Factors Influencing Covid-19 Vaccination Uptake Among Nurses and Midwives Students in Select Ghanaian Multi-Training Settings Using the Theory of Reasoned Action.

Abstract

Abstract Background The investigation into the adoption of the COVID-19 vaccine within diverse populations has undergone rigorous examination. A thorough analysis has illuminated that 48% of healthcare professionals and 34% of healthcare students have embraced the vaccination. However, a noticeable dearth of research exists regarding the vaccination uptake among Ghanaian nursing and midwifery students. Consequently, this study seeks to elucidate the landscape of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among Ghanaian student nurses and midwives across various settings. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional convenient sample design was adopted. An adapted Vaccination Attitude scale questionnaire was administered online to 557 nurses and midwives’ students at two diploma and two bachelor's degree-granting nursing and midwifery educational institutions in southern and northern Ghana. The data were analysed using SPSS 25. Results Eighty percent of the nurses and midwives were vaccinated. According to the TRA, unknown COVID-19 vaccine adverse effects, the notion that natural immunity lasts longer than immunisation and the chance that the vaccine may create future difficulties affect students' vaccine uptake. Risk perception led to COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Age and vaccination perception were weakly correlated with COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Age: Spearman's rank correlation, rs = .12, p = .005; perception: -0.14, p = .001). Conclusion Using the TRA to analyse the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination, students who desired the vaccination strongly thought it would protect them and others, suggesting that they would follow the suggestion. Students were vaccinated because they believed that COVID-19 was important and dangerous, felt responsible for their health, and followed the authorities' advice. This study revealed that age and vaccination perception impact COVID-19 vaccine uptake.