Knowledge and preventive practices regarding COVID-19 disease among Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine contributed one of the largest migration movements in the 21st century. Refugees may become a source of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections for the residents of host countries. The study aim was to assess knowledge and preventive practices regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022 among Ukrainian refugees registering consecutively in Zielona Góra, Poland. Knowledge and preventive practices were assessed by giving 1 point for each correct answer by anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The response rate was 96%, 190 participated (mean age 37.8 ±â€…15.5 years; 57.9% females); 61.6% self-reported their socio-economic status (SES) as high, 38.9% reported high level of education. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 3.06 ±â€…1.95; 19.5% scored >50%. The knowledge level was higher among migrants with high SES (P = .003). The mean preventive practices score was 2.56 ±â€…1.38; 54.0% scored ≥ 60%. 40.5% declared social distancing, 62.6% followed coughing etiquette, 69.0% home isolate themselves during COVID-19. 57.9% always used masks in public space, however 74.2% wore masks with uncovered nose. Refugees with higher education, high SES and knowledge level had significantly greater preventive practices scores (P = .002; P = .02; P = .03, respectively). The knowledge and preventive practices level was insufficient. Educational campaigns oriented to raising knowledge and prevention behavior skills should be implemented, especially targeting high-risk groups to avoid spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccination within the Context of Reactogenicity and Immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 Vaccine Administered to Teachers in Poland.

In February 2021, Polish teachers were offered the ChAdOx1-S vaccine as a priority group. However, there have been concerns among educators regarding the efficacy of this vaccine, as compared to the other types of vaccines (e.g., mRNA). The objective of this study was to investigate the reactogenicity and the immunogenicity of this vaccine. Participants, specifically teachers, were invited for serological testing ≥ 4 weeks post-vaccination. Antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) were measured. Of the 192 participants, the mean age was 50.5 ± 8.3 years and the mean (range) dosing interval was 69.6 ± (25−111) days. Adverse reactions included feeling feverish (44.8%), headache (41.7%), malaise/chills (38.0%), and injection-site tenderness (37.5%); these were reported more frequently after the first dose (84.9%). Fewer males than females (54.8% vs. 80.1%) and fewer older participants (65.7% vs. 90.4%) reported side effects (p < 0.002; p < 0.0001, respectively). All participants presented detectable anti-RBD IgG; the median (range) reading was 525.0 BAU/mL (20.6−5680.0); 1008.02 BAU/mL (115.3−5680.0) in those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection; and 381.42 BAU/mL (20.6−3108.8) in those without (p = 0.001). In 27.6%, the anti-RBD IgG level was >500 BAU/mL. A multivariate logistic regression revealed that previous infection and longer dose intervals were predictors of higher immunologic responses (p < 0.0001; p = 0.01, respectively). The results demonstrated good tolerability and immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1-S vaccine. Our study justified the longer dose interval to enhance a higher antibody response. Our findings may also support the prioritization of uninfected individuals in regions where COVID-19 vaccine-sparing strategies are required.

Health System Barriers to Child Mandatory and Optional Vaccination among Ukrainian Migrants in Poland in the Context of MMR and HPV Vaccines-A Qualitative Study.

Background Migrants' access to healthcare services is limited. This study aimed to identify health system barriers to vaccination, specifically HPV/MMR vaccination among children in Ukrainian economic migrants (UMs). Methods Between December 2021-March 2022, a qualitative study of UMs living in Poland was conducted. Six focus groups were held with 53 UMs aged 15-45; in-depth interviews with 12 healthcare workers (HCWs) were also performed. A thematic analysis was conducted based on the six WHO health system building blocks. Results HCWs described gaps in integrating migrant status in accessible healthcare data which impeded active management of vaccination procedures. UMs reported that the digitization of healthcare services, intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced their access to primary care. Inadequate health information systems caused problems with the provision of credible vaccine information in translated forms, and language difficulties, experienced by both UMs and HCWs; this was enhanced by a lack of professional interpreting services. Although most UMs reported vaccinating children according to the Polish schedule, the variations in schedules across countries caused concern among UMs and increased HCWs' uncertainty about how to interpret vaccination cards, particularly in the context of possible false certificates. UMs were affected by discrimination through HCWs. HPV was deprioritized by UMs due to misconceptions about non-mandatory vaccinations; the cost was also a barrier. Conclusions The study findings have implications for migrant vaccination delivery targeting children in Poland, and other UMs receiving countries. A concerted effort is required to improve UM's awareness of the significance of vaccinations. Barriers to healthcare access must be recognized by policymakers. Importantly, removing the cost barrier may increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine among Ukrainian migrant adolescents.

