Article
Immunology
Jiangbo Fan, Xi Wang, Shuai Du, Ayan Mao, Haiping Du, Wuqi Qiu
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to global public health security, and vaccination through public health interventions has been recognized as crucial. However, mistrust plays a major role in vaccine hesitancy, thus impeding the widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. This paper aims to discuss the key issues and the role of trust in promoting the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and implementing effective policies.
Article
Immunology
Michelle D. Balut, Karen Chu, June L. Gin, Aram Dobalian, Claudia Der-Martirosian
Summary: The vaccination rate of COVID-19 among homeless Veterans is 45.8%, with higher rates among non-white, older, female Veterans, those who received the seasonal flu vaccine, and Veterans with multiple comorbidities and mental health conditions. Utilization of VA healthcare and housing services is strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccination among Veterans experiencing homelessness. VA healthcare and homeless service providers are well-positioned to provide information and access to overcome barriers for homeless Veterans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Y. Liu, K. Kuang
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis and meta-regression analyses to examine predictors and moderators of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Chinese cultural contexts. The results showed that perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, health status, medical workers' recommendation, recommendations from family and friends, and vaccine coverage among relatives and friends were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Chinese cultural contexts. Participant age, operationalization of vaccine hesitancy, and the time of each study exerted significant moderation effects. In conclusion, both individual and relational factors influence vaccine hesitancy in Chinese cultural contexts, and future vaccine promotion initiatives should focus on risk perceptions as well as influence from medical professionals, family and friends.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Madison Ashworth, Linda Thunstrom, Todd L. Cherry, Stephen C. Newbold, David C. Finnoff
Summary: The study found that public messages emphasizing the personal health benefits have the largest impact on increasing vaccine intentions. Additionally, public health messages have a positive effect on vaccine intentions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Chao Wang, Bingfeng Han, Tianshuo Zhao, Hanyu Liu, Bei Liu, Linyi Chen, Mingzhu Xie, Jiang Liu, Hui Zheng, Sihui Zhang, Yu Wang, Ninghua Huang, Juan Du, Ya-Qiong Liu, Qing-Bin Lu, Fuqiang Cui
Summary: The survey in China showed that 67.1% of participants are willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but 9.0% refuse it. Vaccine hesitancy is high at 35.5%, and the current vaccine coverage is only 34.4%, far from the level required for herd immunity.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kimberly H. Nguyen, Kimchi Nguyen, Laura Corlin, Jennifer D. Allen, Mei Chung
Summary: Between January and March 2021, there was a significant increase in willingness among U.S. adults to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but disparities based on age, race, socioeconomic status, and geographic region persisted, with the lowest intent observed in the southeastern U.S. region (Region 4). Efforts to emphasize the importance of vaccination and remove barriers to access may help reduce COVID-19 incidence and bring an end to the pandemic.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kimberly H. Nguyen, Kimchi Nguyen, Megan Geddes, Jennifer D. Allen, Laura Corlin
Summary: Between June and October 2021, there was a five-fold increase in COVID-19 hospitalization cases among children and adolescents. However, adolescent COVID-19 vaccination coverage has plateaued in the United States. The study analyzed trends in COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents ages 12-17, parental intention to vaccinate their children, and reasons for not intending to vaccinate from July to October 2021. Results showed a five percentage point increase in vaccination coverage among adolescents, but no significant changes in parental intention. Approximately one quarter of parents expressed uncertainty or reluctance to vaccinate their children. Lack of trust in the government and vaccines, as well as the belief that the vaccine is unnecessary or ineffective, were higher in October compared to July among parents who had not vaccinated their children.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kimberly H. Nguyen, Kimchi Nguyen, Megan Geddes, Jennifer D. Allen, Laura Corlin
Summary: An analysis of data from the Household Pulse Survey shows that from April to August 2021, COVID-19 vaccination coverage and intent increased, with the most vulnerable groups experiencing the highest increase. More efforts are needed to boost confidence in vaccines and encourage all eligible individuals to complete their vaccination.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
John Paul Fobiwe, Peter Martus, Brian D. Poole, Jamie L. Jensen, Stefanie Joos
Summary: Trust in institutions and democracy plays a significant role in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The study found that factors such as trust in institutions, trust in non-pharmaceutical interventions, and various demographic factors were associated with intent to vaccinate. History of influenza vaccination and satisfaction with democratic institutions were highly predictive of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Results also showed that social determinants of health and receiving the flu vaccine were predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.
