COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

In this research study, we seek to gain a better understanding of reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). We will develop a SCD-specific COVID-19 vaccination information (SCVI) video that discusses vaccine safety, efficacy, and necessity of COVID-19 vaccination for the sickle cell patient population, and determine if the video reduces vaccine hesitancy in adults with SCD. Hopefully, this will inform future education interventions to improve confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and subsequently increase vaccination rates.

Specifically, the research objectives are:

To determine factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in adults with SCD To determine if a SCD-specific COVID-19 vaccination information (SCVI) video reduces vaccine hesitancy in adults with SCD.

This study will be conducted as a part of an ongoing prospective research study aimed at better understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy at the Duke Adult Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. Two cross-sectional surveys will be administered to patients seen in the Adult Sickle Cell Clinic and Day Hospital who meet the inclusion criteria. The purpose of the initial survey will be to obtain a baseline vaccination rate and to gain a better understanding behind vaccine hesitancy in this patient population. After completion of the first survey, a short video discussing the safety, efficacy, and importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for patients with sickle cell disease will be watched prior to completing the second survey. The video will be available via scanning a QR code or via direct link if the survey is filled out electronically. Members of the Community Advisory Board for the Duke Sickle Cell Program will be interviewed in a group to gain an understanding of how to improve and implement the assessment in practice (non-research activity). A subsequent "post-intervention" survey will then administered to determine if the SCVI video reduces vaccine hesitancy in adults with SCD. Both surveys should take ~5 minutes to complete. We estimate that these surveys will reach ~250 patients over the six months they are administered. Informed consent will obtained prior to completion of the surveys and watching the video. Survey responses will remain anonymous with no patient identifying information required for completion. Data will be stored and protected using the secure REDCap database.

Inclusion criteria

• diagnosis of sickle cell disease

Exclusion criteria

• unable to read or understand spoken English to complete the survey