Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Permanent URI for this community

http://localhost:4000/handle/20.500.14270/101
This Sub-community will contain publications and Research Findings for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Visitors to Faculty but directly in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Browse

Browsing Department of Microbiology and Immunology by Subject ": COVID-19,"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among high-risk populations in Uganda
    (Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease, 2021) Bongomin, Felix; Olum, Ronald; Andia-Biraro, Irene; Nakwagala, Frederick Nelson; Hudow Hassan, Khalid; Nassozi, Dianah Rhoda; Kaddumukasa, Mark; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Kiguli, Sarah; Kirenga, Bruce J.
    Background: Immunization is an important strategy for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination was recently launched in Uganda, with prioritization to healthcare workers and high-risk individuals. In this study, we aimed to determine the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine among persons at high risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Uganda. Methods: Between 29 March and 14 April 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey consecutively recruiting persons at high risk of severe COVID-19 (diabetes mellitus, HIV and cardiovascular disease) attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital outpatient clinics. A trained research nurse administered a semi-structured questionnaire assessing demographics, COVID-19 vaccine related attitudes and acceptability. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed using STATA 16. Results: A total of 317 participants with a mean age 51.5±14.1years were recruited. Of this, 184 (60.5%) were female. Overall, 216 (70.1%) participants were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. The odds of willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination were four times greater if a participant was male compared with if a participant was female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8–9.4, p=0.00]. Participants who agreed (AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.38, p=0.003) or strongly agreed (AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.59, p=0.005) that they have some immunity against COVID-19 were also significantly less likely to accept the vaccine. Participants who had a history of vaccination hesitancy for their children were also significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01–0.58, p=0.016). Conclusion: The willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in this group of high-risk individuals was comparable to the global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate. Increased sensitization, myth busting and utilization of opinion leaders to encourage vaccine acceptability is recommended.