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Understanding Sociodemographic Factors and Reasons Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitance among Adults in Tanzania: A Mixed-Method Approach.
- Source :
-
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene [Am J Trop Med Hyg] 2023 Sep 11; Vol. 109 (4), pp. 895-907. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Sep 11 (Print Publication: 2023). - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Although studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are being undertaken widely worldwide, there is limited evidence in Tanzania. This study aims to assess the sociodemographic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the reasons given by unvaccinated study participants. We conducted a mixed-method cross-sectional study with two components-health facilities and communities-between March and September 2022. A structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. A total of 1,508 individuals agreed to participate in the survey and explained why they had not vaccinated against COVID-19. Of these participants, 62% indicated they would accept the vaccine, whereas 38% expressed skepticism. In a multivariate regression analysis, adult study participants 40 years and older were significantly more likely to report not intending to be vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01-1.61; P = 0.04) than youth and middle-aged study participants between 18 and 40 years. Furthermore, female study participants had a greater likelihood of not intending to be vaccinated (AOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.19-1.90; P = 0.001) than male study participants. The study identified fear of safety and short-term side effects, and lack of trust of the COVID-19 vaccine; belief in spiritual or religious views; and belief in local remedies and other precautions or preventive measures as the major contributors to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Tanzania. Further empirical studies are needed to confirm these findings and to understand more fully the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in different demographic groups.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1476-1645
- Volume :
- 109
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 37696518
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.23-0229