Factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the adult population, Asante Akim South, North and Central Municipalities, Ashanti region, Ghana, 2023

Introduction: The effectiveness of a vaccination program depends on optimal vaccine uptake, even for high-efficacy vaccines. Despite the full-scale implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination exercise by health directorates in the three Asante Akim municipalities, less than 50% of the adult population had been vaccinated by October 2022. In an attempt to increase coverage, it is important to understand the various factors that affect the uptake. This study assessed the factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the Asante Akim municipalities of the Ashanti Region. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from January – March 2023 in the Asante Akim Municipalities of Ghana. A total of 344 adults were selected by multi-staged sampling to assess the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines and participant characteristics. The proportion of vaccine uptake was estimated, and a logistic regression model used to determine the factors (sociodemographic and community-level factors) that influence the uptake of the vaccine at a 5% significance level. Results: Out of the 344 adults, 75.0% (258) were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The average age of participants was 32.7 years (SD=10.2). Being married (aOR=2.6, 95%CI:1.04-6.53), history of COVID-19 (aOR=3.4, 95%CI:1.18-9.78), having an underlying condition (aOR=3.5, 95%CI:1.60-7.89), previous contact with a COVID-19 patient (aOR=3.8, 95%CI:2.12–7.08), being aware of the ongoing vaccination campaign (aOR=4.2, 95%CI:2.51–7.06), having a vaccinated relative (aOR=2.9, 95%CI:1.40–6.04) and positive community belief of vaccine safety (aOR=8.0, 95%CI:4.32–14.97) were associated with increased odds of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: More than 70% of the adults studied were fully vaccinated. The study revealed multiple predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The research team collaborated with the municipal health directorate to organize COVID-19 vaccination awareness outreach in the area.