Journal of Public Health in Africa最新文献

{"title":"Sociocultural practices and COVID-19 prevention: A qualitative study of Mtwara, Shinyanga, and Arusha, Tanzania.","authors":"Egidius Kamanyi, Magolanga Shagembe, Richard Sambaiga, Chima E Onuekwe, Tumaini Haonga, Ambrose T Kessy, William Mwengee","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.713","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.713","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The World Health Organization pronounced COVID-19 as a public health emergency in March 2020. Studies conducted in Tanzania and beyond indicate that poor literacy, limited understanding of the disease, challenging living conditions, increasing poverty, and unemployment are key determinants, while the influence of sociocultural factors has received less attention. This study reinforces the position of sociocultural practices in determining how people practiced the preventive measures against COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This qualitative study explores the influence of sociocultural practices in the implementation of COVID-19 preventive measures in Arusha, Mtwara and Shinyanga regions of Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This study was conducted in Tanzania, covering diverse sociocultural contexts of Mtwara, Arusha and Shinyanga regions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Focus group discussions, key informant interviews and rapid ethnographic field observations were used to obtain more detailed information from study participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings suggest that sociocultural practices shaped how individuals and communities responded to COVID-19 preventive measures, influencing acceptance, hesitation, resistance, or modification of public health guidelines, including vaccine uptake. In Mtwara, Arusha, and Shinyanga, people embraced their sociocultural practices to navigate the new disease, whose origins were debated or unknown. Their responses to the pandemic were mediated by sociocultural practices and other factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sociocultural practices shaped the acceptance, adaptation, or resistance to COVID-19 measures in Tanzania, emphasising the need for community-integrated public health strategies.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study underscores the impact of sociocultural factors on public health, offering insights for socioculturally tailored pandemic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 3","pages":"713"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144019586","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":"Lessons and challenges of practice of traditional medicines as an alternative for COVID-19 vaccine in Tanzania.","authors":"Paul E Kazyoba, Chima E Onuekwe, Alexander Makulilo, Tumaini Haonga, William Mwengee, Grace Saguti","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.708","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.708","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic brought a peculiar experience across the world as populations were engulfed in shocks and panic because of lack of substantive interventions during its early days. Different intervention options were tested, including traditional medicines. Despite the lack of scientific evidence on safety and efficacy, traditional medicines brought calmness and dispelled fear associated with the disease in Tanzania. On the other hand, the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines was met by hesitancy, rumours and doubts about its safety and efficacy.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed at understanding how promotion of traditional medicines during the early days of the pandemic affected timely introduction and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.</p><p><strong>Settings: </strong>The study was conducted in a mix of urban and rural districts, purposively sampled from eight zones of the country.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study which employed the qualitative methods including key informant interviews and focus group discussions in eight zones of Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Political advocacy on the use of traditional medicines in treating COVID-19 received a massive response across the country. This was driven by a lack of modern medicines during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The introduction and promotion of COVID-19 vaccines in Tanzania provides a learning experience for future epidemics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Political advocacy influenced public leaning towards traditional medicines, while creating hesitancy on COVID-19 vaccines in Tanzania. This experience emphasises on using scientific evidence to promote interventions during health emergencies.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Research on traditional medicines focusing on infectious diseases outbreaks is emphasised to generate evidence which will guide advocacy on its use.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 3","pages":"708"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139292/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235501","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":"The role of media and community engagement in COVID-19 vaccinations in Tanzania.","authors":"Ambrose T Kessy, Chima E Onuekwe, William M Mwengee, Haonga Tumaini","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.705","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i3.705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of communication strategies in influencing public health behaviours, particularly vaccine uptake. In Tanzania, media and community engagement strategies have been pivotal in efforts to enhance COVID-19 vaccine acceptance; however, their effectiveness remains under scrutiny.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study examines the role of media and community engagement in promoting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Tanzania by analysing various communication channels and community outreach initiatives.