Corona-virus disease 2019 vaccination acceptance and associated factors among residents of Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an extremely contagious viral infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Scientific evidence on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and predictors among residents in low-income countries like Ethiopia is sparse. Therefore, we aimed to assess level of the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among residents of Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 840 residents in Dire Dawa Administration from May 18th to June 18th, 2021. Multistage cluster sampling followed by systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. A pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from respondents. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictors of the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The odds ratio (OR) along, with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to estimate the strength of the association. Results: Out of 840 respondents recruited, the proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was found to be 54.4% (457/840); (95% CI: (51.0%, 57.7%)). Being males [AOR=1.85, 95% CI: (1.35, 2.54), P<0.001], not having a current habit of substance use [AOR=2.38, 95% CI: (1.73, 3.26), P<0.001], having a monthly income of less than 51.31USD [AOR=0.19, 95% CI: (0.04, 0.88), P=0.001]; and not having a prior history of vaccination experience [AOR=0.40, 95% CI: (0.29, 0.54), P<0.001] were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: This study reveals that the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was low. Being male, having a lower income in the family, not having a current habit of substance use, and not having previous vaccination experience were factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Health information dissemination and economic empowerment are crucial to improving COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the community. The study’s findings would have implications for policymakers.