Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine knowledge, uptake, and factors influencing its uptake among medical students at the university of Jos

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 vaccination is crucial to containing the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccine knowledge, attitudes,
and uptake among medical students are vital, as they are future healthcare professionals expected to promote
vaccination. This study assessed the knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine, its uptake, and associated factors among
medical students.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 medical students at the University of Jos, Nigeria.
Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire
and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The median knowledge score was 8, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 3. Most participants had low
knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine (65.7%), while a minority had high knowledge (34.3%). The overall vaccine
coverage was 20%. Gender and tribe were significantly associated with vaccine uptake. Males were more likely to
receive the vaccine than females (24.3% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.039), and participants from the Igbo tribe were less likely to
receive the vaccine than those from the Yoruba tribe (0% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.002). Additionally, being tested for COVID19 was significantly associated with vaccine uptake (p < 0.001). Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination decisions
were access to accurate information (68.9%, p < 0.001), healthcare professionals' recommendations (31.1%, p < 0.001),
concerns about safety and side effects (26.6%, p < 0.006), self-protection (19.5%, p = 0.011), government guidelines
(39.6%, p < 0.001), vaccine availability (38.0%, p = 0.005), and the availability and convenience of vaccination centres
(33.7%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: There was low COVID-19 vaccine knowledge and uptake among medical students. Gender, tribe, access
to information, healthcare guidance, and practical barriers influenced vaccination decisions. Targeted education and
provider involvement are needed to address hesitancy in this critical population.