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in Tanzania across eight purposively selected regions that encompass a broad spectrum of socio-cultural contexts and infrastructural variations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys (<i>N</i> = 3098), qualitative interviews and focus group discussions (<i>N</i> = 30) across eight regions. Stratified random sampling ensured proportional representation, while thematic analysis identified key trends in perceptions, vaccine uptake and the influence of the media and community leaders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>High levels of awareness (99.3%) regarding COVID-19 and vaccination were observed; however, vaccine uptake was uneven, with 37.2% vaccinated and regional variations persisting. Trusted sources included traditional media (radio and television) and community influencers, whereas misinformation and inconsistent government messaging contributed to hesitancy. Community engagement by healthcare providers and local leaders significantly influences vaccine acceptance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings highlight the importance of context-specific communication strategies that integrate media and community engagement to build trust, address misinformation and increase vaccine uptake. Policymakers and public health professionals should focus on fostering consistency in messaging, leveraging local leaders and tailoring outreach to diverse socio-cultural contexts.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study makes a substantial contribution by empirically demonstrating the critical roles that media and community engagement play in shaping vaccine acceptance in Tanzania.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 3","pages":"705"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139293/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235502","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":"Health and care workers' perceptions of PPE and physical distancing for COVID-19: A qualitative evidence synthesis.","authors":"Dachi I Arikpo, Afiong O Oku, Okwu A Onyema, Edward O Odey, Hannah Hamilton-Hurwitz, João P Toledo, Kathleen Dunn, April Baller, Helen J Smith, Martin M Meremikwu","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.621","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.621","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) and physical distancing interventions for COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC), low uptake among health and care workers persists.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To synthesise evidence from primary qualitative research exploring the perceptions and experiences of health and care workers on the use of PPE and physical distancing in the context of COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Healthcare settings including care homes.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An electronic database search was conducted using search terms based on the inclusion criteria, and the search strategy was peer-reviewed by a team of information scientists. Thirty qualitative studies were sampled after eligibility screening independently by two review authors. Synthesis was performed using the thematic synthesis approach. The confidence in each review finding was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations; Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen analytical themes were identified. Health and care workers valued the use of PPE in patient care. The sense of value was heightened by perceived susceptibility to infection with COVID-19, the need to deliver optimal patient care and the desire to protect family members. Service delivery, clinical workflows, the absence of visual cues for spatial separation and physical infrastructure hindered adherence to physical distancing guidelines.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The gap between IPC guidelines and their implementation is an important health system barrier to PPE use and physical distancing in healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This review provides useful insights on key considerations for planning and implementing IPC in healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"621"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144037666","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":"Enhancing health security in Africa: Collaboration between public health institutes and academia.","authors":"Andrew Kambugu, Rodgers R Ayebare, Francis Kakooza, Agnes Kiragga, Aster Tsegaye, Georgina Yeboah, Leah Mbabazi, Tonny Muwonge, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Elizabeth Gonese, Mosoka P Fallah, Tajudeen Raji, Ngashi Ngongo, Jean Kaseya","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.780","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.780","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant challenges in Africa, including weak health systems, misinformation, limited vaccine access, and a lack of local data. Effective country-level leadership, coordination, and communication were crucial in addressing these multifaceted challenges.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The Program for Research on Vaccine Effectiveness (PROVE) was established to address these challenges by fostering international partnerships and advancing scientific knowledge generation toward implementing the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's New Public Health Order.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The PROVE program is a collaborative initiative under the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative of Africa CDC and the Mastercard Foundation. It brings together a diverse network of researchers and policymakers from National Public Health Institutions and academia across Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The programme employs a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and analysis of existing data, along with capacity-building efforts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The PROVE program has achieved several significant results, including: developing evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen DHIS2 and other data systems; strengthening the capacity of National Public Health Institutions; fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals; and promoting the use of local data for evidence-informed decision-making.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The PROVE programme's collaborative approach is a valuable initiative with the potential to improve evidence generation and utilisation in Africa. By encouraging collaboration, knowledge generation and building capacity of local scientists in implementation science, the initiative helps address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and builds resilience against future public health emergencies.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This paper describes PROVE's innovative approaches to generating new knowledge, developing practical approaches, and building capacity among African researchers in collaboration with policymakers.