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Midzi N, Mutsaka-Makuvaza MJ, Charimari LS, Mangwiro P, Manengureni T, Mugadza G. A qualitative study of knowledge, beliefs and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in selected districts in Zimbabwe. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2637. [PMID: 39334096 PMCID: PMC11438260 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20053-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of appropriate knowledge, incorrect beliefs and misinformation misleads people about the risks they face and how best to protect themselves. A study was conducted to explore the knowledge, beliefs and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in September-October 2022 with a purposive sample of religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, health workers, village health workers, teachers, traditional healers, transporters, and the general population selected from ten sites across the country. In total there were 128 participants (30 key informants and 98 focus group discussion participants). At each site, 3 key informant interviews and one homogenous focus group discussion were conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion guides, respectively. The data were recorded on audiotapes, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Manual thematic analysis of the data was performed. FINDINGS Three themes were identified in this study: (1) beliefs about COVID-19, (2) knowledge about COVID-19 (knowledge of origin, definition, transmission, signs and symptoms and recommended preventive measures), and (3) misinformation about COVID-19 (regarding its nature, existence and recommended preventive measures). There was awareness of the origin, transmission, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among the participants. Participants reported that Zimbabwean communities were conversant with public health measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining hand hygiene. However, misinformation was also observed to have circulated among the communities. CONCLUSION Participants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19. However, the misinformation circulating in the country calls for the government to establish structures to monitor the legitimacy of information coming through different sources and invest in providing information through trusted sources. In any disease outbreak, the government should engage its citizenry to understand their knowledge, beliefs and any misinformation that might influence adherence to disease preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Midzi
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Masceline Jenipher Mutsaka-Makuvaza
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda.
| | | | | | - Tonderai Manengureni
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Gladys Mugadza
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Ferris BF, Balasubramanian S, Rajamanickam A, Munisankar S, Dasan B, Menon PA, Loke P, Babu S, Chami GF. Relative contribution of biomedical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors to COVID-19 vaccine receipt in rural India. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305819. [PMID: 38913614 PMCID: PMC11195973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the first year of roll-out, vaccination for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prevented almost 20 million deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Yet, little is known about the factors influencing access to vaccination at the individual level within rural poor settings of low-income countries. The aim of this study was to examine determinants of vaccine receipt in rural India. METHODS A census of a rural village in Tamil Nadu was undertaken from June 2021 to September 2022. We surveyed 775 participants from 262 households. Household-level data on socioeconomic status (SES), water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, and individual-level demographic information, travel history, and biomedical data, including anthropometry, vital signs, and comorbidities, were collected. Logistic regression models with 5-fold cross-validation were used to identify the biomedical, demographic, and socioeconomic determinants of vaccine receipt and the timing of receipt within the first 30 days of eligibility. Vaccine ineligible participants were excluded leaving 659 eligible participants. There were 650 eligible participants with complete biomedical, demographic, and socioeconomic data. RESULTS There were 68.0% and 34.0% of individuals (N = 650) who had received one and two vaccine doses, respectively. Participants with household ownership of a permanent account number (PAN) or ration card were 2.15 (95% CI:1.32-3.52) or 3.02 (95% CI:1.72-5.29) times more likely to receive at least one vaccine dose compared to households with no ownership of such cards. Participants employed as housewives or self-employed non-agricultural workers were 65% (95% CI:0.19-0.67) or 59% (95% CI:0.22-0.76) less likely to receive at least one vaccine dose compared to salaried workers. Household PAN card ownership, occupation and age were linked to the timing of vaccine receipt. Participants aged ≤18 and 45-60 years were 17.74 (95% CI:5.07-62.03) and 5.51 (95% CI:2.74-11.10) times more likely to receive a vaccine within 30 days of eligibility compared to 19-44-year-olds. Biomedical factors including BMI, vital signs, comorbidities, and COVID-19 specific symptoms were not consistently associated with vaccine receipt or timing of receipt. No support was found that travel history, contact with COVID-19 cases, and hospital admissions influenced vaccine receipt or timing of receipt. CONCLUSION Factors linked to SES were linked to vaccine receipt, more so than biomedical factors which were targeted by vaccine policies. Future research should explore if government interventions including vaccine mandates, barriers to vaccine access, or peer influence linked to workplace or targeted vaccine promotion campaigns underpin these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany F. Ferris
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Suganthi Balasubramanian
- National Institutes of Health – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis -International Center for Excellence in Research (NIH-ICER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anuradha Rajamanickam
- National Institutes of Health – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis -International Center for Excellence in Research (NIH-ICER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saravanan Munisankar
- National Institutes of Health – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis -International Center for Excellence in Research (NIH-ICER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bindu Dasan
- National Institutes of Health – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis -International Center for Excellence in Research (NIH-ICER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pradeep A. Menon
- Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P'ng Loke
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Subash Babu
- National Institutes of Health – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis -International Center for Excellence in Research (NIH-ICER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Goylette F. Chami
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
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Ndejjo R, Chen N, Kabwama SN, Bamgboye EA, Bosonkie M, Bassoum O, Kiwanuka SN, Salawu MM, Egbende L, Sougou NM, Afolabi RF, Leye MMM, Bello S, Adebowale AS, Dairo MD, Seck I, Fawole OI, Mapatano MA, Tsai LL, Wanyenze RK. Sex and COVID-19 vaccination uptake and intention in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1356609. [PMID: 38939751 PMCID: PMC11210425 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1356609] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of vaccines marked a game changer in the fight against COVID-19. In sub-Saharan Africa, studies have documented the intention to vaccinate and the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. However, little is documented about how sex differences could have impacted COVID-19 vaccination. We conducted a multi-country cross-sectional study to assess the sex differences in COVID-19 vaccine uptake and intention to vaccinate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. This study involved analysis of data from mobile surveys conducted between March and June 2022 among nationally constituted samples of adults in each country. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were run. The self-reported uptake of COVID-19 vaccines was not significantly different between males and females (p = 0.47), while the intention to vaccinate was significantly higher among males (p = 0.008). Among males, obtaining COVID-19 information from health workers, testing for COVID-19, and having high trust in the Ministry of Health were associated with higher vaccination uptake. Among females, having high trust in the government was associated with higher vaccination uptake. For intention to vaccinate, males who resided in semi-urban areas and females who resided in rural areas had significantly higher vaccination intention compared to their counterparts in urban areas. Other factors positively associated with vaccination intention among males were trust in the World Health Organization and perceived truthfulness of institutions, while males from households with a higher socio-economic index and those who had declined a vaccine before had a lower vaccine intention. Overall, the factors differentiating vaccine uptake and intention to vaccinate among males and females were mostly related to trust in government institutions, perceived truthfulness of institutions, and respondent's residence. These factors are key in guiding the tailoring of interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawlance Ndejjo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nuole Chen
