Determinants, Awareness, and Perceptions of COVID-19 Vaccination among Youth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The global community has seen significant negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19  pandemic. The primary objective of this study was to assess the perceptions, awareness, and determinants among young individuals concerning the COVID-19  vaccine. The research employed a cross-sectional approach and was carried out using internet platforms within the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania, spanning from December 2021 to December 2022. The study's sample consisted of 435 individuals who were classified as young people. The data was collected through the utilization of questionnaires developed by Google Forms, which were thereafter distributed among participants via WhatsApp groups. The programme utilized for data cleaning and analysis was STATA 15.1. Categorical variables were summarised using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution tables, pie charts, and bar charts. The study employed inferential statistics, namely the Chi-square test, to assess the association between the COVID-19  immunization status and several socioeconomic demographic characteristics, perceived factors, and awareness-related parameters. Results achieving a significance level of 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Based on these findings, it was recommended that decision makers should continue directing endeavors focused on increasing the acceptance of COVID-19  vaccinations and minimizing the wastage of vaccines. Also youths are encouraged to take vaccines for fortification of their health hence reach intended purpose and save funds which would have been used in managing other health, social and economic challenges.