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Omunakwe HE, Okuku M, Amadi SC, Dan-Jumbo A. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women: a multicentre cross-sectional survey in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J 2024; 47:72. [PMID: 38708131 PMCID: PMC11068470 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.72.37446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction effective COVID-19 vaccines for the prevention of severe illness have been available for more than one year now. This study was carried out to ascertain vaccine hesitancy and its associations among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Port Harcourt, a large cosmopolitan town in Nigeria. Methods we conducted a cross-sectional online survey over 2 months among consenting pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the 3 largest obstetric service centers in Port Harcourt to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associations. Results the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 669 (72.2%). Of the respondents, 27 (2.9%) had been infected or had a close family member infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 897 (96.8%) of them had heard of the COVID-19 vaccine; however, only 133 (14.4%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19. The safety of the mother in 260 (32.8%) and the safety of the unborn baby in 114 (14.4%) of the respondents were the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. A small proportion of women 7(0.9%) were hesitant on religious grounds. Tertiary education, use of childhood immunization for previous infants delivered, and availability of COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic at no cost to the women, were statistically significant predictors of vaccine uptake among the respondents. Conclusion the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Port Harcourt was 72.2%. Higher academic achievement and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic were predictors of vaccine uptake, while reasons for hesitancy were mostly due to safety concerns for the mother and unborn baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Emmanuel Omunakwe
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Rivers State University/Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Mary Okuku
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Simeon Chijioke Amadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rivers State University/Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Alali Dan-Jumbo
- Department of Family Medicine, Rivers State University/Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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Adebusoye LA, Cadmus EO, Oyinlola O, Abiola O. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Older Adults in a Geriatric Centre in Nigeria. Cureus 2023; 15:e51102. [PMID: 38274936 PMCID: PMC10809204 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the proven efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, there is a significant level of hesitancy, particularly among the elderly population in Nigeria. The research investigates factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among older persons attending Geriatric Centers in southwestern Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 332 older adults (≥60 years). Sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, beliefs, psychological antecedents, sources of information, and perceived sensitivity to the COVID-19 vaccine were explored. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 27.0, Armonk, NY) at a 0.05 significance level. Results The mean age of the respondents was 71.8±7.3 years. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 43.1%. Predictors of COVID-19 hesitancy were not knowing where to get vaccination OR=7.058 (1.745-28.542), did not think vaccines are safe OR=8.767 (2.250-34.159), worries about unforeseen future effects OR=1.111 (1.004-1.227), preference for natural immunity OR=1.170 (1.036-1.321). Discussion COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was high in our study. Our study underscores the importance of community engagement, education, and communication strategies tailored to the needs and perceptions of the older population in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A Adebusoye
- Geriatrics, Chief Tony Anineh Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan, NGA
| | - Eniola O Cadmus
- Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, NGA
| | - Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola
- Medical Social Services, University College Hospital, Ibadan, NGA
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, CAN
| | - Obadare Abiola
- Geriatrics, Chief Tony Anineh Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan, NGA
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Ogunniyi TJ, Rufai BO, Uketeh SN, Turzin JK, Oyinloye EA, Effiong FB. Two years of COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria: a review of the current situation of the pandemic: a literature review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:5528-5532. [PMID: 37915653 PMCID: PMC10617854 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Curtailing COVID-19 outbreaks has been the major focus for many countries following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nigeria expanded its effort with the commencement of its vaccination program against COVID-19 in March 2021 after several less effective interventions as vaccine introduction was implemented. Following the introduction of the vaccines, Nigeria is expected to meet the worldwide COVID-19 eradication target of vaccinating 40% and 70% of the population, respectively, by the end of 2021 and 2022. Nigeria was unable to meet the target at the commencement of the program. The low vaccination rate, attributed to a low acceptance rate of vaccines, a lack of access to vaccines, poor communication, a weak cold-chain system, and inadequate infrastructure in the country, resulted in the complete