- Department of Political Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Steven N. Kabwama
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eniola A. Bamgboye
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Marc Bosonkie
- Department of Nutrition, Kinshasa School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Oumar Bassoum
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop, University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Suzanne N. Kiwanuka
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mobolaji M. Salawu
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Landry Egbende
- Department of Nutrition, Kinshasa School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Ndeye Mareme Sougou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop, University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Rotimi F. Afolabi
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mamadou Makhtar Mbacké Leye
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop, University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Segun Bello
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ayo S. Adebowale
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Magbagbeola D. Dairo
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahima Seck
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop, University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Olufunmilayo I. Fawole
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mala Ali Mapatano
- Department of Nutrition, Kinshasa School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Lily L. Tsai
- Department of Political Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Taruvinga T, Chingono RS, Marambire E, Larsson L, Olaru ID, Sibanda S, Nzvere F, Redzo N, Ndhlovu CE, Rusakaniko S, Mujuru H, Sibanda E, Chonzi P, Siamuchembu M, Chikodzore R, Mahomva A, Ferrand RA, Dixon J, Kranzer K. Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe: A mixed methods study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002256. [PMID: 38127934 PMCID: PMC10734954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
With COVID-19 no longer categorized as a public health emergency of international concern, vaccination strategies and priority groups for vaccination have evolved. Africa Centres for Diseases Prevention and Control proposed the '100-100-70%' strategy which aims to vaccinate all healthcare workers, all vulnerable groups, and 70% of the general population. Understanding whether healthcare workers were reached during previous vaccination campaigns and what can be done to address concerns, anxieties, and other influences on vaccine uptake, will be important to optimally plan how to achieve these ambitious targets. In this mixed-methods study, between June 2021 and July 2022 a quantitative survey was conducted with healthcare workers accessing a comprehensive health check in Zimbabwe to determine whether and, if so, when they had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Healthcare workers were categorized as those who had received the vaccine 'early' (before 30.06.2021) and those who had received it 'late' (after 30.06.2021). In addition, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted to understand perceptions and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 3,086 healthcare workers employed at 43 facilities who participated in the study, 2,986 (97%, 95% CI [92%-100%]) reported that they had received at least one vaccine dose. Geographical location, older age, higher educational attainment and having a chronic condition was associated with receiving the vaccine early. Qualitatively, (mis)information, infection risk perception, quasi-mandatory vaccination requirements, and legitimate concerns such as safety and efficacy influenced vaccine uptake. Meeting the proposed 100-100-70 target entails continued emphasis on strong communication while engaging meaningfully with healthcare workers' concerns. Mandatory vaccination may undermine trust and should not be a substitute for sustained engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinotenda Taruvinga
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Africa Centres for Diseases Prevention and Control (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Rudo S. Chingono
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edson Marambire
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Leyla Larsson
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Ioana D. Olaru
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sibusisiwe Sibanda
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Farirai Nzvere
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nicole Redzo
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chiratidzo E. Ndhlovu
- Internal Medicine Unit, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hilda Mujuru
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edwin Sibanda
- Bulawayo City Council Health Department, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Maphios Siamuchembu
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Provincial Medical Directorate, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Rudo Chikodzore
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Department of Epidemiology and Diseases Control, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Agnes Mahomva
- National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Office of the President, and Cabinet, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rashida A. Ferrand
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Dixon
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Taruvinga T, Chingono RS, Marambire E, Larsson L, Olaru ID, Sibanda S, Nzvere F, Redzo N, Ndhlovu CE, Rusakaniko S, Mujuru H, Sibanda E, Chonzi P, Siamuchembu M, Chikodzore R, Mahomva A, Ferrand RA, Dixon J, Kranzer K. Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe: A mixed methods study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.17.23292791. [PMID: 37503278 PMCID: PMC10371179 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.17.23292791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
With COVID-19 no longer categorized as a public health emergency of international concern, vaccination strategies and priority groups for vaccination have evolved. Africa Centers for Diseases Prevention and Control proposed the '100-100-70%' strategy which aims to vaccinate all healthcare workers, all vulnerable groups, and 70% of the general population. Understanding whether healthcare workers were reached during previous vaccination campaigns and what can be done to address concerns, anxieties, and other influences on vaccine uptake, will be important to optimally plan how to achieve these ambitious targets. In this mixed-methods study, between June 2021 and July 2022 a quantitative survey was conducted with healthcare workers accessing a comprehensive health check in Zimbabwe to determine whether and, if so, when they had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Healthcare workers were categorized as those who had received the vaccine 'early' (before 30.06.2021) and those who had received it 'late' (after 30.06.2021). In addition, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted to understand perceptions and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 2905 healthcare workers employed at 37 facilities who participated in the study, 2818 (97%, 95% CI [92%-102%]) reported that they had received at least one vaccine dose. Geographical location, older age, higher educational attainment and having a chronic condition was associated with receiving the vaccine early. Qualitatively, (mis)information, infection risk perception, quasi-mandatory vaccination requirements, and legitimate concerns such as safety and efficacy influenced vaccine uptake. Meeting the proposed 100-100-70 target entails continued emphasis on strong communication while engaging meaningfully with healthcare workers' concerns. Mandatory vaccination may undermine trust and should not be a substitute for sustained engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinotenda Taruvinga
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Africa Centres for Diseases Prevention and Control (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Rudo S. Chingono
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edson Marambire
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Leyla Larsson
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Ioana D. Olaru
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sibusisiwe Sibanda
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Farirayi Nzvere
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nicole Redzo
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chiratidzo E. Ndhlovu
- Internal Medicine Unit, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hilda Mujuru
- . Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Edwin Sibanda
- Bulawayo City Council Health Department, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Maphios Siamuchembu
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Provincial Medical Directorate, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Rudo Chikodzore
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Department of Epidemiology and Diseases Control, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Agnes Mahomva
- National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Office of the President, and Cabinet, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rashida A. Ferrand
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Justin Dixon
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Padonou SGR, Kakaï Glèlè C, Accrombessi M, Adegbite BR, Dangbenon E, Bah H, Akogbeto E, Bah Chabi AI, Kaucley L, Sourakatou S, Dossou A, Batonon A, Bissouma-Ledjou T, Hounkpatin B. Assessment of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Its Associated Factors during the Crisis: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Benin. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1104. [PMID: 37376493 PMCID: PMC10305180 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having a maximum number of people vaccinated was the objective to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We report in this manuscript the factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 during the pandemic period. METHODS From April to May 2022, a community-based cross-sectional survey was performed. Participants were randomly selected from four districts in Benin (taking into account the COVID-19 prevalence). Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to identify the variables associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. RESULTS A total of 2069 participants were included. The proportion of vaccine acceptance was 43.3%. A total of 24.2% were vaccinated and showed proof of vaccination. The population's request for vaccination was higher after the third epidemic wave. The district of residence, the education level, a fear of being infected, the channel of information, poor medical conditions, a good knowledge of the transmission mode and symptoms, and good behaviors were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSION The overall acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Beninese population was relatively high. However, vaccine campaigns in areas with a low acceptance as well as the disclosure of information, particularly on our knowledge of the disease and the safety, side effects, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, should be strengthened with adapted and consistent messages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manfred Accrombessi
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- African Public Health Consulting and Research Group, Cotonou, Benin
- Cotonou Entomological Research Center, Ministry of Health, Cotonou 06 BP 2604, Benin
| | - Bayode Romeo Adegbite
- Alliance for the Promotion of Community Health, Research and Scientific Innovation, Cotonou, Benin
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambarene BP242, Gabon
| | - Edouard Dangbenon
- African Public Health Consulting and Research Group, Cotonou, Benin
- Cotonou Entomological Research Center, Ministry of Health, Cotonou 06 BP 2604, Benin
| | - Houssaïnatou Bah
- Country Office, World Health Organization, Cotonou 01BP 918, Benin
| | | | | | | | | | - Ange Dossou
- Ministry of Health, Cotonou 01 BP 882, Benin
| | | | | | - Benjamin Hounkpatin
- Ministry of Health, Cotonou 01 BP 882, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou 01 BP 526, Benin
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Naidoo D, Meyer-Weitz A, Govender K. Factors Influencing the Intention and Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines on the African Continent: A Scoping Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040873. [PMID: 37112785 PMCID: PMC10146577 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a severe concern worldwide, particularly in Africa. Vaccines are crucial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review examined existing literature from 2020 to 2022 on individual, interpersonal, and structural barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination within Africa to facilitate more informed health promotion interventions to improve vaccine uptake. This review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodological framework. A comprehensive search was undertaken from 2021 to 2022 using six electronic databases: EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, WorldCat Discovery, and Google Scholar. Data was collected, charted into themes, and summarized using a standard data extraction sheet in Microsoft Excel. A total of forty (n = 40) published academic articles were reviewed, with many conducted in Nigeria (n = 10), followed by Ethiopia (n = 5) and Ghana (n = 4) and the rest elsewhere in Africa. Thematic narratives were used to report data into six themes: attitudes and perceptions about COVID-19 vaccines, intention to uptake COVID-19 vaccines; factors and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake; socio-demographic determinants affecting the intention and uptake; and information sources for COVID-19 vaccines. The intention for uptake ranged from 25% to 80.9%, resulting in a suboptimal uptake intention rate (54.2%) on the African continent. Factors that promoted vaccine acceptance included confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines and the desire to protect people. Age, education, and gender were the most common factors significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Most studies revealed that considerable barriers to vaccine uptake exist in Africa. Concerns about potential side effects, vaccine ineffectiveness, a perceived lack of information, and inaccessibility were among the individual, interpersonal, and structural barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was strongly correlated with being female. Mass and social media were the main sources of information regarding COVID-19 vaccines. To encourage vaccine uptake, governments should pay attention to refuting misinformation through integrated community-based approaches, such as creating messages that convey more than just information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Naidoo
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
- Health Promotion Unit, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X9051, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- HEARD, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
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Wu J, Shen Z, Li Q, Tarimo CS, Wang M, Gu J, Wei W, Zhang X, Huang Y, Ma M, Xu D, Ojangba T, Miao Y. How urban versus rural residency relates to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A large-scale national Chinese study. Soc Sci Med 2023; 320:115695. [PMID: 36736053 PMCID: PMC9846885 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115695] [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: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Although urban-rural residency has been shown to influence individual COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, the differences between urban and rural China have yet to be uncovered. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the current prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in urban and rural areas and explore whether the rural versus urban residency is associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. METHODS A national, cross-sectional, online survey among Chinese urban and rural adults (≥18 years old) was conducted from 6th to August 9, 2021. A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic factors, perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination status. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to explore the association between urban versus rural residency and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS In total, 29,925 participants (80.56% urban participants) were recruited. Urban participants had a higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than their rural counterparts (9.39% vs. 4.26%). After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among females was lower than that in males in both urban (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI [0.69-0.88]) and rural areas (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.39-0.75]). The lack of trust towards vaccine producers was found to be associated with vaccine hesitancy among the urban participants (aOR = 2.76, 95% CI [2.22-3.43]). The rural floating population had a lower COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than the rural permanent residents (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.42-0.80]). PSM analysis revealed a 2.38% difference in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy between urban and rural participants. CONCLUSIONS Urban participants were more hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than rural participants. Priority should be placed on boosting confidence in the healthcare system to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among urban residents. Furthermore, we advocate for extra incentives and vaccination education for rural permanent residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanlei Shen
