Molecular Diversity Analysis of the Spike (S) Glycoprotein Gene from Hong Kong-China

Abstract

Background: The Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic is not abating and there is no approved treatment yet. The development of vaccines is hoped to help in addressing this disease outbreak. However, in the face of anti- vaccines uprise, it is important to understand the factors that may influence the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines as this will influence how successful the fight against COVID-19 will be in the long term. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 776 adult Nigerians (age ≥ 18 years) was conducted in the 36 States of Nigeria and the Capital City with online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 5 sections: socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, respondent’s knowledge of COVID-19, respondents risk perception of COVID-19, vaccination history of respondents, and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Descriptive analysis of variables was done and multivariate analysis using logistic regression was carried out to determine the predictors of uptake of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. The level of significance was predetermined at a p-value <0.05. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 21. Results: Most of the respondents were male (58.1%). Most participants were willing to take a potential COVID-19 vaccine (58.2%), while 19.2% would not take it with 22.6% indecisive. 53.5% would prefer a single dose COVID-19 vaccine. For vaccine uptake, being male (p=0.002) and the perception that “vaccines are good” (p<0.001) were the positive predictor of uptake of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: Most Nigerians were willing to take a potential COVID-19 vaccine with the male gender and perception that “vaccines are good” being positive predictors. There is a need for public enlightenment aim at encouraging those that are indecisive or averse to receiving COVID-19 vaccines.