Clara Sambani, Tonny Muwonge, Liness Chinyamunyamu, Amon Dembo, Mosoka P Fallah, Victor Chikwapulo, Mavuto Thomas, Charity Gondwe, Regina Mankhamba, Leah Mbabazi, Suzan Nakasendwa, Rodgers R Ayebare, Collins Mitambo, Matthew Kagoli, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Clement Seven, Tadala Mwale, Edna Mandala, Abigail Kazembe, McWilliam Kalua, Senga Sembuche, Elizabeth Gonese, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Evelyn C Banda, Tajudeen Raji, Mitch Matoga
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to an urgent need for a global vaccine. Despite being a priority group, the vaccine uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs) remains low.
Aim: This article assessed the COVID-19 vaccine uptake and its associated barriers in Malawi.
Setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in Malawi's Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu districts from 11 April 2023 to 14 April 2023.
Methods: Proportionally distributed among various cadres, 200 participants were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was administered, assessing HCWs' uptake, willingness, attitudes and barriers to COVID-19 vaccines. Data were managed in REDCap and analysed using STATA version 14. Frequencies and percentages were computed. Variables with p-value ≤ 0.25 were included in the multivariable modified passion model.
Results: A total of 175 (88%) participants received a single-dose vaccine, while only 11.5% received a booster. Vaccine uptake was associated with age groups 25-34 years (aPR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.60) and 35-44 years (aPR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.50), being a nurse/midwife (aPR = 0.86, CI: 0.74, 0.99) and laboratory personnel (aPR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.99). Unvaccinated HCWs were concerned about vaccine side effects and lacked trust in the development process.
Conclusion: Issues of vaccine safety, side effects and lack of trust in the vaccine should be addressed. Promoting awareness of vaccine development and benefits, targeting all age groups and cadres, is required among HCWs.
Contribution: The findings can be utilised to develop specific interventions on age and cadre to promote vaccine acceptance among HCWs, in countries with similar contextual settings to Malawi.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHiA) is a peer-reviewed, academic journal that focuses on health issues in the African continent. The journal editors seek high quality original articles on public health related issues, reviews, comments and more. The aim of the journal is to move public health discourse from the background to the forefront. The success of Africa’s struggle against disease depends on public health approaches.
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