MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.
Epicentre Paris, Department of Research, Paris, France.
Vaccine. 2024 Apr 30;42(12):3002-3008. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.053. Epub 2024 Apr 1.
Understanding the knowledge, perception and attitudes towards Ebola vaccines is an important factor in ensuring future use of these vaccines. A qualitative methods study embedded in an Ebola vaccine immunogenicity and safety trial (NCT04028349) was conducted to explore the knowledge and perceptions of healthcare (HCWs) and frontline workers (FLWs), about Ebola vaccines and their willingness to participate or recommend participation in Uganda.
We carried out focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews before and after vaccination, with 70 HCWs and FLWs who consented to participate in the trial, and in the qualitative component, from August to September 2019. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.
Respondents showed good knowledge about Ebola and the vaccines in general, and had wide access to information through several channels, including the study team. On prevention, particular attention was given to effective communication within health facilities. Misconceptions were mainly around route of transmission, animal origin and types of vaccines. Previous fears were based on rumours circulating in the community, mainly about the presence of the virus in the vaccine, side effects and intention to harm (e.g. by "the whites"), ultimately insisting on transparency, trust and involvement of local leaders. Acceptability of participation was motivated by the need to protect self and others, and the willingness to advance research. Majority were willing to recommend participation to their community.
Overall, information sharing leads to a better understanding and acceptance of vaccine trials and a positive vaccination experience can be a deciding factor in the acceptance of others. Particular attention should be paid to involving the community in addressing misconceptions and fears, while ensuring that participants have access to vaccination sites in terms of transport, and that they are properly accommodated at the study site including staying for a reasonable period of time.
了解埃博拉疫苗的知识、认知和态度是确保未来使用这些疫苗的一个重要因素。在一项埃博拉疫苗免疫原性和安全性试验（NCT04028349）中嵌入了一项定性方法研究，旨在探索医疗保健工作者（HCWs）和一线工作者（FLWs）对埃博拉疫苗的知识和看法，以及他们在乌干达参与或推荐参与的意愿。
我们在接种前后与 70 名同意参与试验的 HCWs 和 FLWs 进行了焦点小组讨论和半结构化访谈，并在 2019 年 8 月至 9 月期间进行了定性部分。使用主题内容分析对数据进行分析。
受访者对埃博拉和疫苗总体上表现出良好的知识，并且通过多种渠道广泛获取信息，包括研究团队。在预防方面，特别关注在卫生机构内进行有效的沟通。误解主要集中在传播途径、动物来源和疫苗类型上。以前的恐惧是基于社区中流传的谣言，主要是关于病毒在疫苗中的存在、副作用和伤害意图（例如“白人”），最终坚持透明度、信任和当地领导人的参与。参与的可接受性是出于保护自己和他人的需要，以及推进研究的意愿。大多数人愿意向他们的社区推荐参与。
总体而言，信息共享导致对疫苗试验的更好理解和接受，积极的接种体验可以成为接受他人的决定性因素。特别注意在解决误解和恐惧时让社区参与进来，同时确保参与者在交通方面能够获得接种点，并在研究点得到妥善安置，包括在合理的时间内停留。
