Prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adults in Ghana: a population-based cross-sectional study in the Volta Region

Vaccines have been instrumental in preventing up to three million deaths globally, according to the WHO. Despite this, COVID-19 vaccine uptake has faced challenges due to vaccine issues, production difficulties, and various socio-demographic, economic, structural, and cultural factors.

This study examined the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among adults aged 18 and older in the Volta Region of Ghana.

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 590 adults from three districts using multistage sampling. Respondents aged 18 years and above were recruited using a structured questionnaire and an interviewer-administered approach. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 16. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was assessed through logistic regression analysis, with statistical significance determined at a p-value of less than 0.05.

A 42.5% rate of vaccine hesitancy was found. Key predictors included being an artisan (aOR = 1.99), a trader (aOR = 3.64), lacking nearby healthcare centres (aOR = 1.52), residing in rural areas (aOR = 0.41), earning less than 500 cedis (aOR = 0.57), and having a larger household size (aOR = 0.37). Not receiving information on vaccine side effects from health personnel (aOR = 5.6) was also a significant factor (p < 0.05).

To enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake and advance towards ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3), healthcare interventions designed by health professionals should address these major predictors.