Assessment of COVID-۱۹ vaccine knowledge, attitude and practice among the general population in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A retrospective cross-sectional study

With the global significance of vaccinations, particularly in the context of the COVID-۱۹ pandemic, this study delves into unexplored territory by examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding COVID-۱۹ vaccines. However, after the availability of COVID-۱۹ vaccines, little information is available on the public knowledge, attitudes and practice towards the COVID-۱۹ vaccines in Kurdistan-Iraq. Specifically conducted in Duhok province, Kurdistan-Iraq, the research aims to contribute valuable insights for informed decision-making, tailored public health interventions, and effective vaccination promotion in the region.In Duhok province, Iraq, a retrospective cross-sectional study from October ۱st to December ۱st, ۲۰۲۲, included ۷۵۹ participants aged ۱۸ to ۷۵. Face-to-face interviews used a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the COVID-۱۹ vaccine. The participants, with an average age of ۳۲.۹۵ years (SD±۱۲), included ۵۲.۳% males. About ۵۵% had a history of COVID-۱۹, and ۲۵.۳% were employed, with ۱۸.۳% having chronic diseases. Notably, ۹۹.۶۰% were aware of the COVID-۱۹ vaccine, and ۶۸% considered it safe. Additionally, ۷۴.۰۴% strongly agreed on the vaccine's importance. A significant portion (۶۲.۵۸%) believed in the vaccine's protective efficacy. Remarkably, ۸۶.۱۷% were aware of potential side effects, while ۹۶.۳۱% knew about the multi-dose requirement for vaccination. This study reveals widespread COVID-۱۹ vaccine awareness (۹۹.۶۰%), cautioning against risks from unprofessional opinions on social media. Regional variations emphasize the need for tailored communication strategies. Identifying hesitancy factors, especially among healthcare personnel, is crucial for effective vaccination promotion. Notably, social media, while commonly used in , presents risks due to unprofessional opinions

Keywords:

SARS-COVID۱۹ virus , KAP , Duhok Province , Iraq