Hesitancy toward COVID-19 Vaccines among Health Care Workers in Kabul, Afghanistan

Atiq MA, Shafiq K, Azimi M and Fawad SA

Published on: 2024-04-18

Abstract

Introduction

In the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have emerged as a critical tool for controlling the spread of the virus and modifying its impact on public health. However, despite the widespread availability and proven efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge, even among medical staff. This research aims to explore the underlying factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals, seeking to shed light on their concerns, motivations, and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the healthcare workers of ten randomly selected hospitals in Kabul between May 10, 2023, and June 2, 2023. The validated questionnaire was used as a research tool. A total of 400 participants received the questionnaire, and 349 completed it. The data were transferred to Microsoft Excel for coding, and the data were analyzed by SPSS Version 23.

Results

In the study conducted among 349 health care workers, it was found that 23.7% of the participants exhibited vaccine hesitancy. The majority of hesitant staff were female (54.3%). All respondents were aware of the location of the COVID-19 vaccination center, but the availability of the vaccine in their own hospitals was reported by 63% of participants. Among those who received vaccines, Johnson & Johnson was the most commonly received brand. The main reasons for accepting the vaccine were to protect oneself from COVID-19 and to protect others from the virus. Notably, the main reason for hesitancy was related to concerns about visiting patients, who experienced many moderate side effects due to the COVID-19 vaccine. However, overall, 88.8% of the participants expressed a willingness to encourage their family and relatives to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study revealed that a percentage of healthcare workers (23.7%) exhibited vaccine hesitancy, with a higher prevalence among female participants. Concerns about moderate side effects experienced by patients who received the vaccine were identified as a key reason for hesitancy. However, despite this hesitancy, a majority of participants expressed willingness to encourage their family and relatives to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, indicating a potential for addressing vaccine hesitancy through education and targeted interventions among healthcare workers.