Socio-economic and demographic factors associated with the acceptance of Covid 19 vaccines among Ugandan Citizens: a case study of Kasubi

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess socio-economic and demographic factors associated with the acceptance of covid 19 vaccines among Ugandan citizens. A cross-sectional survey was adopted and primary data was collected from 150 respondents sampled randomly from different households in Kasubi using a questionnaire approach designed in a kobo tool box. Simple random. Data cleaning and analysis was done using STATA 15.0. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of demographic and so-economic factors on the acceptance of covid-19 vaccines. The study findings indicated that out of the total respondents sampled, majority (66.67%) reported that they would accept covid 19 vaccines, majority (56.67%) were aged 40 years and above and the minority (20%) were aged between 17 to 29 years. Majority (76.67%) were males. Majority (61.33%) were Christians and minority belonged to other religions (12.67%). Majority (72%) were married. Majority (38%) had secondary education, and minority had no formal education at all (14.67%). Majority (75.33%) were employed. The findings showed that age was associated with the acceptance of Covid 19 vaccines i.e., respondents who were aged 40 years and above were more likely to accept vaccines as compared to those aged 17 to 29 years (OR=6.697, p= 0.004). Marital status was also significant and those who were married were more likely to accept Covid 19 vaccines as compared to those who were not (OR=7.280, p= 0.001). Education level was also significant and that those with secondary education were more likely to accept Covid 19 vaccines as compared to those with no formal education (OR=8.311, p= 0.008). Those with a tertiary education were more likely to accept vaccines compared to those with no formal education (OR= 13.563, p =0.002). Employment xii status was also significant i.e., respondents who were employed were more likely to accept covid 19 vaccines compared to those with no employment at all (OR=3.886, p= 0.022). Findings indicated that age, marital status, education level and employment status had an effect on acceptance of Covid 19 vaccines religion did not. The study recommended that sensitization of the public about the importance of accepting Covid 19 vaccines especially for people in old ages should be done because Covid 19 easily weakens and kills old people due to their weak immune system. Setting up more schools and institutions so as to have more informed citizens who can easily understand the health benefits derived from accepting Covid 19 vaccines