The association between COVID-19 vaccination status, knowledge, and attitudes among preservice life science teachers in South Africa

Abstract

The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy has posed challenges in managing infectious diseases like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While science teachers have the potential to promote health literacy and influence community attitudes, there is a paucity of research on their vaccination behaviors and perceptions related to COVID-19. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination, and vaccination statuses among pre-service science teachers in South Africa. Final-year Bachelor of Education pre-service life sciences teachers (n = 182) in South Africa were surveyed using a previously validated closed-ended questionnaire. Regression analyses were employed to discern influential factors on vaccination behavior. Most participants demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19’s nature and symptoms, along with the efficacy and safety of vaccines. Nevertheless, prominent misconceptions emerged, such as the misbelief that the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not cause COVID-19 and that vaccines can modify human deoxyribonucleic acid. Regression analyses found a notable correlation between the attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines and actual vaccination status. This study emphasizes the pressing need to rectify prevailing health-related misconceptions and attitudes in teacher education programs to enhance teachers’ role in influencing students’ health behaviors and beliefs.