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanman Li
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Clifford Silver Tarimo
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China; Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Dar es salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Meiyun Wang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianqin Gu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wei
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Huang
- Manage and service Center of Wuhou Medical Institutes, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingze Ma
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyang Xu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Theodora Ojangba
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yudong Miao
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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Yamanis T, Carlitz R, Gonyea O, Skaff S, Kisanga N, Mollel H. Confronting 'chaos': a qualitative study assessing public health officials' perceptions of the factors affecting Tanzania's COVID-19 vaccine rollout. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065081. [PMID: 36720575 PMCID: PMC9890278 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mass COVID-19 vaccination in Africa is required to end the pandemic. In low-income settings, street-level bureaucrats (SLBs), or public officials who interact directly with citizens, are typically responsible for carrying out vaccination plans and earning community confidence in vaccines. The study interviewed SLBs to assess their perceptions of the factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Tanzania. METHODS We interviewed 50 SLBs (19 rural; 31 urban) responsible for implementing COVID-19 vaccination microplans across four diverse regions and districts of Tanzania in September 2021. Moreover, we conducted six in-depth interviews with non-governmental organisation representatives and seven focus group discussions with health facility governing committees. We asked for their perceptions of factors facilitating and challenging vaccine rollout according to three preidentified domains: political, health system and community. We analysed translated transcripts using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Political factors facilitating mass vaccination included the executive leadership change from a denialist president to a president who accepted vaccines and promoted transparency. Global integration, commercially and politically, also motivated vaccine acceptance. Political challenges included community confusion that emerged from the consecutive presidents' divergent communications and messaging by prominent religious antivaccination leaders. Health system factors facilitating vaccination included scaling up of immunisation sites and campaigns. Urban district officials reported greater access to vaccination sites, compared with rural officials. Limited financial resources for paying healthcare workers and for transport fuel and a lack of COVID-19 testing compromised mass vaccination. Furthermore, SLBs reported being inadequately trained on COVID-19 vaccine benefits and side effects. Having community sources of accurate information was critical to mass vaccination. Challenges at the community level included patriarchal gender dynamics, low risk perception, disinformation that the vaccine has satanic elements, and lack of trust in coronavirus vaccines. CONCLUSION Mass COVID-19 vaccination in Tanzania will require greater resources and investment in training SLBs to mitigate mistrust, overcome misinformation, and engage communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thespina Yamanis
- School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ruth Carlitz
- Department of Political Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Olivia Gonyea
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sophia Skaff
- School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nelson Kisanga
- Department of Health Systems Management, Mzumbe University, Mzumbe, Tanzania
| | - Henry Mollel
- Department of Health Systems Management, Mzumbe University, Mzumbe, Tanzania
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Azanaw J, Endalew M, Zenbaba D, Abera E, Chattu VK. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors in 13 African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1001423. [PMID: 36761336 PMCID: PMC9903367 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1001423] [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: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the entire world, especially sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, researchers and government agencies are working to create effective COVID-19 vaccinations. While vaccination campaigns are moving rapidly in high-income nations, COVID-19 is still ruthlessly affecting people in low-income nations. However, this difference in the spread of the disease is not because of a lack of a COVID-19 vaccine but mainly due to people's reluctance. As a result, this review summarized the data on COVID-19 vaccination adoption and factors related among nations in sub-Saharan Africa. Method Comprehensive searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases. The risk of bias and methodological quality of each published article that fit the selection criteria were evaluated using Critical Appraisal Checklist tools. All statistical analysis was done by STATA 16. Results This review was based on 29 studies with 26,255 participants from sub-Saharan Africa. Using a random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among study participants was 55.04% (95 % CI: 47.80-62.27 %), I2 = 99.55%. Being male [POR = 1.88 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.44)], having a positive attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine [POR = 5.56 (95% CI: 3.63, 8.51)], having good knowledge in the COVID-19 vaccine [POR = 4.61 (95% CI: 1.24, 8.75)], having government trust [POR = 7.10 (95% CI: 2.37, 21.32)], and having undergone COVID-19 testing in the past [POR = 4.41 (95%CI: (2.51, 7.75)] were significant predictor variables. Conclusion This analysis showed that respondents had a decreased pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Sex, attitude, knowledge, government trust, and COVID-19 testing were statistically significantly correlated characteristics that affected the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine. All stakeholders should be actively involved in increasing the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine and thereby reducing the consequences of COVID-19. The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination can be increased by using this conclusion as an indicator for governments, healthcare professionals, and health policymakers in their work on attitude, knowledge, government trust, and COVID-19 testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jember Azanaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mastewal Endalew
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Demisu Zenbaba
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Goba Referral Hospital, Madda Walabu University, Bale Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Eshetu Abera
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technological Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
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Gudayu TW, Mengistie HT. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13037. [PMID: 36686610 PMCID: PMC9846884 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective intervention for the primary prevention of COVID-19. Several studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan African countries on the acceptance and associated factors of COVID-19 vaccine. This review and meta-analysis aimed to recapitulate the pooled magnitude of vaccine acceptance and its favoring factors in sub-Saharan African countries. PUBMED, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, and SCOPUS were the main databases searched from 15 March to 5 June 2022; and all the articles written in the English language were included. Also, some articles were retrieved from biomedical peer-reviewed journal sites and Google scholar. The quality of thirty-five selected articles was evaluated using an adapted scale for evaluating cross-sectional studies based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The result of the review and meta-analysis revealed that COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate varied across studies. In a pooled analysis, factors such as; higher-level perception of infection risk (OR (95% CI (2.7 (2.1, 3.4))), perceived vaccine safety (13.9 (9.2, 20.9)), virus-related good knowledge (2.7 (2.3, 3.2)) and appropriate attitude (5.9 (4.4, 7.8)), adherence to safety precautions (5.5 (4.8, 6.2)), and infection experience (4.4 (2.8, 6.9)) were positively affected the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Also, vaccine acceptance was found to be high among males and chronically ill individuals. Thus, understanding factors that enhance vaccine acceptance would support planners to augment vaccine uptake in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temesgen Worku Gudayu
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia,Corresponding author.
