SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN ABIA STATE

Healthcare workers are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection with ease of infection transmissibility to coworkers and patients. Vaccine hesitancy rates of 56% and up to 25% have been reported among healthcare workers in US and China respectively. Vaccination is known as the most effective strategy to combat infectious diseases. Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine plays a major role in combating the pandemic. This study assessed the socio-demographic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Abia State. A cross-sectional study among 422 healthcare workers was conducted in Abia State with an online-based questionnaire. The questionnaire extracted information on socio-demographics and willingness to take vaccine uptake. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate frequencies and proportions. Bivariate analysis was used to test the association between the socio-demographic factors and the outcome variable (vaccine hesitancy). Logistic regression was conducted to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The level of significance was 5%. Mean age of the respondents was 40.6 ± 9.5 years and 67.1% were females The COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate was 50.5% (95%CI: 45.6%-55.3%). Socio-demographic factors included age, marital status, location of practice, profession, and income. Vaccine Hesitancy was predicted significantly by younger age (a OR = 9.34, 95%C I:2.01-43.39), marital status (single) (a OR = 4.97, 95% C I:1.46-16.97), lower income (a OR=2.84, 95% CI:1.32 - 6.08), and Profession – Doctor (a OR =0.28, 95% C I:0.11-0.70), Nurse (a OR=0.31, 95% C I:0.15-0.64) and other allied health professionals (a OR=0.22, 95%CI:0.10-0.44). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was high among healthcare workers. Significant socio-demographic predictors influence the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. We recommend that the Federal and State Ministries of Health conduct awareness campaigns targeting the younger age group, singles, lower income class, and non-clinical staff.