Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Providers in Busia County in Kenya

Abstract

Context: The novel coronavirus was announced as a global rampant disease in March 2020. Non-pharmaceutical interventions were imposed globally to assist in controlling the spread of the disease, which had negatively impacted the wellness of individuals and contributed to a significant decline in the global economy. Through rigorous research, the world realized the development of effective and safe vaccines given emergency use authorizations. Healthcare providers are at the highest risk of COVID-19 occasioned by their nature of work.

Aim: This study aimed at assessing the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare providers in Busia County.

Methods:  In a cross-sectional study, multi-stage sampling to a sample size of 423 healthcare care providers in healthcare facilities distributed over seven sub-counties of Busia County, Kenya, was determined using the Fishers formula. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire on Kobo collect and analysis done in SPSS version 26 software.

Results: Most healthcare providers (n=399) had received at least one dose of the vaccine at the time of the study, indicating an uptake rate of 94.3%, with 86.5% having gotten at least two doses. Age, gender, marital status, and living with others significantly influenced vaccine uptake. The uptake rate of those with comorbidities was significantly lower than those without (p=0.03, OR:0.3, CI:0.1-0.9). 97.1% of the healthcare providers were knowledgeable about COVID-19 vaccines that positively influenced vaccine uptake (OR: 16.3; 95% CI: 6.7–39.8; p <0.001). Healthcare providers receiving information from their colleagues (OR: 5; CI: 1.7-14.7; p=0.009) and print media (OR: 4.6; CI: 1.7-12.5; p=0.007) were five times more likely to uptake the vaccine.

Conclusion: Vaccine uptake was favorably high. It was found to be higher among the knowledgeable, lower among those with chronic illnesses, and increased with age. Further research should focus on establishing the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the general population.