Health belief model for Montenegro citizens during the covid-19 pandemic

16^th International Conference on Biosimilars and Pharmaceuticals & 3^rd Worldwide Forum on Alzheimer and Dementia12^th International Conference on Epidemiology & Public Health

June 23-24, 2023 | Paris, France

Rosa Cukic Corovic*, Duranovi M, Dabanovic V and Zarkovic G

Hipm Montefarm Institution, Montenegro
University of Montenegro, Montenegro
Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices of Montenegro, Montenegro

Keynote: J Biomed Pharm Sci

Abstract :

Introduction: In the promotion of health during the fight against COVID-19, behavior of each person was very important. There are different theories explaining the factors that influence health behavior, one of them is health belief model (HBM). HBM consists of the main constructs: cognitive sensitivity, cognitive severity, cognitive benefits, cognitive barriers, self-efficacy for involvement in behavior, and cues for action. Aims: The aim of the study was to examine certain constructions of HBM related to the Covid-19 pandemic among the citizens of Montenegro, with special reference to attitudes related to vaccination. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological study was managed in February 2021 and included 364 respondents of both sexes. Respondents were offered a questionnaire with 37 questions. The questions were mostly multiple-choice and concerned vaccine-related attitudes. The data were analyzed using the method of descriptive statistics. Calculations were made using Microsoft Excel program and SPSS statistical data processing program. Results: Almost all respondents (97%) were aware of the existence of the vaccine, 36.3% wanted to be vaccinated, 28.8% did not want to, 34.9% were not sure. More than half of male respondents wanted to receive the vaccine (51.3%) and 29.3% of female respondents. As the main reason against vaccination, 63.6% of respondents pointed out that the vaccine has not yet been sufficiently tested, while 15.9% of them thought it was harmful or dangerous. More than two thirds (64.8%) thought that they were not enough informed about the vaccine. The largest number of respondents (42%) stated that they get information from portals, a quarter via television, and a quarter from professional articles and publications. Less than 10% of respondents stated that they get information from conversations with medical professionals. Conclusions: The model of Montenegrin respondents' health beliefs showed worrisome segments, especially in relation to attitudes related to vaccination. This study can serve as a basis for further research on HBM in the population. Toward better understanding of the environment in which we find ourselves, trough informing about different health beliefs, it is possible to increase awareness among people and improve public health and increase the level of preparedness for the next epidemic.

Biography :

Rosa Cukic Corovic was graduated at Faculty of Pharmacy in Podgorica and she was having experience in pharmacist at public pharmacies in the year 2013- 2022; In the year 2022 she became Chief Officer at Pharmacy Sector and In 2013-2021 she was assistant at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Podgorica. In the year 2019-2020 she was in teaching field of Pharmacy practice at Secondary Medical School in Podgorica.