Covid-19 Vaccine Side Effects and Its Associated Factors Among Healthcare Workers at Dessie Hospital, Ethiopia

Abstract

Reta Dewau,1 Elsabeth Addisu,2 Tilahun Dessie,3 Tesfaye Birhane,2 Sisay Eshete Tadesse,4 Amare Muche,2 Yitbarek Wasihun Feleke,5 Baye Akele,6 Melaku Yalew,2 Kemal Ahmed Seid,7 Yitayish Damtie,2 Bereket Kefale,2 Zinet Abegaz Asfaw,2 Bezawit Adane,1 Wondwosen Mebratu,1 Ayechew Ademas,8 Niguss Cherie,2 Assefa Andargie,1 Muluken Genetu Chanie,9 Asnakew Molla,9 Metadel Adane8 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2Department of Reproductive health, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 3Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 4Department of Public Health Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 5Department of Health Education, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 6Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 7Department of Infectious Disease, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 8Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 9Department of Health Service Management, School of public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Elsabeth Addisu, Email [email protected]: Vaccines are a powerful choice to stop disease outbreaks, including covid-19. However, people are hesitant to take vaccinations due to uncertainty about side effects. So, this study aimed to assess covid-19 vaccine side-effect and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, in Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dessie Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital among 351 vaccinated healthcare workers from April 25 to May 25, 2021. Self-administrated questionnaires were used by consented health workers. Variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to assess the multicollinearity of independent variables. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify significant factors of vaccine side effects. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported as the effect size. Statistical significance was considered at p-value < 0.05.Results: Overall, of vaccinated healthcare workers, 56.98% (95% CI, 50.86– 61.26%) experienced at least one side effect. The majority of the side effects were fever (44.44%), headache (39.03%), fatigue (27.35%), injection site pain (25.93%), and nausea (24.22%). Healthcare workers with (≥ 10 years) of work experience (AOR: 3.74, 95% CI, 1.32– 10.59), Hesitancy to take the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine (AOR: 3.01, 95% CI, 1.82– 4.99), underlying chronic disease (AOR: 14.41, 95% CI, (5.07– 40.92)), being on antihypertensive medication (AOR: 0.15; 95% CI (0.02– 0.93)), and unsafe perception of vaccine safety (AOR:3.50; 95% CI, 1.43– 8.57) were independent factors of Covax vaccine side effect development.Conclusion: Overall, common vaccine side effects were identified in healthcare workers who have taken the Covax vaccine. Healthcare workers with (≥ 10 years) of work experience, Hesitancy to take the first dose, unsafe perception of vaccine safety, and underlined chronic disease were predictors of vaccine side effect occurrence. So, providing vaccine-related information to the community to be vaccinated is mandatory to reduce hesitancy and flaws regarding vaccine safety.Keywords: Covid-19, vaccine side effects, associated factors, health care workers, Ethiopia

Keywords

• covid-19
• vaccine side effects
• associated factors
• health care workers
• and ethiopia