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Original Research – Special Collection: Vaccine Effectiveness in Africa
COVID-19 vaccine uptake and predictors of hesitancy among healthcare workers in Côte d’Ivoire
Submitted: 10 June 2024 | Published: 24 April 2025
About the author(s)
Richard B. Yapi, Department of Research and Development, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; and Centre d’Entomologie Médicale et Vétérinaire, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'IvoireGuillaume B.Y. Zamina, National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Martial Bama, National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Yao M.R. Amani, National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Francis Kakooza, Department of Global Health Security, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Suzan Nakasendwa, Department of Global Health Security, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Tonny Muwonge, Department of Global Health Security, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Rodgers R. Ayebare, Department of Global Health Security, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Leah Mbabazi, Department of Global Health Security, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Agnes Kiragga, Africa Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
Senga Sembuche, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
Elizabeth Gonese, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
Tamrat Shaweno, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
Nebiyu Dereje, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
Mosoka p. Fallah, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
Tajudeen Raji, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
Issaka Tiembré, National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Abstract
Background: Vaccine hesitancy hinders COVID-19 control, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs).
Aim: This study examined factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among HCWs in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Setting: The study was conducted among healthcare workers in Abidjan, the capital city of Côte d’Ivoire.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Contribution: This study underscores the importance of Ministry of Health-led interventions to improve HCWs vaccination rates in Africa.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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