Attitude Towards Covid-19 Vaccines and Willingness to be Vaccinated Among Orientation Camp Dwellers in IkareAkoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

We assessed the awareness of COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, and willingness to be vaccinated among Nigerian camp dwellers. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. All National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and Officials in NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ikare Akoko, Ondo state who gave consent were enrolled in the study. A total of 848 participants were enrolled out of 1000 target population. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. All data were analyzed using R 4.1.0. Chi-square tests was performed on statistically significant variables at p-values <0.05.The average age of the respondents was 26.05 years (SD=4.8). Further analysis showed that 88% (n=677) were aged between 20 to 29 years with 50.1% (n=425) being male respondents. Sources of information about COVID-19 vaccine varied, but the top three mentioned sources were radio/television (53.5%, n=454), social media (32%, n=271), and health workers (13.4%, n=114). Majority of the respondents (81.9%, n=675) were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination, with slightly more than half (67.6%, n=554) responding affirmatively to pay not more than ₦200 (0.49 USD) for the vaccine. Interestingly, only 5.8% were willing to pay more than ₦2000 (more than 5 USD) to be vaccinated. A greater proportion of the respondents are willing to accept and pay for COVID-19 vaccine. However, it is recommended that more advocacy on the importance of COVID-19 vaccine should be carried out periodically. Also, COVID-19 vaccines should be readily available at little or no cost to ensure widespread uptake.