Abstract: - Introduction: Vaccination is the most effective method of eradicating the Covid 19 infection. Hence, assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding Covid 19 vaccination in public is important. Methodology: Study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study which was conducted at medical clinics and wards at National Hospital Sri Lanka with an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: Number of participants were 390, 43.8% were in the 15-35 age group and 64% were males. 80.3% are from the western province and 74.4% are from urban areas. Hypertension was the commonest comorbidity (46.4%). History of Covid 19 infection was 38.7% and 82.1% of those had a mild disease and the rest had a moderate illness. Covid 19 infection in close contact was 96.9%. Percentages of patients who never had alcohol, cigarettes or illicit drugs were 48.5%, 75.1% and 86.4% respectively. The total vaccinated percentage was 85.6% while 36.4% had both vaccines. Only 51.8% selected vaccination as the most important preventive strategy to end the epidemic. Attitudes on vaccination were mixed. Male gender, presence of comorbidities and history of Covid 19 infection were significantly associated with better vaccination acceptance. Females, urban dwellers and people with no comorbidities tend to have more vaccination missed opportunities and thus hesitancy. Substance abuse and comorbidities are associated with severe Covid-19 disease outcome. No association between education level and choosing vaccination as the best preventive method. Conclusion: The level of knowledge and attitudes on Covid 19 vaccination is average. People have to be encouraged more to vaccinate themselves.
Ranaweera* et al. (Fri,) studied this question.