Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake among Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana

Abstract

COV-2 SARs has disproportionately affected low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana, where the healthcare system was not prepared enough to provide care, drugs, and equipment. This study was carried out to assess predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among health professionals in the Bono region of Ghana. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 health professionals recruited through simple random sampling. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance presented as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). All respondents had heard about the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common source of information was the media (45.8%). The proportion of health professionals who accepted the COVID-19 vaccine was 73.6%. Among those who did not take the vaccine, 64.3% were willing to take it in the future. The key predictors of taking the COVID-19 vaccine included: age 25 to 45 years (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.14–3.35), age older than 45 years (AOR = 5.30, 95% CI: 2.59–10.87), males (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.34–7.15), Christians (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.44–7.72), and at least three years of experience (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.033–2.93). Reasons for not taking vaccines included: vaccines were rapidly developed and approved (41.0%), immediate side effects (39.2%), and unforeseen future effects (37.5%). This study showed that most participants had received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, and most of those hesitant about the vaccine were willing to receive it in the future. This is a positive finding for policy makers since it reflects that fewer resources will be needed for behavioural change initiatives. In addition, it would present a chance to focus on minority individuals who are unwilling to take the vaccine and offer targeted community mobilisation.

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

“…Subsequent studies reported HCWs’ acceptance towards the COVID-19 vaccines [ 43 , 57 , 65 , 68 , 74 , 75 , 78 , 86 , 87 , 89 , 90 , 93 , 95 ]. Among these ten studies, over half of the participants were vaccinated with at least one dose (see Figure 2 ).…”

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy in Ghana: A Systematic Review

“…According to Freeman et al [39](2022), there is evidence suggesting that hesitancy is more prevalent among those who identify as female, have lower income levels, and belong to certain ethnic groups. Adverse side effects of the vaccines [9], [13], [15], [26], [28], [30], [32], [42] 8 2 Mistrust in the vaccine [8], [32], [37], [42],[43] 5 3…”

“…It is crucial to recognize that demographic factors such as employment status, rural or urban residency, occupation, level of experience, and political party affiliation among opposition voters were not extensively examined in the assessment of factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Ghana (see Figure 4). [5], [8], [11], [13], [27], [34], [37], [49], [44] 9 Gender [6], [8], [11], [30], [35], [37], [42], [44] 8 Religion [8], [13], [15], [27], [34] [42], [44], [49] 8 Age [9], [11], [15], [27], [42], [49] 6 Marital Status [12], [37], [42] 3 Primary source of information about COVID-19 vaccine [11], [13], [44] 3 According to Backhaus [50], urban residency and current pregnancy were significantly and positively associated with refusing vaccination against COVID-19, whereas age, savings, and using contemporary contraceptives were significantly and negatively associated with refusing vaccination. Additional research by Hwang et al [51] indicates that younger age, lack of religious affiliation, political conservatism, and lower family income are also substantially associated with vaccine hesitancy.…”

“…Study approaches used. Approach Studies Frequency Quantitative [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], [15], [26][27][28][29][30], [33][34][35][36][37], [42], [44], [45], [47], [49] 25 Qualitative [14], [31] 2 Mixed Method [32], [43], [46], [48] 4…”

“…The authors additionally assert that a lack of faith in domestic and international political figures, a belief in divine protection, and a perceived lack of awareness regarding the processes involved in vaccine production all contribute to the rejection of vaccines. Additional research conducted by Mohammed et al [15] indicates that several variables are significant indicators of individuals’ likelihood of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. These factors include being between the ages of 25 and 45, being over the age of 45, identifying as male, and identifying as Christian.…”