Abstract:
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread over the world. The ability to achieve
sufficient immunization coverage to end the global pandemic depends on the acceptance of the
COVID-19 vaccine, but it has faced a major challenge around the world. In low-income and
developing nations, 22.7% of the population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19
vaccine, which means a large percentage of the population is unvaccinated.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its
associated factors in Debre Berhan City, Ethiopia, 2022
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study, supplemented by qualitative data, was used
among participants in Debre Berhan City. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit
the study participants. An in-depth interview was used for the qualitative data. Data was collected
by a face-to-face interview questionnaire from June 08 to July 08, 2022. The collected data was
entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Variables with a p-value
less than 0.25 at Bivariable logistic regression analysis were entered into multivariable logistic
regression analysis. In the final fitted model, to see the measure of association statistical
significance was set at a p-value less than or equal to 0.05 with a 95% CI.
Result: A total of 765 participants were included in the study, with a response rate of 97.08%.
More than half (52.9%) of the respondents had the willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine.
Statistically significantly associated variables with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were Contact
with COVID-19 patient (AOR = 3.98; 95% CI: (1.30-12.14)), having good knowledge of COVID 19 vaccine (AOR = 4.63; 95% CI: (1.84-11.63)), and positive attitude toward the COVID-19
vaccine (AOR =3.41; 95% CI: (1.34-8.69)).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 52.9,
and a significant proportion of participants were hesitant to receive the vaccine and refused to get
vaccinated. Significantly associated Variables for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were Contact
with COVID-19 patient, having good knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine, and having a positive
attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Various stakeholders to update the public about the cause
of the disease and the scientific development vaccine in order to enhance acceptance of the vaccine.
