Perspectives of dermatology specialists and residents on COVID-19 vaccines: A questionnaire-based survey.

Background: To evaluate the perspectives of dermatology specialists and residents on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.

Methods: Present questionnaire-based study was conducted on dermatology residents and specialists between January 5 and 20. A non-validated online questionary evaluating the attitude of the participants about the COVID-19 vaccine was performed. In the first step of the study, data related to the demographic features, all participants' clinical characteristics, and working conditions were recorded. Thereafter answers given to 12 specific questions were recorded. The study population was divided into two groups: dermatology residents (n = 138) and specialists (n = 159). Mentioned variables were compared between the two defined groups. Furthermore, a correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between vaccination acceptance and various study parameters.

Results: Majority of the cases had positive attitudes against COVID-19 vaccines. However, there were significant differences between the resident and specialist groups related to the source of information, working conditions, degree of concern, and type of vaccines. Statistically significant negative, weak correlations were observed for age and duration of medical practice (r = -.128, P = .028; r = -.132, P = .041 respectively). Statistically significant positive weak correlations were observed for chronic diseases, level of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, number of information sources about COVİD-19, and previous COVİD-19 infection (r = .133, P = .021; r = .207, P < .001; r = .335, P < .001; r = .176, P = .002 respectively).

Conclusion: The acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination may be affected by working conditions, medical experience, level of knowledge and the presence of risk factors for severe disease among dermatology residents and specialists.