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"780"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067587/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020605","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 prevention and preparedness among healthcare workers in Sierra Leone.","authors":"Ifeolu David, Tyler W Myroniuk, Mansoo Yu, Enid Schatz","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.739","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.739","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sierra Leone's health system has faced significant challenges, including the long-term impacts of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, prolonged conflicts before that, and economic factors contributing to the fragility of healthcare systems in many low-income settings. This qualitative study explores COVID-19 prevention practices among healthcare workers in the context of their past experiences with disease outbreaks.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to understand COVID-19 prevention practices among healthcare workers in Sierra Leone and how their past experiences with disease outbreaks influence these practices.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in three districts of Sierra Leone - Freetown, Makeni and Kenema - focusing on healthcare workers in a low-income setting with ongoing public health challenges.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 healthcare workers, and the data were analysed for themes using the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Healthcare workers demonstrated positive attitudes and strict adherence to infection prevention measures, influenced by their Ebola outbreak experience. Barriers included limited personal protective equipment and social disapproval.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Interventions should focus on improving access to infection prevention tools and combating disapproval through community engagement. These findings are crucial for enhancing infectious disease prevention among healthcare workers in low-income settings.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides insights into how past outbreak experiences influence disease prevention practices among healthcare workers in Sierra Leone, highlighting the need to address adherence barriers. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of infectious disease prevention in low-income settings and enhance global efforts in preparing for future public health emergencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"739"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023744","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 mask use and physical distancing for COVID-19: A qualitative evidence synthesis.","authors":"Dachi I Arikpo, Okwu A Onyema, Afiong O Oku, Chibueze Meremikwu, Hannah Hamilton-Hurwitz, João P Toledo, Kathleen Dunn, April Baller, Helen J Smith, Martin M Meremikwu","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.614","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.614","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a bundle of precautions to reduce community transmission of COVID-19, including mask use and physical distancing. However, there is evidence that suggests poor adherence to these health measures community settings.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To summarise qualitative research evidence on the perceptions and factors influencing masks use and physical distancing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>We included studies conducted in community settings.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An electronic database search was conducted using search terms derived from the inclusion criteria and combined in a peer-reviewed search strategy. Thirty studies were sampled. Qualitative data analysis was performed using the thematic synthesis approach. The confidence in each review finding was ascertained using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations - Confidence in the evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten analytical themes of low to high confidence were identified. Values, belief systems and cultural norms shaped the perception and uptake of mask use and physical distancing. Key barriers included the cost of masks, limited infrastructure for spatial separation and inconsistent political or government messaging, while visual cues and social responsibility facilitated adherence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Personal values and preferences influenced individuals' adherence to these public health measures. Political or government messaging is important to aid understanding and adherence.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Insights provided by this synthesis can support future emergency preparedness and response to outbreaks of acute respiratory infections by providing policy makers with information needed to make contextually relevant recommendations to enhance adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"614"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144019569","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 sources of information in prostate cancer screening at a South African hospital.","authors":"Boitumelo M Komane, Annah Mosalo","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.666","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.666","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prostate cancer is a worldwide problem affecting men globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. However, research pertaining to barriers to screening uptake and sources of information regarding prostate cancer is limited in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The objective of the study was to explore barriers to screening and sources of information among men attending urologic clinic at a specific tertiary hospital in Gauteng.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Urology clinic at a specific tertiary hospital in Gauteng.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted with 19 conveniently selected men attending the specific clinic. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three themes emerged which were (1) barriers to screening, (2) sources of information regarding prostate cancer and (3) symptoms experienced during screening.