COVID-19 VACCINE UPTAKE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS AT GONDAR CITY ADMINISTRATION, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2022

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