Background: To overcome the global crisis of COVID-19, all the resources were diverted and all steps were hastened to develop effective and safe vaccines. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the awareness among the frontline workers about the COVID-19 vaccine and their intention to accept this COVID-19 vaccine.
Aim and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perception regarding COVID-19 disease and COVID-19 vaccination among the frontline workers in the East zone of BBMP of Bangalore Urban district.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted for 3 months from February 2021 to April 2021. Study participants were frontline workers registered as beneficiaries for COVID-19 vaccination under the East zone of BBMP. Sample size was 231. Study participants were recruited by a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and suitable analytical statistics using the SPSS software.
Results: Among the total 231 study subjects, the majority were in the age group of 40–49 years. Males were 143 and females were 88. With respect to the occupation, 122 were policemen followed by 84 Pourakarmikas. Out of 231, almost 97 had a qualification up to degree. One hundred and eighty-six of them were infected with COVID-19 among which 36 were admitted for treatment and 12 had developed complications. Majority (112) of the study subjects felt that there is a high chance of getting infected of COVID-19. One hundred and thirty-four subjects felt that it was a severe disease. Most (42.8%) of them felt a high likelihood of dying with COVID. Almost 25.5% of study subjects strongly disagreed that vaccination reduces COVID-19 and its complications. Most of the study subjects had the concern of vaccine side-effects (35.9%), efficacy (40.25%), and safety (61%) of the vaccine.
Conclusion: Most of the frontline workers had a concern about the possible side-effects, efficacy, and safety of COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, there is a need to create awareness among the public about the benefits and motivate them to take vaccines.
Key words: Perception; Attitude; Frontline Workers; COVID-19 Vaccination
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