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12
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Avahoundje EM, Dossou JP, Vigan A, Gaye I, Agossou C, Boyi C, Bello K, Mikponhoue J, Ba MF, Faye A, Ridde V. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intention in Benin in 2021: A cross-sectional study. Vaccine X 2022; 12:100237. [PMID: 36348760 PMCID: PMC9632262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2022.100237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The development of COVID-19 vaccines has brought considerable hope for the control of the pandemic. With a view to promoting good vaccine coverage, this study aimed to measure vaccine intention against COVID-19 and to understand the factors that promote it. Method In April 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study at the national level through a telephone survey of Beninese aged 18 years or older. We used a marginal quota sampling method (n = 865) according to age, gender, and department. We constructed the questionnaire using a theoretical framework of health intention. We determined the factors associated with intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in Benin using a multinomial logistic regression at the 5 % significance level. Results The intention to vaccinate was 64.7 %; 10.9 % of the population were hesitant, and 24.4 % did not want to vaccinate. Thinking that it was important to get vaccinated (AOR = 0.274; CI = 0.118-0.638) or that getting vaccinated will help protect loved ones from the virus (AOR = 0.399; CI = 0.205-0.775) increased the intention to vaccinate. Having a high level of education (AOR = 1.988; CI = 1.134-3.484), thinking that the vaccine could put one's health at risk (AOR = 2.259; CI = 1.114-4.578), and hearing something negative about the vaccine (AOR = 1.765; CI = 1.059-2.941) reduced intention to vaccinate. In addition, believing that the creators of the vaccine had ensured its safety (AOR = 0.209; CI = 0.101-0.430), and believing that it was unlikely to be infected after vaccination (AOR = 0.359; CI = 0.183-0.703) decreased hesitancy in favour of the intention to vaccinate. Conclusion In April 2021, vaccine intention was high, but maintaining this high rate requires building confidence in the vaccine and combating misinformation about the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Paul Dossou
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie (CERRHUD), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Armelle Vigan
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie (CERRHUD), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Ibrahima Gaye
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Christian Agossou
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie (CERRHUD), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Christelle Boyi
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie (CERRHUD), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Kéfilath Bello
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie (CERRHUD), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Joël Mikponhoue
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie (CERRHUD), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Mouhamadou Faly Ba
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Adama Faye
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Valéry Ridde
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Université Paris Cité, IRD, Inserm, Ceped, F-75006 Paris, France
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13
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Mapuranga M, Maunganidze F, Ruggunan S. Get vaccinated or else…employees' perspective on mandatory vaccination in the retail sector in Zimbabwe. Front Psychol 2022; 13:946454. [PMID: 36507033 PMCID: PMC9731306 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.946454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has resulted in many changes in the world of work. Measures such as remote working, physical distancing, compulsory use of face masks, sanitization among others. With time, a number of medical interventions to deal with the pandemic were developed and availed. Zimbabwe's retail sector was not spared of different vaccines which were meant to curb the virus. Most Zimbabwean organizations made it mandatory for their employees to get vaccinated or risked losing employment. However, less is known about the perceptions of employees toward voluntary vaccination. This gap is important given the strategic nature of employees in an organization. This paper poses the following questions (1) to what extent were employees consulted on the compulsory vaccination? (2) What are the employees' perceptions toward compulsory vaccination? (3) How are employees coping with the mandatory vaccination? The study was premised on the classical work of Kurt Lewin on types of leadership, specifically autocratic-democratic styles. Twenty shopfloor employees from two major retail outlets with functional human resource departments and works councils in Masvingo were purposively sampled and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The sample composed of women and men of different age groups. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. The paper argues that employees have a right to be involved in issues that concern them. The study has established four levels of consultation existing on a continuum namely formal and genuine consultations, formal but less genuine consultations, informal consultations, and no consultation at all. The fourth level emerged to have been the most popular among most participants. With regards to employees' perceptions of mandatory vaccination by management, findings have revealed three categories which are, perceived good decision, perceived tight hands on the part of management and the them and us perceptions. Concerning reactions to mandatory vaccination, the study has shown that employees in the retail sector had a number of options to follow. Some went for full vaccination willingly or under duress, while others settled for a single dose. Most participants highlighted that they fraudulently obtained some vaccination cards. These findings support the relevance of engaging employees on matters that affect them. The study has therefore established the importance of genuine consultations between management and employees on issues that pertains the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Mapuranga
- School of Management, IT and Governance, College of Law and Management, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Shaun Ruggunan
- School of Management, IT and Governance, College of Law and Management, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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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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Wang D, Chukwu A, Mwanyika-Sando M, Abubakari SW, Assefa N, Madzorera I, Hemler EC, Ismail A, Lankoande B, Mapendo F, Millogo O, Workneh F, Azemraw T, Febir LG, James C, Tinkasimile A, Asante KP, Baernighausen T, Berhane Y, Killewo J, Oduola AMJ, Sie A, Smith ER, Soura AB, Raji T, Vuai S, Fawzi WW. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its determinants among sub-Saharan African adolescents. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000611. [PMID: 36962540 PMCID: PMC10022111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adolescents poses a challenge to the global effort to control the pandemic. This multi-country survey aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa between July and December 2021. The survey was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviewing among adolescents in five sub-Saharan African countries, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. A rural area and an urban area were included in each country (except Ghana, which only had a rural area), with approximately 300 adolescents in each area and 2662 in total. Sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions and attitudes on COVID-19 vaccines were measured. Vaccine hesitancy was defined as definitely not getting vaccinated or being undecided on whether to get vaccinated if a COVID-19 vaccine were available. Log-binomial models were used to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between potential determinants and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The percentage of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 14% in rural Kersa, 23% in rural Ibadan, 31% in rural Nouna, 32% in urban Ouagadougou, 37% in urban Addis Ababa, 48% in rural Kintampo, 65% in urban Lagos, 76% in urban Dar es Salaam, and 88% in rural Dodoma. Perceived low necessity, concerns about vaccine safety, and concerns about vaccine effectiveness were the leading reasons for hesitancy. Healthcare workers, parents or family members, and schoolteachers had the greatest impacts on vaccine willingness. Perceived lack of safety (aPR: 3.52; 95% CI: 3.00, 4.13) and lack of effectiveness (aPR: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.97, 4.03) were associated with greater vaccine hesitancy. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adolescents is alarmingly high across the five sub-Saharan African countries, especially in Tanzania. COVID-19 vaccination campaigns among sub-Saharan African adolescents should address their concerns and misconceptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Wang
