Journal of Public Health in Africa最新文献

{"title":"The Nexus of HIV, substance abuse, and mental health among adolescents in Zambia (2021-2023).","authors":"Belia Longwe, Lushomo Hachilensa, Chipwailia Chunga, Kutha Banda, Muchindu Ng'andu, Hilda Shakwelele, Trevor Mwamba, Nsanzya Maambo, Japhet Michelo, Prudence Haimbe, Mable Mweemba","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1229","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1229","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adolescents in Zambia face interrelated health challenges, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), substance abuse and mental health disorders (MHDs). These issues have significant public health implications, as substance abuse and MHDs are known to increase the risk of HIV incidence.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to analyse trends in HIV incidence, substance abuse and MHDs among Zambian adolescents aged 10-19 years from 2021 to 2023.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Data were retrieved from the Health Management Information System under Zambia's Ministry of Health, covering all 10 provinces.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of secondary data was conducted using District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), the Ministry of Health's primary data system. Microsoft Excel and Stata were used for descriptive statistics and regression analysis to examine potential associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicate an increase in national HIV incidence rates from 1.89 in 2021 to 1.99 in 2022, before a decrease to 1.73 in 2023. Substance abuse also showed an upward trend, rising from 0.35 to 0.68 per 1000 adolescents. Incidence of MHDs more than doubled from 0.7 in 2021 to 1.54 in 2023, with Lusaka and Northwestern provinces showing the most significant increases. Our linear correlational analysis showed a positive relationship among the key variables.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results underscore the interconnectedness of HIV, substance abuse and mental health issues among adolescents in Zambia, emphasising the need for integrated interventions.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study contributes valuable insights for policy and programme development, highlighting the need for targeted, holistic approaches in adolescent health services to address these interconnected issues effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1229"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evidence from HIV sequencing for blood-borne transmission in Africa.","authors":"David Gisselquist, Simon Collery","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.715","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The consensus view that heterosexual transmission dominates human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa survives side-by-side with surveys and studies reporting infections in children with HIV-negative mothers, in virgins, and in adolescents and adults who claim no possible sexual exposure to HIV.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>In this scoping review, we aim to show what phylogenetic analyses of HIV sequences say about the possible contribution of blood-borne transmission to HIV epidemics.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The focus was on sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The authors conducted a search on PubMed and other platforms for studies reporting phylogenetic analyses of HIV in blood samples collected from at least 100 infected adults through community-based surveys in sub-Saharan Africa. They focussed on identifying information pertinent to assessing blood-borne transmission.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixteen reports met the search criteria and provided information to assess blood-borne transmission. In five studies, similar HIV sequences from (reported or assumed) household couples identified a likely heterosexual source for 0.3% - 7.5% of community adults with sequenced HIV. In 10 studies, a median of 43% of sequence pairs linked two people of the same sex. Two studies report clusters of recent infections too large to be easily explained by sexual transmission.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Evidence from sequencing agrees with much other evidence that blood-borne HIV transmission is not rare in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence also allows that blood-borne transmission could be making a major contribution to Africa's HIV epidemics.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Evidence of harm is sufficient to stimulate discussions about what more could be done to address this continuing problem.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"715"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067507/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143989983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-compliance to antiretroviral therapy readjustments following complications in HIV-positive patients in South Africa.","authors":"Ntandoyakhe N Nxumalo, Solomon Thule, Selente Bezuidenhout, Robert Summers, Elmien Bronkhorst","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>South Africa accounts for 19% of the global population living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), limited knowledge exists on adherence to guidelines when managing complications.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assesses regimen adjustment for HIV-positive patients with renal and hepatic dysfunction resulting from antiretroviral therapy (ART) according to the South African Treatment Guidelines and examines the re-initiation of ART in patients who have defaulted.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at Tshepang HIV Clinic, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective review was conducted between November 2020 and December 2020. Patients who had been on ART for over 18 months and presented with hepatic, renal and/or virological failure were included in the study. The data collection tool included demographics and medical records. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for Windows was used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 181 files were reviewed, and only 37 were eligible for participation. The study found that treatment received by 25% of hepatic failure patients and 41.3% of renal impairment patients complied with South African ART guidelines. Furthermore, 40% of patients with virological failure were re-initiated according to guidelines.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found practices that were contrary to the prescribed guidelines with non-compliance accounting for more than 40%.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study demonstrates a high incidence of adherence failure to South African ART guidelines. Defaulted patients are placed risk of antiretroviral resistance. Adherence to guidelines is important to prevent complications resulting from ART.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"725"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067522/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and enhancers to COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in a metropolitan city in Nigeria.","authors":"Adewale V Opayele, Adeniyi F Fagbamigbe, Chinwe L Ochu, Rodgers R Ayebare, Adedayo O Faneye, Adewemimo C Olaosebikan, Oluwaseun E Falayi, Gloria O Nwiyi, Sunday O Eziechina, Ikemefule R Uzoma, Priscilla Ibekwe, Prosper Okonkwo, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Suzan Nakasendwa, Tonny Muwonge, Mosoka P Fallah, Georgina N Odaibo","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.685","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.685","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) hinders coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control efforts.