COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among high-risk populations in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Immunization is an important strategy for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination was recently launched in Uganda, with prioritization to healthcare workers and high-risk individuals. In this study, we aimed to determine the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine among persons at high risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Uganda. Methods: Between 29 March and 14 April 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey consecutively recruiting persons at high risk of severe COVID-19 (diabetes mellitus, HIV and cardiovascular disease) attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital outpatient clinics. A trained research nurse administered a semi-structured questionnaire assessing demographics, COVID-19 vaccine related attitudes and acceptability. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed using STATA 16. Results: A total of 317 participants with a mean age 51.5 ± 14.1 years were recruited. Of this, 184 (60.5%) were female. Overall, 216 (70.1%) participants were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. The odds of willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination were four times greater if a participant was male compared with if a participant was female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8–9.4, p = 0.00]. Participants who agreed (AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.38, p = 0.003) or strongly agreed (AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.59, p = 0.005) that they have some immunity against COVID-19 were also significantly less likely to accept the vaccine. Participants who had a history of vaccination hesitancy for their children were also significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01–0.58, p = 0.016). Conclusion: The willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in this group of high-risk individuals was comparable to the global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate. Increased sensitization, myth busting and utilization of opinion leaders to encourage vaccine acceptability is recommended.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Associated Factors among Diabetes Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Changzhi, Shanxi, China

“…The proportion of patients with diabetes who were hesitant to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (56.4%, 95%CI: 52.0-60.8) was significantly higher than in diabetes patients in higher-income countries, such as Italy (14.2-18.3%) [11,13] and Saudi Arabia (29%) [12], and in patients with various chronic diseases including diabetes in Uganda (29.9%) [27] and Saudi Arabia (48%) [36]. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy is relatively high among Chinese diabetes patients; education and specific guidelines are needed to overcome this resistance.…”

“…Previous studies on vaccine hesitancy in patients with diabetes have focused on high-income countries, and there is limited information on prevailing attitudes in low-and middleincome countries. A recent survey conducted in Uganda found that 29.90% of patients with chronic illnesses, including diabetes, were hesitant to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine [27]. The main reasons for vaccine hesitancy among diabetes patients are concerns regarding vaccination side effects and uncertainty about vaccine composition [11,12,26].…”

Health Professionals’ COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Associated Factors in Tertiary Hospitals of South-West Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Cross- Sectional Study

“…This is similar to a studies conducted by Lazarus, et al, Harapan, et al, Verger, et al, and Bongomin, et al where COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, were between 67–71.93%. 11 , 22 - 24 However, it is lower than the percentage acceptance of 80–93% in African countries including Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, Niger, and Sudan. 24 , 25 Our study finding is higher compared to other studies among health workers by Kabamba, et al, Agyekum et al, Wang et al, and Elharake, et al where acceptance were 27.7%, 39.3%, 40.0%, and 64.9%, respectively.…”

“… 11 , 22 - 24 However, it is lower than the percentage acceptance of 80–93% in African countries including Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, Niger, and Sudan. 24 , 25 Our study finding is higher compared to other studies among health workers by Kabamba, et al, Agyekum et al, Wang et al, and Elharake, et al where acceptance were 27.7%, 39.3%, 40.0%, and 64.9%, respectively. 26 - 29 The probable reasons for the difference might be the number of infected and death by COVID-19 in the study area, guidelines and restrictions for COVID-19, level of professionalism of study population in the health-related area, and government influences.…”

Public attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines in Africa: a systematic review

“…The articles included are from the following authors: Abebe et al [26] ; Acheampong et al [28] ; Adebisi et al [17]; Adeniyi et al [30] ; Aemro et al [31] ; Agyekum et al [32]; Angelo et al [34] ; Amuzie et al [33] ; Bongomin et al [18] ; Dinga et al [27] ; Ditekema et al [19] ; Echoru et al [20] ; El Kefi et al [35] ; El Sokkary et al [39] ; Elhadi et al [21] ; Fares et al [22] ; Handebo et al [23]; Kanyike et al [29]; Mose et al [24] ; Oduwole et al ; Omar et al [37] ; Oyekale et al [38] ; Saied et al [25]. Individual characteristics of the included studies are presented in tables 1, 2, and 3.…”