Perceptions and practices towards Covid-19 vaccination among women attending maternal health services in Uganda Police Health Centre III, Nsambya, Kampala

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and continues to create a public health crisis in the world. Vaccines are the most effective strategy to contain the disease. In Uganda, vaccination is now available to anyone over the age of 18, but the country is still struggling to vaccinate its population. Uptake of vaccines is a significant problem and there is crucial need that the perceptions and practices of the public towards them be examined. This is because perceptions and practices of individuals is very useful for the ministry of health to provide solutions to the barriers encountered in availing vaccines. This study therefore aims to explore the perceptions and practices of Covid-19 vaccination among women utilizing maternal health services at Uganda police health center III, Kampala. Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional study and a quantitative approach to investigate the perceptions and determine the levels of practices of covid-19 vaccination among mothers attending maternal services at Uganda Police Health Centre III (UPHCIII), Nsambya. Data were collected for 2 weeks. Results: A total of 147 women were enrolled into the study, most of which were married. Majority of women would go for vaccination (84.4%) and recommend vaccination to a friend (92.5%). Majority suggested that it is necessary to vaccinate against Covid-19. The overall score was poor for a significant proportion of mothers (53%). Women within 25 to 30 years were 6.314 times more likely to have a good perception towards covid-19 immunization. In addition, women with secondary level and tertiary level of education were respectively 5.488 and 13.587 times more likely to have a good perception towards covid-19 vaccination than women with primary education or those who had not attended education. Most women vaccinated against COVID-19 (91.8%) while most did not get the booster dose (74.8%). More than half (57.04%) also reported that they traveled far to get vaccinated. Women who were older than 30 years were 3.676 times more likely to have a good practice towards covid-19 vaccination than those had primary education or those without education. Conclusion: Our Findings indicate a need for further effective and tailored health education programs aimed at improving perception and practices of mothers towards COVID-19 vaccination. These educational strategies should especially target high risk groups.