vaccination of only 15% of the Nigerian populace as of 21 September 2022. To improve the vaccination rate, the COVID-19 Crisis Communication Centre was launched. Also, the implementation of delivery of service, logistics, accountability, supportive supervision, communication, and electronic management of immunization data scaled the vaccination rate to more than 54% of the target populace as of December 2022. Since the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine, a substantial change in the prevalence and mortality rate has been perceived owing to the country's progress toward achieving herd immunity against COVID-19. The country ascertained the percentage of cumulative deaths before the vaccination process to be 60.4%, which was reduced to 39.6% post-vaccination. In comparison, the percentage of confirmed COVID-19 cases was reduced from 58.3 to 41.7% post-vaccination. The authors recommend that the government and relevant public health authorities ensure meticulous documentation of the outcomes resulting from vaccination initiatives and facilitate the accessibility of this information to the general public to boost the vaccination rate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Justice Kwadwo Turzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. PMB UCC, D-HUB, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana
| | | | - Fortune Benjamin Effiong
- Directorate of Research, TORASIF, Calabar
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Cross River State
- African Community for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (ACSRM), Lagos, Nigeria
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Ajose A, Akinde C, Ilo A, Durojaiye T, Shittu Y, Kadiri T, Raheem B, Alamutu MK, Ojo O, Roberts AA. Nigerian parents and caregivers knowledge, attitude and willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1047285. [PMID: 37849715 PMCID: PMC10577425 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1047285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives In order to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19, a significant proportion of the population will need to be vaccinated. Experts have recommended that African children be allowed to get vaccinated to protect them from emerging variants of COVID-19 infection. This study investigated Nigerian parents and caregivers' knowledge, attitude, and willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 once the vaccines are made available to them. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of 500 parents/caregivers was conducted in Nigeria. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of and attitude toward COVID-19 infection and vaccination, willingness to vaccinate their child and factors that could influence their decision to vaccinate their child. A scoring system was used to classify the level of knowledge and attitude of participants into 2 categories, namely poor, and good. We analyzed data obtained using SPSS Version 22. Results Majority of the participants were females (63.6%). Analysis of responses revealed good knowledge and attitude in 265 (53.0%) and 266 (53.2%) respondents, respectively. Overall, less than half of the parents/caregivers (48.4%) expressed intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Factors associated with willingness to vaccinate children against COVID-19 included age greater than 40 years, male gender, residing in Southern Nigeria, having good knowledge, knowing an infected person or a vaccinated person, feeling they or their child is at risk of contracting COVID-19 infection, willingness to vaccinate self against COVID-19 and good attitude. Significant predictors of willingness to vaccinate their child include age greater than 40 years [AOR: 2.56; 95% CI = (1.14-5.76)], willingness to vaccinate self [AOR: 1016.81; 95% CI = (128.51-8045.60)] and good attitude [AOR: 6.21; 95% CI = (2.83-13.64)]. Conclusion This study revealed that parental willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 is low and identified factors influencing it. It is important to develop and implement health education programs iterating the risk of children getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants to ensure optimal uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Nigerian children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azeezat Ajose
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Cassandra Akinde
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
- Team Lead, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Azizat Ilo
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Tobi Durojaiye
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
- Senior Clinical Research Associate, XCene Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Yusuf Shittu
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
- Founder, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Tolani Kadiri
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bisola Raheem
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Mujidat Kehinde Alamutu
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
- Faculty of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olamide Ojo
- Research Team, The Neo Child Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Alero Ann Roberts