A Peer-Based Educational Intervention Effects on SARS-CoV-2 Knowledge and Attitudes among Polish High-School Students.

To support high school students to develop knowledge they need to adhere to control measures during the pandemic, a peer-based educational intervention on SARS-CoV-2 was developed and its impact was evaluated. Multistage random sampling was used. The 50 min peer-based intervention was conducted by final year medical students. Baseline and post-intervention knowledge and attitudes were assessed. Significance was tested by McNemar's/Wilcoxon rank tests. Of 518 participants (mean age 17.8 years ± 0.43), 81.0% did not receive any school-based education on SARS-CoV-2. After intervention, the knowledge score improved from 65.2% to 81.6%, attitudes from 63.2% to 70.8% (both p < 0.0001). The effect size after the intervention compared to pre-intervention showed moderate improvement of knowledge, but not attitudes (d = 0.46 and d = 0.18, respectively). Pre- and post-intervention, females, students in non-science programs, living in cities < 250,000 inhabitants had lower knowledge, while fewer males, non-science program students, living in smaller cities presented positive attitudes. Before intervention, 67.0% students correctly named SARS-CoV-2 preventive methods and 73.6% were concerned COVID-19 is a serious disease; these improved after intervention (to 80.1% and 86.3%; p < 0.0001). The intervention was not very successful in increasing the intent to vaccinate for COVID-19 (pre-intervention 52.9%, post-intervention 56.4%; p < 0.007). Peer-based teaching for high school students can be effective in increasing SARS-CoV-2 knowledge and awareness. More efforts are needed to improve attitudes and enhance acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19.

Use of masks in public places in Poland during SARS-Cov-2 epidemic: a covert observational study.

BACKGROUND: Face masks have been employed in the COVID-19 pandemic plans as a public and personal health control measure against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In Poland, obligatory wearing of masks in public spaces was introduced on April 10th, 2020; a relaxation of previous universal measures was announced on May 29th, 2020, limiting use to indoor public places. OBJECTIVE: To assess use of masks or other protective devices in public spaces in Poland during the SARS-Cov-2 epidemic. METHODS: A non-participatory covert observational study was conducted on three dates, (10.05/18.05/25.05.2020) at public spaces in 13 regions with different risks. Ten consecutive individuals were observed by each of 82 medical students (n = 2460 observations), using a structured checklist. RESULTS: Among 2353 observed persons, the female/male ratios were 1.0, 1.1, and 1.0 on the three dates. Almost three quarters - 73.6% (n = 552/750) were using masks on date 1, 66.5% (544/818) on date 2; and 65.7% (516/785) on date 3. Cloth masks predominated on all dates (64.7-62.3%-62.6%), followed by medical (23.4-28.5%-26.9%). Being female (OR = 1.77-1.47-1.53 respectively) and location in a closed space (OR = 2.60-2.59-2.32) were each associated with higher usage. Participants in sports were about two times less likely to use masks (OR = 0.64-0.53-0.53) as compared to other activities. The proportion using masks correctly decreased gradually over time (364/552; 65.9%; 339/544; 62.3% and 304/516; 58.9%). More females wore masks correctly (date 1: 205/294; 69.7% vs 159/258; 61.6%, and date 3: 186/284; 65.5% vs 118/232; 50.9%; p = 0.045; p = 0.0008 respectively). Uncovered noses (47.3-52.7%) and masks around the neck (39.2-42.6%) were the most frequent incorrect practices. CONCLUSIONS: Practices were not in line with official recommendations, especially among males, and deteriorated over time. Cloth masks were predominantly used in public spaces. Health promotion, through utilizing all available communication channels, would be helpful to increase compliance.