Uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in Omoro District Uganda: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the world, and healthcare workers were at high risk of acquiring the virus. Although much progress has been made in vaccine development, healthcare workers' acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination remains uncertain. This study assessed the level of uptake of COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors among healthcare workers in Omoro District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used, employing a mixed methods design. Data was collected from 267 respondents between March and April 2022. Six key informants were also interviewed. Quantitative data was analysed using Modified Poisson regression analysis, using STATA version 14 to measure associations. Qualitative data was analyzed manually using a content analysis approach. Results: The respondents' mean (SD) age was 34 years (±7.9). Out of the 267 respondents, 210 (79%) had ever been vaccinated against COVID-19. Of these, 210 (82.0%) had been vaccinated fully, with 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Being female (aPR=1.1; 95% C.I=1.0-1.2), and having a diploma (aPR=1.1; 95% C.I=1.0-1.2) or bachelors’ degree (aPR=1.1; 95% C.I=1.0-1.2) were positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers. Nearly one-third (30%; n=10) of the healthcare workers doubted the vaccines’ effectiveness. Qualitative findings revealed that vaccines were readily available and almost in excess, although there were some concerns among the healthcare workers on the efficacy and safety of these vaccines. Social and mass media information sources on COVID-19 vaccination helped increase healthcare workers’ uptake. Conclusion: The uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in Omoro district was high. Since healthcare workers are a high-risk group for contracting COVID-19, their concerns about vaccine effectiveness must be addressed with adequate, timely information on safety and efficacy.