor Vergata Rome

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention

Giampiera Bulfone, University of Catania

Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies " G. F. Ingrassia"

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Published

28-08-2024

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Section

HEALTH PROFESSIONS

How to Cite

1.
Maurici M, Simonelli I, Roncari M, Ungaro S, Mazzotta R, Gentile L, et al. Knowledge, attitudes and good practices concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines among Italian nursing students: a cross-sectional study. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2024 Aug. 28 [cited 2024 Oct. 5];95(4):e2024141. Available from: https://mail.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/15392