Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Corona virus disease-19 vaccination was started in the United Kingdom on
December 3, 2020. World health organization and ministry of health of Ethiopia have
identified health care workers, older adults, and people who have co-morbidities as a
population with significantly increased risk of infection from COVID-2019, so primary
allocation of vaccines was for those highly susceptible groups. Vaccines are one of the
most reliable and cost-effective methods used to prevent and reduce the risk of
developing severe illness and death from COVID-19. To reduce the continued impact of
COVID-19 and to achieve maximum effectiveness, high prevalence of vaccine uptake in
a short duration is needed.
Objective: To assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among older
adults living in Gondar city administration, 2022.
Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15-June
15/2022. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants.
A pretested structured face to face interview questionnaire was used to data collection.
Data was entered using Epi info version 7, and was analyzed using Statical Package for
Social Science version 25. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages,
mean, and standard deviation were computed and presented by using texts, tables, and
graphs. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed
considering p<0.05 and adjusted odd ratio with 95% confidence interval had been
statistically significant.
Result: A total of 627 study participants were involved in this study with 98.7% response
rate. Vaccinated older adults were 30.9% with 95%CI (27.2, ,34.6) which is associated
with residency [AOR 3.12 (1.78, 5.46)], level of education, current occupation, presence
of chronic illness [AOR 1.69(1.12, 2.56), history of COVID-19 infection [AOR 4.45
(1.89,10.49)] and thinking COVID -19 is preventable [AOR 5.63(2.29,13.85)].
Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed that <1/3 of participants were
vaccinated at least once. Residency, level of education, occupation, presence of chronic
illness, history of COVID-19 infection and thinking of COVID-19 is preventable were
associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. It needs high emphasis to increase uptake.
Keywords: vaccine, vaccine uptake, associated factors, older adult, Gonda