Article
Immunology
Takeshi Yoda, Hironobu Katsuyama
Summary: The study found that 65.7% of Japanese respondents were willing to be vaccinated, including older age groups, those living in rural areas, and individuals with underlying medical conditions; males showed less hesitancy towards vaccination. Despite the presence of selection bias, the study provides important information for understanding the willingness of Japanese people to be vaccinated.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Phyllis Lun, Ke Ning, Yishan Wang, Tiffany S. W. Ma, Francis P. Flores, Xiao Xiao, Mythily Subramaniam, Edimansyah Abdin, Linwei Tian, Tim K. Tsang, Kathy Leung, Joseph T. Wu, Benjamin J. Cowling, Gabriel M. Leung, Michael Y. Ni
Summary: This study tracks COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in Hong Kong and Singapore, and finds that trust in health authorities is crucial in overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, the study finds that workplace vaccine mandates and vaccine passes can significantly increase daily vaccination appointments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naveen Siddique Sheikh, Mumtaz Touseef, Riddah Sultan, Kanwal Hassan Cheema, Sidra Shafiq Cheema, Afia Sarwar, Haniya Zainab Siddique
Summary: This study aimed to explore the determinants of vaccine hesitancy among the Pakistani population. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 421 participants. The results showed that non-healthcare workers were more likely to hesitate in getting vaccinated, and low practice of standard operating procedure was the strongest contributor to vaccine hesitancy. For healthcare workers, moderate confidence and convenience were the main factors influencing vaccine hesitancy. Increasing confidence, convenience, and educating the general population about the vaccine could help reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Article
Immunology
Yi-Miao Zhao, Lin Liu, Jie Sun, Wei Yan, Kai Yuan, Yong-Bo Zheng, Zheng-An Lu, Lin Liu, Shu-Yu Ni, Si-Zhen Su, Xi-Mei Zhu, Na Zeng, Yi-Miao Gong, Ping Wu, Mao-Sheng Ran, Yue Leng, Jie Shi, Le Shi, Lin Lu, Yan-Ping Bao
Summary: The study in China shows that while the majority of the general population is willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines, hesitancy is common, with factors such as vaccine safety and information sources influencing attitudes. Vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and resistance are associated with factors including gender, age, income, and residence.
Article
Immunology
Mehmet Emin Parlak, Erdogan Oz, Osman Kucukkelepce
Summary: This study investigated the attitudes and behaviors of breastfeeding mothers towards the COVID-19 vaccine, focusing on their knowledge and hesitation about it. It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted in the Kahta district of Adiyaman, Turkey, between January and May 2022. The study included 405 mothers who visited the Kahta State Hospital Pediatrics outpatient clinic. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and consent was obtained from the participants. The vaccination rate was higher for mothers with higher education levels and for those whose breastfed child was younger than 6 months. Mothers who had been infected with the COVID-19 virus had a lower vaccination rate. Mothers who received information from their family doctor and the internet had higher vaccination rates compared to those who obtained information from other sources. Mothers with lower education levels were more likely to think that babies should stop breastfeeding before vaccination. To address vaccine hesitancy among mothers, it is important to provide accurate information and education to the whole society, especially focusing on families with lower education and economic levels.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kimberly H. Nguyen, Stacy Chen, Kathryn Morris, Kenneth Chui, Jennifer D. Allen
Summary: Research shows that adults with mental health conditions face barriers in accessing COVID-19 vaccination, but they are more willing to get vaccinated. Females with mental health symptoms are less likely to receive the vaccine but have a higher intention to be vaccinated. Concerns about vaccine side effects, efficacy, cost, as well as distrust in the government and vaccines, are major factors influencing vaccination uptake among this population.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Melissa C. Kapulu, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Domtila Kimani, Joyce M. Ngoi, Janet Musembi, Omar Ngoto, Edward Otieno, Peter F. Billingsley
