Public Health in Practice (Nov 2021)

Prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in health professionals in Togo, 2021

  • F.A. Gbeasor-Komlanvi,
  • K.A. Afanvi,
  • Y.R. Konu,
  • Y. Agbobli,
  • A.J. Sadio,
  • M.K. Tchankoni,
  • W.I.C. Zida-Compaore,
  • J. Nayo-Apetsianyi,
  • S. Agoro,
  • A. Lambokale,
  • D. Nyametso,
  • T. N'tapi,
  • K. Aflagah,
  • M. Mijiyawa,
  • D.K. Ekouevi

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2
p. 100220

Abstract

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Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health professionals (HPs) in Togo. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was conducted between 24 February and 3 March 2021 among HPs in Togo. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and intention of vaccination were collected using an online questionnaire. Willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was assessed using a single item: “Would you be willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19?“. Responses were grouped into three categories: acceptance (Yes, I will get vaccinated), hesitancy (Not decided yet) and refusal (No). Multinomial regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with vaccine hesitancy or refusal. Results: A total of 1115 HPs (79.1% male) with a median age of 35 years were enrolled in the study. Vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and refusal were 44.1%, 32.2% and 23.7%, respectively. Female gender was associated with an increased risk of hesitancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.93; p = 0.005) and refusal (aOR = 1.77; p = 0.005). Participant age ≥ 50 years, having a personal history of COVID-19 infection and a good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination were factors that reduced the risk of refusal [(aOR = 0.30; p < 0.001), (aOR = 0.43; p = 0.031) and (aOR = 0.62; p = 0.020)] or hesitancy [(aOR = 0.53; p = 0.005), (aOR = 0.13; p < 0.001) and (aOR = 0.35; p < 0.001)] of the vaccine. Conclusions: Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine before the vaccination campaign was mixed among HPs, especially young HPs. Sensitisation and information campaigns should be reinforced to combat misinformation and increase COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in the context of the ongoing global pandemic.

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