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study provided evidence regarding the lack of privacy, pain control, fear of the procedure and embarrassment as being barriers towards screening. Failure of healthcare practitioners to recommend screening when in contact with patients eligible for screening also contributed as a barrier. Media and pamphlets played a role as sources of information regarding awareness pertaining to the disease.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study findings have a potential to help healthcare practitioners to be proactive and recommend screening for men who are eligible or might be at risk. The findings will also help healthcare practitioners to be sensitive and exercise caution in maintaining privacy during screening, and that men are informed regarding what screening procedures entail to gain their cooperation.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"666"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067550/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144029580","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 severity and vaccine effectiveness in Malawi: A test-negative case-control study.","authors":"Clara Sambani, Victor Chikwapulo, Regina Mankhamba, Tonny Muwonge, Mavuto Thomas, Baxter Salatiel, Edna Mandala, Leah Mbabazi, Suzan Nakasendwa, Rodgers R Ayebare, Collins Mitambo, Matthew Kagoli, Mabvuto Chiwaula, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Triza Chirwa, Liness Chinyamunyamu, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Tajudeen Raji, Francis Kakooza, Mosoka P Fallah, Evelyn C Banda, Abigail Kazembe, Mitch Matoga","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.758","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.758","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>COVID-19 vaccines were administered globally, and Malawi commenced vaccination on 11 March 2021.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed the real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and factors associated with disease severity and mortality in Malawi.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A facility-based case-control study within the largest referral hospitals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cases (COVID-19 positive) were matched 1:1 with controls based on age, sex and testing date. Interviews via phone focused on COVID-19 testing and vaccination, underlying conditions and disease outcomes. Analysed using STATA 17, the exposure of interest was vaccination status. For vaccine effectiveness (VE), conditional logistic regression modelling was used, while disease severity and management were analysed using binary logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The unvaccinated were at 53.3%, and 35.8% were fully vaccinated and/or received a booster. The VE among the fully and partially vaccinated was 10% (95% CI: -26.2, 35.81) and 31.8% (95% CI: -9.91, 57.72), respectively compared to the unvaccinated. Most of the COVID-19 patients (87.8%) were not hospitalised. Underlying chronic conditions and a previous positive COVID-19 test were associated with severe disease (aOR: 3.54, 95% CI: 1.65, 7.61 and aOR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.13, 7.61, respectively); however, these odds were not different by vaccination status.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The VE was low and severe disease was linked with chronic illnesses and previous positive COVID-19 tests. Efforts to promote vaccination through education and access should be enhanced, particularly for those with underlying chronic conditions.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings can inform strategies on prioritisation for disease vaccination and improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"758"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067548/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051559","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":"Vaccine uptake, barriers and enhancers of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers from high-burden cities in Ethiopia.","authors":"Gutema B Tura, Derbachew A Teni, Saro Abdella, Jaleta B Tura, Yakob Wondarad, Getahun Fetensa, Tesfaye Gelanew, Alemseged Abdissa, Senga Sembuche, Elizabeth Gonese, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Mosoka P Fallah, Leah Mbabazi, Rodgers R Ayebare, Agnes Kiragga, Francis Kakooza, Mesay Hailu, Getachew Tollera, Raji Tajudeen, Aster Tsegaye","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.673","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.673","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs) to protect themselves and promote public health.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed COVID-19 vaccination uptake, barriers and enhancers among HCWs in high-burden cities in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A cross-sectional survey among 600 randomly selected HCWs from 30 health facilities (May 2023 to July 2023).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Interviewer-administered questionnaires assessed vaccination status, concerns and motivators. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression identified factors associated with vaccination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 70.3% (<i>n</i> = 422) received at least one dose, and 39.2% (<i>n</i> = 235) were fully vaccinated. Safety concerns (51.9%) were the main barrier. More information on safety and efficacy (53.1%) and regulatory approval (27.3%) were key motivators. Those not recommending vaccination were less likely to be vaccinated (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.85). Professionals such as radiographers (PR = 0.78), pharmacists (PR = 0.79) and laboratory personnel (PR = 0.85) were less likely compared to physicians. Older HCWs (> 25 years) were twice as likely to be vaccinated. HCWs in health centres were more likely to be vaccinated than those in hospitals (PR = 1.201, 95% CI: 1.076-1.341).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A significant proportion of HCWs were not fully vaccinated. Targeting hospital workers and younger age groups and improving HCWs confidence in recommending vaccination can increase uptake.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study reveals COVID-19 vaccine safety, efficacy and confidence concerns of HCWs, highlighting the need for targeted awareness to strengthen national vaccination efforts against pandemics.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"673"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067571/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144005227","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}