Summary: The study showed that past exposure to malaria in some Kenyan adults can completely suppress the in vivo growth of a parasite strain originating from outside Kenya.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Melissa C. Kapulu, Domtila Kimani, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Edward Otieno, Rinter Kimathi, James Tuju, B. Kim Lee Sim
Summary: This study assessed the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) model as a means of studying naturally acquired immunity to malaria in Kenyan adults. The results showed that anti-schizont antibodies and location of residence were more closely associated with naturally acquired immunity than other parasite parameters. Therefore, the CHMI model is highly effective in studying markers of naturally acquired immunity to malaria.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Karen Austrian, Erica Soler-Hampejsek, Beth Kangwana, Nicole Maddox, Maryama Diaw, Yohannes D. Wado, Benta Abuya, Eva Muluve, Faith Mbushi, Hassan Mohammed, Abdullahi Aden, John A. Maluccio
Summary: This study examines the impact of a two-year multisectoral intervention program on delaying early marriage in a marginalized setting. The findings suggest that the program has a small but significant reduction in marriage and pregnancy rates, particularly for girls who are not in school.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Christian S. Marchello, Megan Birkhold, John A. Crump
Summary: Complications are frequent in non-typhoidal salmonella invasive disease, and the mortality rate is approximately 15%. Clinicians, particularly in African countries, should be aware of non-typhoidal salmonella invasive disease as a cause of severe febrile illness. Prompt diagnoses and management decisions, including empiric antimicrobial therapy, would improve patient outcomes. Additionally, investments in improving clinical microbiology facilities to identify non-typhoidal salmonella, as well as research efforts towards vaccine development and non-vaccine prevention measures, would prevent illness and death associated with non-typhoidal salmonella invasive disease.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Eunice Muthengi, Laura Muthoni, Karen Austrian
Summary: The purpose of this study is to understand the factors and stability of cohabiting and formal child marriage unions among adolescent girls. The results highlight that informal unions are more likely to end in separation compared to formal marriages, and having both families' approval is associated with a lower likelihood of cohabiting. These differences should be considered when addressing early marriage in research and programs.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Giulia Ferrari, Sergio Torres-Rueda, Esnat Chirwa, Andrew Gibbs, Stacey Orangi, Edwine Barasa, Theresa Tawiah, Rebecca Kyerewaa Dwommoh Prah, Regis Hitimana, Emmanuelle Daviaud, Eleonah Kapapa, Kristin Dunkle, Lori Heise, Erin Stern, Sangeeta Chatterji, Benjamin Omondi, Deda Ogum Alangea, Rozina Karmaliani, Hussain Maqbool Ahmed Khuwaja, Rachel Jewkes, Charlotte Watts, Anna Vassall
Summary: This study examines the costs and health impact of violence against women and girls (VAWG) prevention interventions in six countries. The findings suggest that certain interventions can improve population health, even within current health budgets. Community-based and school-based interventions are more likely to be cost-effective from a health sector perspective.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Doris K. Nyamwaya, Mark Otiende, Lilian Mwango, Symon M. Kariuki, Berrick Otieno, Donwilliams O. Omuoyo, George Githinji, Barnes S. Kitsao, Henry K. Karanja, John N. Gitonga, Zaydah R. de Laurent, Alun Davies, Salim Mwarumba, Charles N. Agoti, Samuel M. Thumbi, Mainga M. Hamaluba, Charles R. Newton, Philip Bejon, George M. Warimwe
Summary: This study investigated the incidence of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and its associated neurological diseases among hospitalized children in coastal Kenya. The results showed that CHIKV infection was relatively common in the region and more prevalent than cerebral malaria and bacterial meningitis.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Noni Mumba, Patricia Njuguna, Primus Chi, Vicki Marsh, Esther Awuor, Mainga Hamaluba, Cynthia Mauncho, Salim Mwalukore, Johnson Masha, Mary Mwangoma, Betty Kalama, Hassan Alphan, Juliana Wambua, Philip Bejon, Dorcas Kamuya, Melissa C. Kapulu
