Behavioural Intervention for People Living with HIV/AIDS with Ambivalent Attitudes toward the COVID-19 Vaccine

• DOI: 10.47577/tssj.v36i1.7494
• Publication Date: 2022-10-08T21:01:05Z
• Authors: Ana-Maria Schweitzer; Elena Melinte-Rizea; Alexandra Florent...; Florica Niculaie; Cristina Bagaiof; Mihaela Bogdan; Stefania Florenti...
• Keywords: Misinformation

The COVID-19 vaccination program was made available in Romania first to vulnerable and at-risk groups specific state-run centers, where people could get an appointment receive the shot. People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) represent such a group. In context of widespread misinformation debate about need for vaccination, our team took proactive approach assess levels intentions among unvaccinated. 100 PLWHA who declared ambivalent or unprepared take vaccine were offered one online in-person counseling session. As part standard protocol, psychologists asked patients their intention vaccinated on scale from 1 10 at beginning session again end. protocol imposed that counselor uses any combination more following five behavior change techniques (BCTs): information social environmental consequences, credible sources, comparative imagining future outcomes, anticipated regret, action planning. Additionally, counselors use other ad-hoc basis if they evaluated this as necessary. Out end evaluation, 43 reported vaccine. Sixteen sample said by own decision before reached out. For entire group, increased 3.36 points (t= -13.25, p< .05). At follow-up there 3.16-point increase group did not vaccinate -11.38, .05); 4-point (-6.92, p<.05). Overall, unvaccinated started significantly lower than those eventually got shot (mean 1.96 versus 3.25). number BCTs used similar groups, regardless status assessment. Our experience shows be is possible patients, even when intervention limited helped approximately 32% patients. They able act steps necessary COVID vaccine, while ones yet higher intervention. baseline indicate sessions until successful outcome. Health must further define set needed subsequent interventions.