Abstract

Context/Background: COVID-19 is an emerging and rapidly evolving situation. Though several vaccines have been developed and brought into general use, vaccine hesitancy still exists among the public. Assessing the awareness toward COVID vaccine among medical students is important since their perception and practice will have a significant impact on their family members, friends and relatives.
Aims/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices toward COVID vaccine among medical students.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the undergraduate medical students of a medical college in Belagavi between May - June 2021. A total of 802 students participated in the study. A framed questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude and practice toward COVID vaccine was distributed to each participant.
Results: Most of the study participants were female (51%), and most of them were in the first year of their course at the time of the study (23.6%). Majority of them received COVID-19 related information from healthcare workers (72.7%). 92.8% and 92.6% of the participants responded that the vaccines control COVID-19 and it was by developing antibodies, respectively. 70.5% said that the vaccines should not be given to immunocompromised individuals. 82.2% of the participants have taken 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccination. Almost all participants (98.8%) felt that even after vaccination other measures like social distancing, wearing mask and avoiding social gathering are to be followed.
Conclusions: The findings in the present study show good knowledge, positive attitude and practice towards COVID-19. It is necessary to keep on with further education and training strategies to get a better understanding and positive attitude toward the pandemic for all medical students.