Summary: Human infection studies (HIS) involve deliberately infecting healthy volunteers with disease-causing pathogens under controlled conditions. These studies are conducted to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics and address infectious diseases. With the increase of such studies in low-and-middle income countries, community engagement becomes crucial in addressing the concerns and ensuring ethical conduct. However, there is limited literature on community engagement approaches and lessons learnt in HIS.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katharine J. McCarthy, Katarzyna Wyka, Diana Romero, Karen Austrian, Heidi E. Jones
Summary: This study examines the role of agency in early and unwanted adolescent childbearing among girls in Zambia. The findings show that a substantial proportion of adolescent girls lack the ability to decide their reproductive future. Early life resources are associated with augmented agency, while exposure to negative events such as violence and early marriage detract from high agency status. Strategies addressing gender norms and early marriage may help protect girls' agency and reduce unwanted fertility outcomes.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fauzia K. Musasia, Irene N. Nkumama, Roland Frank, Victor Kipkemboi, Martin Schneider, Kennedy Mwai, Dennis O. Odera, Micha Rosenkranz, Kristin Fuerle, Domitila Kimani, James Tuju, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Melissa C. Kapulu, Hedda Wardemann, Faith H. A. Osier
Summary: The study shows that antibody-dependent phagocytosis of ring-stage P. falciparum parasites in semi-immune Kenyan adults is mediated by merozoite antigens and is a strong predictor of protection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stacey Orangi, John Ojal, Samuel P. C. Brand, Cameline Orlendo, Angela Kairu, Rabia Aziza, Morris Ogero, Ambrose Agweyu, George M. Warimwe, Sophie Uyoga, Edward Otieno, Lynette Ochola-Oyier, Charles N. Agoti, Kadondi Kasera, Patrick Amoth, Mercy Mwangangi, Rashid Aman, Wangari Ng'ang'a, Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa, J. Anthony G. Scott, Philip Bejon, Matt J. Keeling, Stefan Flasche, D. James Nokes, Edwine Barasa
Summary: This study conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 vaccine in Kenya. The findings showed that a slow roll-out with 30% coverage was effective in reducing deaths and cost-saving, while increasing coverage to 50% and 70% had limited effectiveness and was not cost-effective. Therefore, vaccinating young adults may no longer be cost-effective in settings where prior exposure has provided partial protection.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Edwine Barasa, Lizah Nyawira, Anita Musiega, Angela Kairu, Stacey Orangi, Benjamin Tsofa
Summary: The financing of public health facilities influences their performance. Understanding the factors that influence public health facility financial autonomy is important for addressing challenges. The factors that affect financial autonomy are not only structural, but also procedural and political, and interact in complex ways.
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Rob W. van der Pluijm, Thomas J. Peto, Mainga Hamaluba, James J. Callery, Rupam Tripura, Nicholas J. White, Arjen M. Dondorp
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aitana Juan-Giner, Derick Kimathi, Kyra H. Grantz, Mainga Hamaluba, Patrick Kazooba, Patricia Njuguna, Gamou Fall, Moussa Dia, Ndeye S. Bob, Thomas P. Monath, Alan D. Barrett, Joachim Hombach, Edgar M. Mulogo, Immaculate Ampeire, Henry K. Karanja, Dan Nyehangane, Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire, Derek A. T. Cummings, Philip Bejon, George M. Warimwe, Rebecca F. Grais
Summary: This study assessed the immunogenicity and safety of fractional doses of four yellow fever vaccines compared to standard doses. The results showed that fractional doses from all vaccines were non-inferior to the standard dose, with no major safety concerns. This supports the use of fractional dosage in the general adult population for outbreak response in situations of vaccine shortage.
