International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences (Jan 2024)
Short-term Side Effects Raises Following Covid-19 Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers
Abstract
Background: Vaccination against COVID-19 diminishes the risk of infection and provides robust protection against severe illnesses and death when coupled with existing preventive measures. Despite comprehensive research, there are still complaints of short-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers. This study aims to specifically identify the short-term side effects that manifest after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study included 100 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) at Soba University Hospital from April to May 2022, focusing on Short-Term Side Effects following Covid-19 Vaccination. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire distributed via Google Docs and Microsoft Teams. The survey was sent to healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and others, through email and WhatsApp. Chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the determinants and associations between side effects after COVID-19 vaccination and other variables using STATA version 17 software. Results: Among the 100 participants, nearly half (42 %) were in the age group of 20 to 30 years, and over two-thirds (61 %) of the participants were female, with 31 % being registered nurses. The majority, 91 %, received the AstraZeneca vaccine. This current study revealed a statistically significant relationship between the onset of symptoms and the type of vaccine (AstraZeneca) with a p-value of 0.001. Additionally, a statistically significant relationship was observed between muscular pain, fever, itching as side effects, and AstraZeneca, with p-values less than 0.05. Logistic regression indicated that male nurses between 31–40 years were almost 61 % less likely to report side effects. Conclusion: The study concluded that most of those who took the vaccination of COVID-19 experienced short-term side effects including chills, fever, muscle pain, and headache after receiving the vaccine after each dose but they did not develop diarrhea.