Knowledge, perception and willingness to receive the current COVID-19 vaccine among residents of Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Chikaodili N. Obi-Ezeani Department of Chemical Pathology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Obianuju U. Ilechukwu Department of Chemical Pathology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Ifeoma J. Onuora School of Medical Laboratory Technicians, Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Georgina N. Umeaba Department of Chemical Pathology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Amuche L. Onuike Department of Medical Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Onyema A. Onyegbule Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Nkolika M. Muoneke Department of Histopathology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Ijeoma J. Nwagbara Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Obiageli E. Nnoruka Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Malachi O. Odo Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20214405

Keywords:

COVID-19, Vaccine, Willingness, Perception

Abstract

Background: Vaccines can effectively reduce most morbidities and mortalities caused by infectious agents. The emergence of the COVID-19 vaccine may be accompanied with huge success in containing the pandemic. The aim of the study was to assesses knowledge, perception and willingness to receive the current COVID-19 vaccine among residents in Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Methods: Using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, this study was conducted in Awka metropolis Anambra State, Nigeria among 393 respondents (aged 18 years and above), and analyzed to assess their knowledge, perception and willingness to receive the current COVID-19 vaccine. Statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS) version 23.0 was used, descriptive statistics were reported in frequencies and percentages, Chi-square test was used to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics and willingness to receive the vaccine, and level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The results showed that all respondents (100%) have good knowledge of the vaccine availability. Only 25.7% were willing to receive the vaccine, although 57.3% were willing to receive any other vaccine apart from the COVID-19 vaccine. Very few respondents (18.3%) thinks the vaccine is accessible to all. Most of the respondents (72%) did not support mandatory implementation of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Among the socio-demographic characteristics, only occupation was significantly associated with willingness to receive the vaccine (p=0.010, χ2=20.214).  

Conclusions: This study highlighted the need to effectively educate the masses through appropriate public health literacy programs and enlightenment campaigns on the role of the vaccine in curbing this pandemic.

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Published

2021-10-28

How to Cite

Obi-Ezeani, C. N., Ilechukwu, O. U., Onuora, I. J., Umeaba, G. N., Onuike, A. L., Onyegbule, O. A., Muoneke, N. M., Nwagbara, I. J., Nnoruka, O. E., & Odo, M. O. (2021). Knowledge, perception and willingness to receive the current COVID-19 vaccine among residents of Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 9(11), 3243–3250. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20214405

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Original Research Articles