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Angela Chukwu
- Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Sulemana Watara Abubakari
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo North Municipality, Bono East Region, Ghana
| | - Nega Assefa
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Isabel Madzorera
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elena C. Hemler
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Abbas Ismail
- College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Bruno Lankoande
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Frank Mapendo
- Africa Academy for Public Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Temesgen Azemraw
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lawrence Gyabaa Febir
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo North Municipality, Bono East Region, Ghana
| | - Christabel James
- University of Ibadan Research Foundation, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Kwaku Poku Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo North Municipality, Bono East Region, Ghana
| | - Till Baernighausen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Japhet Killewo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ayoade M. J. Oduola
- University of Ibadan Research Foundation, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ali Sie
- Nouna Health Research Center, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | - Emily R. Smith
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Abdramane Bassiahi Soura
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Tajudeen Raji
- Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Said Vuai
- College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Wafaie W. Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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16
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Ndlovu M, Moyo R, Mpofu M. Modelling COVID-19 infection with seasonality in Zimbabwe. PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH (2002) 2022; 127:103167. [PMID: 35642222 PMCID: PMC9132494 DOI: 10.1016/j.pce.2022.103167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents evidence and the existence of seasonality in current existing COVID-19 datasets for three different countries namely Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana. Therefore, we modified the SVIR model through factoring in the seasonality effect by incorporating moving averages and signal processing techniques to the disease transmission rate. The simulation results strongly established the existence of seasonality in COVID-19 dynamics with a correlation of 0.746 between models with seasonality effect at 0.001 significance level. Finally, the model was used to predict the magnitude and occurrence of the fourth wave.
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17
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Ogunleye OO, Godman B, Fadare JO, Mudenda S, Adeoti AO, Yinka-Ogunleye AF, Ogundele SO, Oyawole MR, Schönfeldt M, Rashed WM, Galal AM, Masuka N, Zaranyika T, Kalungia AC, Malande OO, Kibuule D, Massele A, Chikowe I, Khuluza F, Taruvinga T, Alfadl A, Malik E, Oluka M, Opanga S, Ankrah DNA, Sefah IA, Afriyie D, Tagoe ET, Amu AA, Msibi MP, Etando A, Alabi ME, Okwen P, Niba LL, Mwita JC, Rwegerera GM, Kgatlwane J, Jairoun AA, Ejekam C, Mavenyengwa RT, Murimi-Worstell I, Campbell SM, Meyer JC. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic across Africa: Current Status of Vaccinations and Implications for the Future. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1553. [PMID: 36146631 PMCID: PMC9504201 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of effective vaccines in December 2020 marked a significant step forward in the global response to COVID-19. Given concerns with access, acceptability, and hesitancy across Africa, there is a need to describe the current status of vaccine uptake in the continent. An exploratory study was undertaken to investigate these aspects, current challenges, and lessons learnt across Africa to provide future direction. Senior personnel across 14 African countries completed a self-administered questionnaire, with a descriptive analysis of the data. Vaccine roll-out commenced in March 2021 in most countries. COVID-19 vaccination coverage varied from low in Cameroon and Tanzania and up to 39.85% full coverage in Botswana at the end of 2021; that is, all doses advocated by initial protocols versus the total population, with rates increasing to 58.4% in Botswana by the end of June 2022. The greatest increase in people being fully vaccinated was observed in Uganda (20.4% increase), Botswana (18.5% increase), and Zambia (17.9% increase). Most vaccines were obtained through WHO-COVAX agreements. Initially, vaccination was prioritised for healthcare workers (HCWs), the elderly, adults with co-morbidities, and other at-risk groups, with countries now commencing vaccination among children and administering booster doses. Challenges included irregular supply and considerable hesitancy arising from misinformation fuelled by social media activities. Overall, there was fair to reasonable access to vaccination across countries, enhanced by government initiatives. Vaccine hesitancy must be addressed with context-specific interventions, including proactive programmes among HCWs, medical journalists, and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka O. Ogunleye
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
| | - Joseph O. Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti 362103, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti 360211, Nigeria
| | - Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Adekunle O. Adeoti
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti 360211, Nigeria
| | | | - Sunday O. Ogundele
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Modupe R. Oyawole
- Department of Pharmacy, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Marione Schönfeldt
- Child, Youth and School Health Directorate, National Department of Health, Pretoria 0083, South Africa
| | - Wafaa M. Rashed
- Children’s Cancer Hospital, Egypt-57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo 11441, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M. Galal
- Biomedical Research Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo 11774, Egypt
| | - Nyasha Masuka
- CIMAS, Cimas House, Borrowdale Office Park, Borrowdale Road, Harare P.O. Box 1243, Zimbabwe
| | - Trust Zaranyika
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe
| | - Aubrey C. Kalungia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Oliver O. Malande
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, Egerton University, Nakuru P.O.Box 536, Kenya
- East Africa Centre for Vaccines and Immunization (ECAVI), Namela House, Naguru, Kampala P.O. Box 3040, Uganda
| | - Dan Kibuule
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Busitema University, Mbale P.O. Box 236, Uganda
| | - Amos Massele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hurbert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania
| | - Ibrahim Chikowe
- Pharmacy Department, Formerly College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre P.O. Box 278, Malawi
| | - Felix Khuluza
- Pharmacy Department, Formerly College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre P.O. Box 278, Malawi
| | - Tinotenda Taruvinga
- Department of Global Health and Development (GHD), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London WC1E 7TH, UK
| | - Abubakr Alfadl
- National Medicines and Poisons Board, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum P.O. Box 303, Sudan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elfatih Malik
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Margaret Oluka
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Kenya
| | - Sylvia Opanga
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Kenya
| | - Daniel N. A. Ankrah
- Department of Pharmacy, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana
| | - Israel A. Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe PMB 31, Ghana
| | - Daniel Afriyie
- Pharmacy Department, Ghana Police Hospital, Accra P.O. Box CT104, Ghana
| | - Eunice T. Tagoe
- Department of Management Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0QU, UK
| | - Adefolarin A. Amu
- Pharmacy Department, Eswatini Medical Christian University, P.O. Box A624, Swazi Plaza, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Mlungisi P. Msibi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Eswatini Medical Christian University, Swazi Plaza P.O. Box A624, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Ayukafangha Etando
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eswatini Medical Christian University, Swazi Plaza P.O. Box A624, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Mobolaji E. Alabi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-natal (UKZN), Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Patrick Okwen
