https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5511-2072
Abstract
Background
Despite the implementation of different COVID-19 prevention measures, the incidence of the disease continues to rise. Hence, vaccines have been taken as the best option for controlling the transmission of the disease. Although the approved COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective, multiple beliefs and misconceptions still exist influencing its acceptance.
Objective
To assess the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and determinant factors among chronic patients visiting Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeastern Ethiopia.
Methods
Institution-based cross-sectional study design was used among patients with chronic diseases visiting Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 1 to 20, 2021 using a consecutive sampling technique. Binary logistic regression analysis using crude odd ratio (COR) and adjusted odd ratio (AOR) was performed to assess the association between independent and dependent variables. Variables having p values of less than 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered as factors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.
Results
A total of 416 respondents participated in the survey, with a response rate of 98.6%. About 59.4% of the respondents were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants who had health insurance (AOR=1.812; 95% CI: 1.703–3.059), knew anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR=2.482; 95% CI: 1.427–4.317), having good knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR=6.890; 95% CI: 3.900–120.17), and having a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine (AOR=7.725; 95% CI: 4.024–14.830) were factors affecting the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine.
Conclusion
The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was low. Use of health insurance, knowing anyone who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, knowledge, and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine were factors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Healthcare professionals should conduct continuous awareness creation campaigns on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, safety, and its efficacy. Further studies like longitudinal and qualitative studies should be conducted to identify additional barriers to vaccine acceptance particularly in high-risk groups.
Abbreviations
AOR, adjusted odd ratio; COR, crude odd ratio; CI, confidence interval; COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019; LMIC, Low and Middle Income; SARS COV-2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COV 2; USA, United State of America; WHO, World Health Organization.
Data Sharing Statement
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to express their deep gratitude to Wollo University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences for providing the necessary material to conduct the study. The authors also want to extend their pleasure to Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital officials for their permission to conduct this study. Study subjects were also acknowledged for their willingness to participate in the study. Finally, the data collectors and supervisors were also appreciated for their commitment.
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest in this work.