Lira City, Uganda – Researchers at Lira University in Uganda have revealed startling findings about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers.
Titled Prevalence and Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, the study has been published in PLOS ONE an inclusive journal community working together to advance science for the benefit of society, now and in the future.
The researchers are; Eustes Kigongo, Amir Kabunga, Raymond Tumwesigye, Marvin Musinguzi, Ronald Izaruku, and Walter Acup.
The study in detail
The study, conducted through a systematic search of articles in prominent databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, analyzed data from 15 studies involving 7,498 participants.
Its findings revealed a startling trend: approximately 46% of healthcare workers in Sub-Saharan Africa were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“This hesitancy could significantly impede the region’s ability to achieve widespread vaccination coverage, a key factor in controlling the spread of the virus,” they write.
Several factors were identified as predictors of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers.
One of these was the negative beliefs towards the vaccine, cited by 14% of respondents. The other one was the perceived low risk of contracting COVID-19 (24%) and concerns about vaccine side effects (25%).
“Addressing this issue is of paramount importance, as healthcare workers play a pivotal role not only in administering vaccines but also in shaping public perceptions,” the researchers counseled.
In their wisdom, they observe that their (healthcare workers) willingness to receive the vaccine sets an example for the broader population.
“This study, therefore, emphasizes the need for comprehensive efforts at both the national and individual levels to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare professionals particularly here in Uganda,” says Dr. Raymond Tumwesigye, one of the researchers.
In a brief interview, he told ResearchFinds News that efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy should include targeted public awareness campaigns to educate healthcare workers and the general public about vaccine safety and efficacy.
“Providing incentives and support for healthcare workers, such as free transportation, childcare, or paid leave, could also encourage vaccination,” he said.
From the findings of the study, the researchers observed that addressing specific concerns and myths related to the vaccine, whether rooted in religious beliefs, government mistrust, or fear of side effects, is essential.
They add that collaboration with community leaders, religious groups, and media outlets can further promote positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination.
“Establishing clear and transparent communication channels between health ministries and healthcare professionals can provide accurate and timely information about vaccine availability and distribution,” they write.
A Deepening Concern Amidst a Global Pandemic
The global fight against COVID-19 hinges largely on vaccine distribution and uptake.
However, a concerning trend has emerged among healthcare workers in Sub-Saharan Africa, where vaccine hesitancy threatens to undermine efforts to control the pandemic.
Since the emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019, the world has grappled with controlling the spread of this highly contagious virus. However, even as vaccines became a beacon of hope, resistance to vaccination has grown.
The high levels of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy observed among healthcare workers in Sub-Saharan Africa pose a significant challenge to the region’s pandemic response.
Urgent and targeted efforts are required to address this hesitancy, as it not only affects the healthcare workforce but also sets a crucial example for the general public.
Overcoming vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals is essential to achieving widespread vaccine coverage and ultimately controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the region.
Why this study is vital
The study’s primary contribution lies in estimating the pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and identifying its predictors among healthcare workers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The findings reveal a critical issue that needs urgent attention, not just to protect healthcare workers but also to ensure the success of vaccination campaigns.
This study serves as a stark wake-up call to the healthcare community and policymakers in Uganda and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers is not just essential for their well-being but is pivotal in achieving widespread vaccination and ultimately overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers Background
Amir Kabunga holds a PhD in psychology and has extensive experience in matters relating to mental and maternal health among others, notably vulnerable people and healthcare personnel. He has closely worked with healthcare workers to improve the mental health of patients. He has a special interest in prenatal genetic and pre-cancer gynecological mental health conditions. He has developed close relationships with public and private sector mental health officials and healthcare workers. Currently, he is the head of the Department of Psychiatry at the Lira University Faculty of Medicine.
Raymond Tumwesigye is a Registered Critical care Nurse, currently working as a Lecturer of Nursing at Lira University, He is a MoH Uganda Trainer of Critical care Nursing Courses, a Visiting Lecturer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology and King Ceasor University, Uganda, and a Founder of Great Lakes critical care Agency Research Consultancy. He is currently a PhD Fellow at Hellenic Meditteranean University, in Greece.
Eustes Kigongo is a Public Health specialist holding a Master of Science in Public Health from Lira University-Northern Uganda, where he is a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Public Health. Eustes is passionate about improving the health of the communities globally through community engagement, research, and innovations. Eustes has skills in research, epidemiology, water, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), health education and promotion, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
About The Author
Still enraged by the health system in Uganda and government on how their insensibility to adopt international policies . Without holding an independent research on vaccine safety.
Medical workers are informed and they are right.