Training in vaccinology of Spanish medical students

Abstract

The objective of the study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of Spanish medical students about vaccines, their sources of information, the training received during their studies and their future expectations about postgraduate training activities. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in three Spanish universities between February 1 and May 31, 2019, through a self-administered survey of 55 questions: baseline sociodemographic questionnaire, knowledge about vaccination, necessary vaccines in health personnel, sources of information and opinion on the teaching received in vaccinology. The scale had a Cronbach’s alpha level of 0.767. There was a 67.2% (1821/2709) contact rate, a 52.2% (951/1821) response rate, and an eligibility of 93.2% (887/951). The mean age was 21.7 ± 3.6 years, of which 67.9% (646/1821) were women. The mean score for knowledge was 44.6 (SD 4.3), with a good proportion of correct answers and with significant differences between first and second cycle students, in addition to differences by gender in two statements: vaccines are effective and vaccination must be mandatory to achieve universal coverage. 34.98% (332/949) did not know the vaccination schedule. The mean attitude score was 36.7 (SD 4.1). The main sources of information on vaccines came from the academic environment and the family / internet and 87.7% (828/951) declared only ≤3 courses related to vaccination. 80.1% (461/951) believed that doctors should be the best trained professionals in vaccination. 51.2% believed that universities should be the central institution for training in vaccines during postgraduate studies, compared to 25.2% professional associations, 16.4% scientific societies and only 5.4% the pharmaceutical industry. The deficient training in vaccinology of Spanish medical students must be improved from academic institutions and professional associations, both undergraduate and graduate.