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Ndamukong Street, Bamenda 5175, Cameroon
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide University, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Loveline Lum Niba
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Ndamukong Street, Bamenda 5175, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health, University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
| | - Julius C. Mwita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Godfrey M. Rwegerera
- Department of Medicine, Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Joyce Kgatlwane
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Ammar A. Jairoun
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai P.O. Box 67, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Chioma Ejekam
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos PMB 21266, Nigeria
| | - Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa
- Medical Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe
| | - Irene Murimi-Worstell
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen M. Campbell
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
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Oyekale AS. Indicators of Mental Health Disorder, COVID-19 Prevention Compliance and Vaccination Intentions among Refugees in Kenya. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:1032. [PMID: 36013499 PMCID: PMC9413478 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: COVID-19 remains a major development challenge in many developing countries. This study analysed the effect of mental health disorder and indicators of COVID-19 preventive practices on vaccination intentions among refugees in Kenya. Materials and Methods: The data were the fourth and fifth waves of the High Frequency Phone Surveys on the impacts of COVID-19 that were collected by the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) between May 2020 and June 2021. The data were collected from Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Dadaab and Shona camps using the stratified random sampling method. The data were analysed with random effects instrumental variable Probit regression model. Results: The results showed that 69.32% and 93.16% of the refugees were willing to be vaccinated during the 4th and 5th waves, respectively. The fear of dying was reported by 85.89% and 74.19% during the 4th and 5th waves, respectively. COVID-19 contact prevention and immune boosting indicators were differently influenced by some demographic and anxiety index variables, while being endogenous influenced vaccine hesitancy along with urban residence, age, knowing infected persons, days of depression, days of anxiety, days of physical reactions, members losing job, searching for jobs, accepting job offers and being employed. Conclusions: It was concluded that efforts to promote COVID-19 vaccination should address mental health disorder and compliance with existing COVID-19 contact and immune boosting behaviour with a focus on urban residents and youths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abayomi Samuel Oyekale
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
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Dzinamarira T, Nachipo B, Nyathi A, Madziva R, Herrera H, Siegel H, Musuka G. The case to scale up edutainment as an effective public health communication intervention to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe. Health Promot Perspect 2022; 12:34-36. [PMID: 35854842 PMCID: PMC9277284 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2022.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have been negatively affected by myths, misconceptions and misinformation, fuelled by an "infodemic" spread via social media platforms. In response, The Zimbabwean COVID-19 response built on its experience with past public health communication strategies to employ edutainment strategies for COVID-19 awareness campaigns. This article discusses the different strategies and how they were employed. In this perspective piece, the authors discuss edutainment as an effective vehicle for reaching wider sectors of society. In tackling complex social issues with simple language, integrated into various entertainment formats, edutainment can bring about change in contexts where traditional strategies and actions may prove unsuccessful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.,ICAP at Columbia University, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Brian Nachipo
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, AIDS and TB Control Programme, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Roda Madziva
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Helena Herrera
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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20
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Ackah BBB, Woo M, Stallwood L, Fazal ZA, Okpani A, Ukah UV, Adu PA. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Africa: a scoping review. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:21. [PMID: 35850783 PMCID: PMC9294808 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00255-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccination against the novel coronavirus is one of the most effective strategies for combating the global Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a major obstacle in several regions of the world, including Africa. The objective of this rapid review was to summarize the literature on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Africa.
Methods We searched Scopus, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, and OVID Medline for studies published from January 1, 2020, to March 8, 2022, examining acceptance or hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine in Africa. Study characteristics and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were extracted from the included articles.
Results A total of 71 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Majority (n = 25, 35%) of the studies were conducted in Ethiopia. Studies conducted in Botswana, Cameroun, Cote D’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe were also included in the review. The vaccine acceptance rate ranged from 6.9 to 97.9%. The major reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns with vaccine safety and side effects, lack of trust for pharmaceutical industries and misinformation or conflicting information from the media. Factors associated with positive attitudes towards the vaccine included being male, having a higher level of education, and fear of contracting the virus. Conclusions Our review demonstrated the contextualized and multifaceted reasons inhibiting or encouraging vaccine uptake in African countries. This evidence is key to operationalizing interventions based on facts as opposed to assumptions. Our paper provided important considerations for addressing the challenge of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and blunting the impact of the pandemic in Africa. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41256-022-00255-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty B B Ackah
- School of Communication, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Woo
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lisa Stallwood
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Zahra A Fazal
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Arnold Okpani
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ugochinyere Vivian Ukah
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Prince A Adu
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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21
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Commentary on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7070130. [PMID: 35878142 PMCID: PMC9318427 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7070130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rates of vaccination against COVID-19 remain lower in sub-Saharan Africa than in other low and middle-income regions. This is, in part, attributed to vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to misinformation about vaccine origin, efficacy and safety. From August to December 2021, we gathered the latest experiences and opinions on four vaccine hesitancy-related areas (policies, perceived risk religious beliefs, and misinformation) from 12 sub-Saharan African researchers, four of whom have published about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The authors included two political and business experts, six public health specialists, five epidemiologists, and four biostatisticians from ten sub-Saharan African countries( Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). The authors’ overarching opinions were that political influences, religious beliefs and low perceived risk exists in sub-Saharan Africa, and they collectively contribute to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Communication strategies should target populations initially thought by policy makers to be at low risk, use multiple communication avenues and address major concerns in the population.
