COVID-19-Related Perceived Threat Following a Second Dose Vaccination in Adults with Chronic Illness: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Daniel Ayelegne Gebeyehu,1 Endalkachew Sisay,2 Bizuneh Molla,3 Bewuketu Terefe1 1Community Health Nursing Department, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia; 2Clinical Psychology Department, University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia; 3Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Bewuketu Terefe, Postal address: 196, Tel [phone], Email [email protected]: In patients with comorbidities such as chronic illness, the severity and mortality risk of the disease (COVID-19) are high. Even if they are fully vaccinated, they should follow all precautions for unvaccinated people because the vaccine may not provide them complete protection. As a result, understanding their response to a threat is essential because knowing their threat level can be a good predictor of behavioral changes and health-protective behaviors.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional mixed-method study design was used at the University of Gondar specialized hospital from May 1 to June 30, 2021. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative, and tape recorders, field notes, and memos were properly taken during the in-depth interviews for the qualitative data. Multivariable logistic regression with consideration of adjusted odds ratio of 95% confidence interval and p-value of 0.05% was used for statistical significance.Results: The study enrolled 239 people, with a 96% response rate, ranging from 24 to 67 years, with the majority (57.9%) male. Even after receiving the second dose of AstraZeneca, nearly half (46.5%) of participants with a chronic illness perceived a threat to COVID-19. The participant’s age ranges from 24 to 34 years [3.24 (AOR= 3.24 (95% CI: 1.08, 9.68))], patients who are student [2.38 (AOR= 2.38 (95% CI: 1.12, 5.06))], participants applying the recommended behavioral response [2.36 (AOR=2.36 (95% CI: 1.16, 4.81))] and duration of illness ranged from four to six-year [3.17 (AOR=3.17 (95% CI (1.05, 9.58))] were statistically associated with perceived threat.Conclusion: Most people with chronic illnesses do not see the disease as a threat. Particular emphasis should be placed on creating awareness programs and disseminating information through media on prevention, and ongoing health education is strongly advisable.Keywords: COVID-19, mixed approach study, patient with chronic illness, perceived threat, 2nd dose-vaccinated, vulnerable

Keywords

• covid-19
• mixed approach study
• patient with chronic illness
• perceived threat
• 2nd dose-vaccinated
• vulnerable