PREDICTORS OF UPTAKE OF A POTENTIAL COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG NIGERIAN ADULTS

Olomofe, C. O.; Soyemi, V. K.; Udomah, B. F.; Owolabi, A. O.; Ajumuka, E. E.; Igbokwe, C. M.; Ashaolu, U. O.; Adeyemi, A. O.; Aremu-Kasumu, Y. B.; Dada, O. F.; Ochieze, J. C.; Fayemi, O. B.; Ologunde, K. W.; Popoola, O. G.; Ariyo, O. E.

Background: The Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic is not abating and there is no approved treatment yet. The development of vaccines is hoped to help in addressing this disease outbreak. However, in the face of anti-vaccines uprise, it is important to understand the factors that may influence the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines as this will influence how successful the fight against COVID-19 will be in the long term. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 776 adult Nigerians was conducted in the 36 States of Nigeria and the Capital City with an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 5 sections: socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, respondents` knowledge of COVID-19, respondents risk perception of COVID-19, vaccination history of respondents, and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Descriptive analysis of variables was done and multivariate analysis using logistic regression was carried out to determine the predictors of uptake of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. The level of significance was predetermined at a p-value < 0.05. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 21. Results: Most of the respondents were male (58.1%). Most participants were willing to take a potential COVID-19 vaccine (58.2%), while 19.2% would not take it with 22.6% indecisive. 53.5% would prefer a single dose COVID-19 vaccine. For vaccine uptake, being male (p= 0.002) and the perception that vaccines are good (p< 0.001) were the positive predictor of uptake of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: Most Nigerians were willing to take a potential COVID-19 vaccine with the male gender and perception that vaccines are good being positive predictors. There is a need for public enlightenment to aim at encouraging those that are indecisive or averse to receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Keywords: COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccine, Pandemic