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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Olaoye I, Ekong A, Samuel A, Kelaiditi E, Myrissa K, Jacdonmi T, Gboyega F. Public beliefs and willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines among adults in South-Western Nigeria: A cross-sectional study. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:1-15. [PMID: 37063349 PMCID: PMC10091129 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the government's and development partners' unmatched efforts to ensure that every eligible person receives vaccinations, there have been concerns about vaccine fear, government mistrust, vaccine hesitancy and rejection expressed by the public, as well as various conspiracy theories involving the COVID-19 vaccines. This study assessed the public beliefs and willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines and related factors among residents of Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods Using a convenience sample technique, a cross-sectional survey of the adult population was carried out in the months of February and March of 2022. Factors influencing beliefs and willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines were found by using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Results 306 out of 323 respondents completed the survey and were included in the final analysis. The respondents mean age was 28.16 ± 16.2 years. Although n = 223, 72.9% of respondents reported to have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines, (n = 205) 67.0% believed COVID-19 vaccines to be effective. Among the individuals who had not yet had any COVID-19 vaccinations, 2.6% (n = 8) of respondents were willing to accept the vaccines, whereas 14.1% (n = 43) were unwilling. Respondents' beliefs about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines were influenced by their gender, occupation, religion and educational attainment (p < 0.005). Conclusion The study revealed a good level of positive beliefs about the vaccine, which was mirrored in vaccination history. However, those who had not yet received the vaccine were unwilling to do so, opening the door for more aggressive risk communication to be able to alter the course of events. In addition to addressing additional COVID-19 vaccination myths, we advise policy-makers to develop communication strategies that emphasise the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is advised that all relevant stakeholders be included in government COVID-19 vaccination programmes by sharing timely, transparent information that fosters accountability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itse Olaoye
- World Health Organization Ondo State Field Office, Akure, Nigeria
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK, TW1 4SX
| | - Aniebet Ekong
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth
| | - Abiona Samuel
- Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Eirini Kelaiditi
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK, TW1 4SX
| | - Kyriaki Myrissa
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK, TW1 4SX
| | - Tsemaye Jacdonmi
- World Health Organization Ondo State Field Office, Akure, Nigeria
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Njoga EO, Awoyomi OJ, Onwumere-Idolor OS, Awoyomi PO, Ugochukwu ICI, Ozioko SN. Persisting Vaccine Hesitancy in Africa: The Whys, Global Public Health Consequences and Ways-Out-COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Rates as Case-in-Point. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1934. [PMID: 36423029 PMCID: PMC9697713 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is the seventh among the WHO's top 10 threats to global public health, which has continued to perpetuate the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in Africa. Consequently, this paper systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates (VARs)-including the vaccine uptake and vaccination intention-in Africa from 2020 to 2022, compared the rates within the five African regions and determined the context-specific causes of VH in Africa. Generally, COVID-19 VARs ranged from 21.0% to 97.9% and 8.2% to 92.0% with mean rates of 59.8 ± 3.8% and 58.0 ± 2.4% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Southern and eastern African regions had the top two VARs of 83.5 ± 6.3% and 68.9 ± 6.6% in 2021, and 64.2 ± 4.6% and 61.2 ± 5.1% in 2022, respectively. Based on population types, healthcare workers had a marginal increase in their mean COVID-19 VARs from 55.5 ± 5.6% in 2021 to 60.8 ± 5.3% in 2022. In other populations, the mean VARs decreased from 62.7 ± 5.2% in 2021 to 54.5 ± 4% in 2022. As of 25 October 2022, Africa lags behind the world with only 24% full COVID-19 vaccinations compared to 84%, 79% and 63% reported, respectively, in the Australian continent, upper-middle-income countries and globally. Apart from the problems of confidence, complacency, convenience, communications and context, the context-specific factors driving COVID-19 VH in Africa are global COVID-19 vaccine inequality, lack of vaccine production/maintenance facilities, insecurity, high illiteracy level, endemic corruption, mistrust in some political leaders, the spreading of unconfirmed anti-vaccination rumors and political instability. With an overall mean COVID-19 acceptance rate of 58%, VH still subsists in Africa. The low VARs in Africa have detrimental global public health implications, as it could facilitate the emergence of immune invading SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, which may spread globally. Consequently, there is a need to confront these challenges frontally and engage traditional and religious leaders in the fight against VH in Africa, to restore public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines generally. As the availability of COVID-19 vaccines improves, the vaccination of pets and zoo-animals from which reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported is recommended, to limit the evolution and spread of new variants of concern and avert possible SARS-CoV-2 epizootic or panzootic diseases in susceptible animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel O. Njoga
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
| | - Olajoju J. Awoyomi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta PMB 2240, Nigeria
| | - Onyinye S. Onwumere-Idolor
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro PMB 005, Nigeria
| | - Priscilla O. Awoyomi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria
| | - Iniobong C. I. Ugochukwu
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universita degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Stella N. Ozioko
- Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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