Back to Search Start Over

Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccination Among Behavioral Health Service Clients.

Authors :
Grove, Lexie R.
Emerson, Kaleigh R.
Merola, Laura Stevens
Andries, Spencer
Cohen, Deborah Ann
Source :
Psychiatric Services; Dec2023, Vol. 74 Issue 12, p1281-1284, 4p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

The authors examined attitudes toward and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorder. Clients of a community mental health center in Texas (N=50) participated in semistructured, in-person interviews regarding their COVID-19 vaccination decision. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data. Most participants (68%) reported receipt of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Participants were motivated to get vaccinated mostly by a desire to protect themselves or others. Convenience of vaccination location and access to free vaccination facilitated vaccine uptake. However, concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine were common among both vaccinated and unvaccinated participants and could be reinforced or overcome by social network influences. Fear, uncertainty, and conflicting vaccine information were common themes in the COVID-19 vaccination decisions of behavioral health service clients. Improving access to information from trusted sources, including health care providers, could help to overcome vaccine concerns in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10752730
Volume :
74
Issue :
12
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Psychiatric Services
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173930093
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.20230019