COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among Libyan health care workers: a cross-sectional study in western Libya

Abstract

Background: Numerous rumors and facts regarding the Corona virus vaccines have been circulating since their introduction, and these have undoubtedly affected people, including health sector workers. A significant portion of consumers refused the COVID-19 immunization as a result of false information regarding the vaccine being circulated on social media. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination among Libyan health sector workers. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 participants employed in both the public and private health care sectors in the north-west of Libya. A self-administered questionnaire written in Arabic was the study instrument used to collect data. SPSS Version 25 was used to statistically analyze the gathered data. Result: The overall acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was 45%, with a significant difference between government and private places of work (p = 0.008). Individuals used social media websites as sources of their information (OR 0.078, 95% CL 0.013–0.471) were less likely to accept the vaccine in comparison to those with internet search websites. Conclusion: Libyan heath care worker's hesitancy to receive the COVID-19 immunization is a major problem. The acceptance of vaccines by health care workers was influenced by numerous factors. The most significant of these are the lack of information from reliable sources, a lack of confidence in the vaccine's safety, and concern about potential complications in the future. It must pay more attention to conduct educational programs that will improve health care worker's attitudes regarding receiving the COVID-19 vaccine by raising awareness and providing reassurance