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22
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Murewanhema G, Musuka G, Mukwenha S, Chingombe I, Mapingure MP, Dzinamarira T. Hesitancy, ignorance or uncertainty? The need for effective communication strategies as Zimbabwe’s uptake of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses remains poor. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2022; 3:100244. [PMID: 35342889 PMCID: PMC8928722 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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23
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Akintunde TY, Tassang AE, Okeke M, Isangha SO, Musa TH. Perceived Vaccine Efficacy, Willingness to Pay for COVID-19 Vaccine and Associated Determinants among Foreign Migrants in China. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/11920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Murewanhema G, Musuka G, Denhere K, Chingombe I, Mapingure MP, Dzinamarira T. The Landscape of COVID-19 Vaccination in Zimbabwe: A Narrative Review and Analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the Programme. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:262. [PMID: 35214720 PMCID: PMC8877028 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for the population. The advent of national COVID-19 vaccination programmes was therefore welcome as a key control strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidence has shown that vaccination is the best strategy to reduce the adverse individual and population level adverse outcomes associated with infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Zimbabwe rolled out its vaccination programme in February 2021 with an ambitious target to vaccinate at least 60% of its eligible population by December 2021. However, by that time, the country was still to reach that target. To move the vaccination programme towards achieving this target, it is crucial to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the programme. We, therefore, with this narrative review, discuss some of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the programme since its rollout in February 2021. Though the programme has several strengths and opportunities to leverage on, we argue that among other challenges, the emergence of new variants of concern poses one of the biggest threats to local, regional and international vaccination programmes and requires concerted multistakeholder efforts to deal with. Additionally, addressing vaccine hesitancy remains as important as availing the vaccines to the population, to obtain the most benefits out of the programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Murewanhema
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe;
| | - Godfrey Musuka
- ICAP, Columbia University, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe; (G.M.); (I.C.); (M.P.M.)
| | | | - Innocent Chingombe
- ICAP, Columbia University, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe; (G.M.); (I.C.); (M.P.M.)
| | | | - Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- ICAP, Columbia University, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe; (G.M.); (I.C.); (M.P.M.)
- School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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25
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Aklil MB, Temesgan WZ. Knowledge and Attitude towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Associated Factors among College Students in Northwest Ethiopia,2021. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2022; 9:23333928221098903. [PMID: 35528024 PMCID: PMC9073108 DOI: 10.1177/23333928221098903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is imperative to ensure optimal vaccine uptake at the population level to combat the deadly COVID-19 pandemic disease. However, refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine, poor knowledge, and a negative attitude towards vaccination are the challenges of the world. College students are among the high-risk subgroups of the population to COVID-19 infection and the main source of information and trust in vaccines to the society. Also, their judgement on vaccine affect the public attitude towards vaccination. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors among college students in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 626 study participants in Gondar city. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. The level of significance was claimed based on a p-value < 0.05. Results In this study, 46.8% (95% CI: 43.3, 50.6) of study participants had good knowledge and 50% (95% CI: 45.9, 53.7) had a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Having comorbidity disease and being male were significantly associated with good knowledge. In addition, being married, being a health science student, being exposed to mass media, having a good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination, and having paternal primary education were significantly associated with a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion In general, knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination among college students are low. Comorbidity disease and sex were predictors of COVID-19 vaccination knowledge, whereas, marital status, category of college students, mass media, paternal education and knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination were predictors of COVID-19 vaccination attitude. Alleviating participants’ concerns and improving their confidence through health education is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mastewal Belayneh Aklil
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wubedle Zelalem Temesgan
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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26
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Oyekale AS. Compliance Indicators of COVID-19 Prevention and Vaccines Hesitancy in Kenya: A Random-Effects Endogenous Probit Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1359. [PMID: 34835290 PMCID: PMC8618705 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy remains a major public health concern in the effort towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzed the effects of indicators of compliance with preventive practices on the willingness to take COVID-19 vaccines in Kenya. The data were from the COVID-19 Rapid Response Phone Surveys conducted between January and June 2021 during the fourth and fifth waves. The data were analyzed with the random-effects endogenous Probit regression model, with estimated parameters tested for robustness and stability. The results showed that willingness to take vaccines increased between the fourth and fifth waves. Compliance with many of the preventive practices also improved, although the utilizations of immune system-promoting practices were very low. The panel Probit regression results showed that compliance indicators were truly endogenous and there was existence of random effects. Immune system-boosting and contact-prevention indicators significantly increased and decreased the willingness to take vaccines, respectively (p < 0.01). The experience of mental health disorders in the form of nervousness and hopelessness also significantly influenced vaccine hesitancy (p < 0.10). Willingness to take vaccines also significantly increased among older people and those with a formal education (p < 0.01). Different forms of association exist between vaccine hesitancy and the prevention compliance indicators. There is a need to properly sensitize the people to the need to complement compliance with COVID-19 contact-prevention indicators with vaccination. Addressing mental health disorders in the form of loneliness, nervousness, depression, hopelessness and anxiety should also become the focus of public health, while efforts to reduce vaccine hesitancy should focus on individuals without formal education, males and youths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abayomi Samuel Oyekale
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
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