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to assess enhancers and barriers to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs in Ibadan, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Health facility-based cross-sectional study in Ibadan, a metropolitan city in Oyo state, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A questionnaire administered using REDCap assessed HCW vaccination status, attitudes and access using the Behavioural and Social drivers (BeSD) framework. Data analysis performed using STATA version 17 included descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 1227 HCWs recruited, 82.8% received at least one dose. Vaccine uptake was higher among older HCWs compared to those below 25 years (45-54 years: prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09, 1.33 and ≥ 55 years: PR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.30) and HCWs in private health centres (PR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.22). Most HCWs (83.5%) believed in vaccination for infectious diseases, but only 61.9% felt the same about COVID-19 vaccines. The major reasons for vaccine hesitancy among unvaccinated HCWs included the beliefs that vaccine development and authorisation were rushed (47 [26.1%]) and concerns about serious side effects (32 [17.8%]).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that the uncertainty about COVID-19 vaccine safety is a key barrier to its uptake. Therefore, targeted education and communication strategies to improve vaccine confidence are crucial.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study identifies why HCWs in Nigeria are hesitant about getting vaccinated. This information can help to improve vaccination rates in this group. It fits with the journal's focus on making African public health responses stronger.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"685"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067509/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors influencing uptake of diagnostic test interventions for SARS-CoV-2: A qualitative review.","authors":"Nuria S Nwachuku, Dachi I Arikpo, Ugo J Agbor, Peter N Onyenemerem, Eleanor A Ochodo, Helen Smith, Martin Meremikwu","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.619","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i2.619","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diagnostic tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be performed based on symptomatic presentation or for screening of asymptomatic persons. Testing can limit spread by enabling rapid identification of cases leading to containment measures. However, views regarding diagnostic test as a containment intervention vary across different settings.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To synthesise the findings of qualitative studies on the perceptions and factors influencing the uptake of diagnostic test interventions for SARS-CoV-2.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Healthcare facilities, care homes, communities including households.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We searched MEDLINE database and the (WHO) SARS-CoV-2 Research database from 01 January 2020 to 06 September 2022. Qualitative data were synthesised thematically while data for barriers and facilitators were synthesised using the SURE framework. The GRADE-CERQual approach was used to assess the confidence in each review finding, while the ENTREQ checklist was used to report the QES. The quality of included studies was assessed with the CASP tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty two studies were included for QES. Two were conducted in the health facility setting, 2 in care homes, and 18 in the community. Twenty of the studies came from high-income countries, 2 from low- and middle-income countries. In all, 13 analytical and 31 descriptive themes of low to moderate quality evidence emerged; mainly around fear of contracting COVID-19, test procedure and socio-economic implications of a positive test result.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Low to moderate quality evidence of barriers to uptake of diagnostic test were largely due to misconceptions about the interventions.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Sensitising and engaging communities and stakeholders in the healthcare system, will help mitigate the fear barrier and enhance policy coordination.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"619"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067561/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diethylene glycol: Unnoticed threat in the landscape of fixed-dose combination medications.","authors":"Alemayehu L Duga, Mosoka P Fallah, Albert Figueras","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) are organic compounds often found in various consumer products, including antifreeze and industrial solvents used in pharmaceutical preparations, as well as serving as raw materials for polymer manufacturing. Since September 2022, seven consecutive episodes of DEG and EG contamination have been reported across at least nine countries. A notable commonality among the affected products is that at least 14 of them are fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). However, the evidence supporting the efficacy of most of these combinations is insufficient, which renders their prescription, dispensing, and use irrational. Moreover, these products are not without risk, as they can cause adverse reactions. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of these irrational FDCs, including low production costs, consumer popularity, and a tendency to authorise locally manufactured products. As a result, many countries' pharmaceutical markets keep marketing authorisation for irrational FDCs. The persistent reports of DEG or EG contamination - especially those involving irrational fixed-dose combinations - present a crucial opportunity to enhance quality control measures. In addition, it is imperative to reevaluate the marketing authorisations of these products that lack evidence of safety and efficacy, adapting the national medicines lists and clinical guidelines to WHO recommendations. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and implementing stringent manufacturing and quality assurance standards are essential to prevent contamination incidents and ensure the safety of pharmaceutical products.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1271"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067596/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144064630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COVID-19 vaccine uptake and predictors of hesitancy among healthcare workers in Côte d'Ivoire.","authors":"Richard B Yapi, Guillaume B Y Zamina, Martial Bama, Yao M R Amani, Francis Kakooza, Suzan Nakasendwa, Tonny Muwonge, Rodgers R Ayebare, Leah Mbabazi, Agnes Kiragga, Senga Sembuche, Elizabeth Gonese, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Mosoka P Fallah, Tajudeen Raji, Issaka Tiembré","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.678","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.678","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vaccine hesitancy hinders COVID-19 control, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs).