Knowledge and perception of COVID-19 vaccination in two districts of Yaoundé.

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused considerable problems throughout the world, with an impact on both public health and economic development. The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has led researchers to progressively develop vaccines.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the perceptions and knowledge of the population of two health districts in Cameroon about vaccination against COVID-19.

Setting: This study was conducted in Cameroon from November 2021 to July 2022, targeting any Cameroonian citizen over 18 years residing in Yaoundé.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two health districts of Yaoundé (Nkolndongo and Cité verte) targeting residents of each selected district who were over 18 years. The minimum sample size was calculated using the vaccination coverage rate in each district. The sampling was systematic and the questionnaire included knowledge and perceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. The data were processed using Graphpad 8.0.1 and Microsoft Excel 2016.

Results: Of the 100 participants, 59% were women. Ninety per cent of the participants had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and 80% of those vaccinated had received one dose of the vaccine. Participants showed poor adherence to the COVID-19 vaccine, except for hairdressers (p = 0.158) and students from secondary education (p = 0.158). Vaccination was the least known preventive method (3%). Most people were obliged to take the vaccine (80%) and most religions (75%) were associated with vaccine refusal (p ≤ 0.0005).

Conclusion: Knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination were low and were influenced by the socio-cultural environment. It is necessary to develop a national policy for the promotion of vaccination adapted to the socio-cultural environment when planning the introduction of a vaccine.

Contribution: This study demonstrates the importance of socio -anthropological, religious and scientific indicators during the planification of introduction of new vaccine in the event of pandemic or new outbreak.