EP392 - WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA. (ID 752)
Abstract
Backgrounds:
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has remained a global challenge. Many individuals still have reservations about the safety, efficacy and confidence in the vaccine. Health care workers (HCWs)serve as a window for reliable health information for the patient. Their willingness or otherwise to take the vaccine ultimately affect the uptake of the vaccine among the general population.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCWs during the COVID-19 vaccination sensitization meeting in a tertiary health centre, in northern Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire was randomly administered among the HCWs. Information obtained were socio-demographics, presence/absence of a chronic condition, years of practice, and willingness of the individual to be vaccinated. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05
Results:
Of the 70 questionnaires distributed, 57 responded, the median age = 40yrs (IQR: 35-45), 32 (56.1%) were males, 25 (43.9%) were nurses, 11(19.3%) were doctors. 54 (94.&%) of them had tertiary education with median years of practice of 10yrs (IQR 6-15yrs). Eight (14.1%) have either hypertension, Diabetes or Asthma. 30 (52.6%) were willing to take the vaccine. Among all the respondents, religion was not a barrier to uptake. 51(89.5%) agree to having concerns about the side effect and safety of the vaccine, while 45 (78.9% ) have concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine. Among the variables: Age, gender, religion, ethnicity and cadre, only gender had a statistically significant association with willingness to be vaccinated (c2 =4.962, p = 0.026)
Conclusions/Learning Points:
53% of the respondents were willing to take the vaccine. Respondents have concerns about safety, side effects and efficacy. Gender was associated with the uptake of the vaccine. We recommend sensitization of health workers on COVID-19 vaccines