</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study examined factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among HCWs in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted among healthcare workers in Abidjan, the capital city of Côte d'Ivoire.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to June 2023 in Abidjan. A total of 240 HCWs completed a questionnaire on vaccination attitudes, hesitancy factors and willingness to recommend vaccines. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) at a 95% confidence interval.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among participants, 57.5% were female, with a median age of 40 years (IQR: 33-45). HCWs included physicians (26.7%), nurses/midwives (22.5%) and pharmaceutical staff (19.2%). They worked in teaching hospitals (23.3%), general hospitals (30.8%) and community hospitals (45.8%). Vaccine uptake was 73.3%, with 53.3% fully vaccinated and only 4.6% receiving a booster dose. However, 42.1% exhibited vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to concerns about side effects (52.2%). While 55.0% would recommend the vaccine, only 46.3% felt confident addressing patient questions. Age was positively correlated with vaccine uptake: HCWs aged 35-44 years, 45-54 years and 55-65 years were 1.60, 1.68 and 1.78, respectively times more likely to be vaccinated, respectively, compared to those aged 22-34 years.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Vaccine hesitancy (25%) and low booster uptake (4.6%) highlight the need for targeted education and pharmacovigilance. Strengthening HCWs vaccine knowledge and trust is essential for epidemic control.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study underscores the importance of Ministry of Health-led interventions to improve HCWs vaccination rates in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"678"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067502/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Achieving the fast track 90-90-90 and 95-95-95 targets in sub-Saharan Africa: A rapid review.","authors":"Celenkosini T Nxumalo, Usangiphile Buthelezi, Hlolisile Chiya, Mokgadi U Makgobole, Nomakhosi Mpofana, Themba Mgwaba, Zamasomi Luvuno","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.691","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set targets for 95% of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection to know their status, 95% to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 95% to achieve viral suppression. These targets mirror the 90-90-90 targets that were aimed to be met by 2020 to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aims to synthesise evidence on recommendations, best practices and challenges in achieving 90-90-90 escalated to 95-95-95 fast-track targets in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The review included empirical evidence from sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We followed Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for this scoping review. A systematic search of relevant articles was conducted using electronic databases such as Scopus, EBSCOHost, PubMed, Science Direct and Sabinet. The results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 6943 relevant study titles that were identified from the five databases. Following duplicates removal, title and abstract screening, 31 articles were included for full-text review. A combination of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies were included.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The 90-90-90 targets have been achieved in part, but challenges remain, particularly for key and vulnerable populations. Even as successes and challenges towards '90-90-90 by 2020' are outlined, new fast-track '95-95-95 by 2030' targets have been established because of concerns that the original targets may not have achieved epidemic control.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings of this review have implications for policy and practice related to interventions to facilitate the realisation of HIV epidemic control as outlined by the UNAIDS 95-95-95 treatment cascade.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"691"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067493/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the perceptions of risks versus the benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations in Manyara, Tanzania.","authors":"Chima E Onuekwe, Violet M Mathenge, Alexander Makulilo, William Mwengee, Tumaini Haonga, Grace Saguti, Charles Sagoe-Moses","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.702","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.702","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Few would argue that vaccines have not saved more lives than any other medical invention. Eradicating smallpox, reducing wild poliovirus, saving the world from the Ebola virus, and reversing the trend of COVID-19 infections, vaccines are common references in revolutionising global health. These successes were not achieved without varying perceptions of the risks of diseases versus the benefits of vaccination.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aimed to assess whether the perceived severity versus benefits of vaccination significantly influenced COVID-19 vaccination.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This study was conducted in the Manyara region, Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study were conducted among adults above 18 years across seven councils of the Manyara region, Tanzania. Forty focus group discussions (FGDs) and 32 key informant interviews (KIIs) generated qualitative data, in contrast to household surveys for quantitative data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over half, 54.6%, who perceived the COVID-19 vaccine as effective in preventing severe illness or death were vaccinated compared to those who disagreed (45.1%), indicating a strong association between vaccine effectiveness perception and vaccine acceptance or hesitancy (<i>p</i> = 0.003). Similarly, closeness or personal contact with an infected person was a major determinant for vaccination. Some 62.9% of respondents whose family members or friends were infected were vaccinated compared to 43.8% without any close experience of the infection (<i>p</i> = 0.032).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that perceptions of the severity of risks or benefits of vaccination significantly influenced the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in Manyara.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study underscores the importance of other factors that influence perceptions of risks and benefits of healthcare services even if they were offered at no cost to the beneficiary.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 3","pages":"702"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067590/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144005465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the socio-ecological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A cross-sectional study of post-COVID-19 Tanzania.","authors":"Chima E Onuekwe, Ambrose T Kessy, Egidius Kamanyi, Paul E Kazyoba, Alexander Makulilo, Thomas Ndaluka, Magolanga Shagembe, Asha Hayeshi, Violet Mathenge, Tumaini Haonga, William Mwengee, Grace E Saguti, Charles Sagoe-Moses","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.1145","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.1145","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 3","pages":"1145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067591/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}