Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has affected many people globally since its outbreak in 2019. Prevention and control measures were established to decrease the spread of the infection, and hospitalization of the infected. However, not everyone was willing to adhere to vaccination for COVID-19, due to myths and misinformation that spread widely via social media. This resulted in low levels of vaccination and put people’s lives at risk. The purpose of the study was to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccinations among people who sought healthcare services at Witkoppen Clinic, Gauteng.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 49 people who sought healthcare services at Witkoppen Clinic, Gauteng. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from the respondents through systematic random sampling after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A structured questionnaire was administered after consent was received from the respondents. Data were entered using SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize participant responses. Chi-Square tests were employed to examine associations between categorical variables.
A total of 40 (81.6%) research respondents indicated that they were vaccinated and nine (18.4%%) of them were not vaccinated. Most of the respondents who were vaccinated were between the ages of 18 to 29 years of age, 63.3% (n = 31), female 59.2% (n = 29) and single 63.3% (n = 31). The vaccination was with Pfizer, 59.18% (n= 26) and only 2.0% (n=1) of the respondents were vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson. Most respondents were aware of the different types of COVID-19 vaccinations available (75.5%, n = 37) and believed that they were highly recommended for individuals who are at higher risk (healthcare workers, immuno-compromised) (73.5%, n = 36). A large percentage of respondents felt they were well-informed about COVID-19 vaccinations (93.9%, n = 46). A substantial proportion of respondents believed that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing COVID-19 (73.5%, n = 36) and that COVID-19 is not like flu (59.2%, n = 29).
Significant associations were found between vaccine uptake and knowledge that the COVID-19 vaccines available are Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, adhering to preventative behaviour (such as wearing masks and practicing hand hygiene) and belief in the vaccine’s ability to provide necessary immunity. Moreover, the perception that vaccination is an effective way to
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prevent and control disease, the perception that people under the age of 30 and children do not need any vaccination against COVID-19, the belief that COVID-19 vaccines are lethal and the belief that COVID-19 was genetically engineered as part of a biological weapons program were significantly associated with vaccine uptake. However, there were no statistically significant associations found between vaccine uptake and feeling well-informed about COVID-19 vaccinations. perception on authorized vaccines being 100% effective against hospitalization and death, side-effects being more common in older individuals, and the belief that common side-effects include fever, chills, headache, tiredness and muscle aches. The perception on authorized vaccines being 100% effective against hospitalization and death was p = 0.243. There was also no significant association between side-effects being more common in older individuals and vaccine uptake, p=0.088.
The study underscores the importance of targeted communication strategies to address concerns and enhance vaccine uptake in the community. This would assist in addressing misconceptions and enhance the understanding of COVID-19 vaccines among individuals seeking healthcare services at the clinic.