Barriers and Facilitators Affecting the Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Qualitative Perspective of Frontline Nurses in Namibia

Abstract

Aim Vaccinations remain one of the most effective measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19, while also reducing hospitalizations and deaths, yet many are unwilling to be vaccinated. This study explores the barriers and facilitators affecting the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among frontline nurses. Design A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual research strategy was employed. Methods A sample of 15 nurses were selected via purposeful sampling to the point of data saturation. The participants were nurses at the COVID-19 vaccinations Centre in Rundu, Namibia. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed thematically. Results Three themes and 11 subthemes were identified, namely: (a) barriers, (b) facilitators, and (c) measures to increase the COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Barriers included living in deep rural areas, unavailability of vaccines, and misinformation, whereas scared of death, availability of COVID-19 vaccines, and family influence and peer pressure emerged as facilitators to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Adoption of vaccination passport as a requirement to work premises and as an international travel requirement were the measures proposed to increase the COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Conclusion The study found several facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among frontline nurses. The identified barriers cover the individual, health system, and social factors hindering the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among frontline nurses. Whereas fear of COVID-19 deaths, family influence, and availability of vaccines were found to promote COVID-19 uptake. This study recommends targeted interventions to improve the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Social Ecological Model: A Framework for Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Healthcare Workers—A Scoping Review

“…In this review, most of these studies reported HCWs’ hesitation to accept the COVID-19 vaccines on the African continent. A qualitative study conducted by Ashipala and colleagues [ 63 ] did not provide information on nurses’ uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.…”

“…The perception of susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 among HCWs was mentioned as both a barrier and a facilitator for vaccine uptake. HCWs who perceived themselves to be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 [ 25 , 47 , 59 , 63 , 88 , 92 ] were more willing to get vaccinated compared to those who perceived themselves to have a low risk [ 23 , 66 , 67 , 78 , 91 ]. HCWs who believed they needed the vaccine for protection were more likely to get vaccinated than those who relied on their immune system to prevent infection [ 65 , 68 , 76 , 77 , 95 ].…”

“…At the interpersonal level, a significant factor relating to influences was discovered. HCWs reported that their relationships with colleagues played a role in encouraging vaccine uptake [ 63 ]. HCWs mentioned that their colleagues influenced their decision to get vaccinated.…”

Nurses' barriers to the pressure ulcer risk assessment scales implementation: A phenomenological study

“…In order to enhance confirmability, the researcher's differing viewpoints on the themes were discussed and resolved with the assistance of the second author, who had qualitative expertise. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Checklist (COREQ) to guarantee comprehensive documentation of the methods used and outcomes attained (Ashipala et al., 2023 ). To ensure transferability, a clear and precise depiction of the study population and research procedure is provided, which will enable others to follow the research trajectory and key analytical determinations.…”

“…Research Checklist (COREQ) to guarantee comprehensive documentation of the methods used and outcomes attained (Ashipala et al, 2023). To ensure transferability, a clear and precise depiction of the study population and research procedure is provided, which will enable others to follow the research trajectory and key analytical determinations.…”