The Attitude of Turkish Physicians Toward COVID-19 Vaccination and the Effects of Vaccination on Their Mental Health

Abstract

Background: The study aims to investigate the willingness of physicians for the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination, factors contributing to their attitude, and the effects of vaccination on their mental health. It is conducted online with physicians between February 17 and March 17, 2021, corresponding to a period of at least 1 month after the first dosage. Methods: Sociodemographic and professional characteristics are investigated along with coronavirus disease 2019 experiences. The Fear of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Scale, Attitudes Toward the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine, The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale are given to evaluate the effects on mental health. Results: Among 578 participants, the total vaccination rate was 91.5\% and the main reason for non-vaccination is being already infected by coronavirus disease 2019. Vaccination affected mental health positively in more than half of the participants (59.2\% in the vaccinated group). Advanced age (odds ratio= 0.985, P < .05), positive attitude toward vaccination (odds ratio=0.918, P < .001), and high fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (odds ratio=0.937, P= .001) were among the predictors of being positively affected by the vaccination. Fear of coronavirus disease 2019 was positively correlated with hopelessness (r = .239, P < .001), depression (r = 0.387, P < .001), and anxiety (r = 0.531, P < .001). The negative thoughts about the vaccination were found to be correlated with hopelessness levels (r=-0.093, P < .05). Conclusions: Physicians have positive attitudes toward vaccination and vaccination has positive effects on their mental health. As vaccination is a key point during the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, studies on vaccination and its effects on mental health gained importance. The role of physicians in this regard is inevitable.