Knowledge and perceptions of Covid-19 Vaccines among secondary school students in Tolata, Cochabamba, Bolivia

Messa D.A.I.; Navarro P.G.; Messa L.D.I.; Cardozo R.K.A. · Gaceta Medica Boliviana (2022) · DOI: 10.47993/gmb.v45i2.354

Resumen

Objectives: to evaluate the level of knowledge of 5th and 6th grade secondary students about Covid-19 vaccines and their acceptance in this population. Methods: a cross-sectional quantitative study based on surveys was conducted. Taking as a convenience sample students from the Villa Copacabana Educational Unit, in the municipality of Tolata, Cochabamba, Bolivia, who anonymously answered the questionnaire. Results: of the total students, 57 (response rate of 85%) answered the questionnaire, and 68.42% of the population demonstrated a medium level of knowledge about Covid vaccines, being this the predominant result. Followed by 19.30% with a low level of knowledge and finally 12.28% with a high level. Students with a high level of knowledge agreed to receive the vaccine in 85.71%, while 14.29% were undecided. On the other hand, those with a low level of knowledge were divided into 72.73% agreement, 18.18% indecision, and 9.09% disagreement with receiving the vaccine. It was observed that within the group of students who were undecided or disagreed with vaccination, 66.67% had a family member who rejected vaccination. Conclusions: It was observed that family influence affects young people's opinions about vaccines, even more than their level of knowledge about them.