Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy among the working population in urban areas of Benue State, North-Central Nigeria

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and is believed to be transmitted through respiratory droplets and contacts. Currently, although there are approved COVID-19 treatments, vaccines have been developed against the disease. Vaccine apathy, however, can limit the success of vaccination. The study investigated the knowledge of COVID-19 and apathetic behavior (hesitancy) towards vaccination among the mixed professional population of sub-urban dwellers in three senatorial districts of Benue State, A state, located in central Nigeria, and is known for its agricultural richness and diverse ethnic groups, including the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede. Like most states in Nigeria, it faces significant healthcare access challenges. The research was a cross-sectional study involving self-administered structured questionnaire of 52 questions which were validated and included sections on demographic information, COVID-19 vaccination status, reasons for vaccine acceptance or hesitancy, and preferences for different types of COVID-19 vaccines. The data generated was subjected to descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Statistical significance was placed at p < 0.05. A total of 500 questionnaires were administered; however 336 respondents representing 67.2% returned questionnaires. There was no statistical difference (p < 0.05) between health workers (55.4%) and non-health workers (44.6%). There exists an association between study sites, profession, and educational qualification, with knowledge of COVID-19 and accent to vaccination. A significant (p < 0.05) 76.2% acknowledge the existence and infectivity of COVID-19. Interestingly, 39.6% and 47.3% of the study population sanctioned social distancing and hand hygiene as COVID-19 preventive measures. Although 73.0% show knowledge of various COVID-19 vaccines and profess vaccination as a protective measure, however, 65.7% were unsure whether vaccination protects against the disease. Side effects from previous immunization and perceived inadequate knowledge of managing vaccination adverse effects were among the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Vaccination and preventive measures are top priorities in diseases with no approved treatment. An urgent increase in the level of advocacy and awareness of the disease is needed because of high vaccine hesitancy among health workers that constitute a significant proportion of the study population.