Assessment of Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Residents of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The refusal or delay in acceptance of proven effective vaccines including the newly introduced COVID-19 vaccines, has the potential to adversely affect the control of vaccine preventable diseases. This study was conducted to determine the level and predictors of hesitancy against COVID-19 vaccine that is yet to be made available to the general public in Plateau State among selected residents. Methodology: A scenario-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 selected adults before the availability of COVID-19 vaccine using e-questionnaires in which scenarios for COVID-19 vaccination were created. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis and logistic regression for identification of predictors. A P-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.5 ± 9.5 years and 66.7% were males. Over half (55.3%) of respondents had poor knowledge of vaccines. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 46% with fear of side effects accounting for the highest reason for the hesitancy (17.2%), followed by doubts about vaccine efficacy (15.5%) and doubts about the policies guiding vaccination (12.4%). COVID-19 self-risk perception (AOR= 2.4; 95% CI =1.161 -4.980) and previous history of vaccination against any disease (AOR= 3.609; 95% CI =1.000 -13.023) were found to be significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that almost half of respondents were hesitant to take COVID-19 vaccine. There is need to embark on health education to members of the general public on importance of COVID 19 vaccination.

Attitudes and perceptions of rural dwellers in Anambra state Nigeria towards receiving COVID-19 vaccination: A population based cross-sectional study

“…This was also evident in their responses; possible side effect of the vaccine (80.28%) and rumored controversies (16.30%) surrounding the virus and the proposed vaccine. Okoh et al [10], reported a prevalence of 46% of the respondents in Plateau state with fear of side effect accounting for the highest reason for the hesitancy (17.2%).…”

“…The result is also comparable with the findings of Obi Ezeani et al (2) that reported 55% of the study population in Awka metropolis indicated possible side effect as the reason for not willing to take the vaccine. There is need to embark on health education to members of the general public on the importance of COVID 19 vaccination [10]. This will result in more people getting vaccinated.…”