Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Sudan: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Following emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccines, several studies have investigated COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Nevertheless, the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine by HCWs in Sudan remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and it’s determinants among the HCWs. Methods: A web-based cross sectional study design was used to study COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associated determinants. The semi-structured questionnaire was distributed electronically, data collection took place from March-April 2021. Results: A total of 576 HCWs have responded to the survey with mean age of 35 years. The majority were females (53.3%), Medical Doctors (55.4%), and located in the capital state; Khartoum (76.0%). The absolute refusal of COVID-19 vaccine was expressed by 16% of the respondents while 57% were willing to get vaccinated. Males were twice to four times more likely to accept the vaccine. Lower acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine was significantly associated with the nursing profession (OR= 0.35, 95% CI:0.15-0.82, P<0.00), increased perceived harm from the vaccine (OR= 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05-0.23, P <0.00), lack of confidence in the source of vaccine (OR= 0.16, 95% CI:0.08-0.31, P=0.00), organizations and government supervising COVID-19 vaccination process ( OR=0.31, 95% CI:0.17-0.58 P=0.00). Conclusion: This study highlights a moderate level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability by the HCWs in Sudan. Effective communication of correct, regular, up-to-date evidence on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines is crucial to building trust in vaccines. Special consideration should be in place to address vaccine hesitancy among female HCWs and the nursing profession.

Evidence Review: COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance by Key Influencers in the MENA Region - Teachers and Healthworkers

“…Several surveys asked respondents whether they would recommend the COVID-19 vaccine to family and friends. The majority agreed that they would in Palestine (98%), 69 Libya (86%) 62 and Sudan (60%), 70 while only 42% and 46% agreed in Egypt 71 and Jordan, 49 respectively. Interestingly, in most studies this figure was higher than the actual acceptance rate, meaning that more people would encourage others to take the vaccine than would choose to take it themselves.…”

“…71 In Sudan, those who did not accept the vaccine were slightly more likely not to trust the organisations or government supervising the COVID-19 vaccination process (52% vs 48%). 70 These low levels of trust were mirrored by quite a low acceptance rate (57%).…”

“…Among acceptors, 42% did not trust the manufacturers, compared to 58% of non-acceptors. 70 In a multinational study, 44% of health workers responded that "the vaccine production has been rushed, making me doubt the credibility of the producing company", although the results were not presented by country. Health workers were less likely than the general population not to trust the companies.…”

“…56 Unsurprisingly, there was a clear correlation between belief that the vaccines were safe and vaccine acceptance. 39,49,50,67,69,70,71,72,79,77,81 As an example, 91% of health workers in Egypt cited fear of side effects as their reason for unwillingness to take the vaccine. 71 In Palestine, Iran and Sudan, those who were reluctant to take the vaccine were two and three times as likely to fear long-term complications from the vaccine as those who were willing.…”

“…71 In Palestine, Iran and Sudan, those who were reluctant to take the vaccine were two and three times as likely to fear long-term complications from the vaccine as those who were willing. 39,69,70 Health workers who thought that the vaccine trials had been rushed and the vaccines had not been properly tested were less likely to accept the vaccine. 67,71,72,79,81 For Palestinian nurses, insufficient data regarding vaccine safety was the main reason that 40% of participants intended to delay vaccination until more information was available.…”