Barriers and enhancers to COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in a metropolitan city in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) hinders coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control efforts.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess enhancers and barriers to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Setting: Health facility-based cross-sectional study in Ibadan, a metropolitan city in Oyo state, Nigeria.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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%]).

Conclusion: 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.

Contribution: 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.