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

• Published in: Public health in practice (Oxford, England) England), 2021-11, Vol.2, p.100220-100220, Article 100220
• Main Authors: Gbeasor-Komlanvi, F.A., Afanvi, K.A., Konu, Y.R., Agbobli, Y., Sadio, A.J., Tchankoni, M.K., Zida-Compaore, W.I.C., Nayo-Apetsianyi, J., Agoro, S., Lambokale, A., Nyametso, D., N'tapi, T., Aflagah, K., Mijiyawa, M., Ekouevi, D.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19; Health professionals; Original Research; Prevalence; Togo; Vaccine hesitancy
• ISSN: 2666-5352; 2666-5352
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100220

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health professionals (HPs) in Togo. Cross-sectional study. 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. 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