Page 97 - GHES-2-2

Global Health Econ Sustain COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Kwara State

workers were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine However, out of the 400 participants given the
(Nzaji et al., 2020). Other studies in Ethiopia, Nigeria, questionnaire, 34 did not respond or return it. Hence, only
Ghana, and others further observed acceptance rates responses from 366 participants were used for this study.
lower than 50% (Angelo et al., 2021; Adejumo et al., 2021;
Qattan-Ameerah, 2021). The main reasons for vaccine 2.1. Inclusion and exclusion criteria
hesitancy include concerns about safety, post-vaccination The inclusion criteria for the study comprised individuals
side effects, and hastiness in vaccine production (Roy et al., of both genders aged 18 years and older who consented
2020; Wang et al., 2020; Shekhar et al., 2021). to participate, specifically health-care professionals. The
Health-care workers are known to be a reliable source exclusion criteria encompassed individuals under 18 years
of information and motivation for patients regarding old and those who declined to participate.
vaccination (Deem, 2018; Shaw et al., 2021). Hence, their The Barrier Analysis questionnaire, which is based on
willingness or reluctance to accept COVID-19 vaccines the health belief model and the theory of reasoned action,
can significantly influence the general population. People was utilized to understand the behavioral determinants
often rely on health-care workers’ information and actions of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Ilorin. Individuals
when making decisions about health-care interventions. meeting the inclusion criteria underwent questionnaire
For example, counseling on exclusive breastfeeding among administration, providing responses related to socio-
mothers experienced major adherence due to the active demographic characteristics such as age, level of education,
involvement of health-care workers in providing counseling and occupation. In addition, the questionnaire gathered
and encouragement (Acheampong et al., 2020; Aidam et al., information on the subject’s medical history, awareness
2005). Therefore, the perspectives, beliefs, and responses level, and disposition toward COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
of health-care workers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake are
important for the outcome of vaccine-acceptance behavior 2.2. Data collection
expressed by a population. Therefore, to address the level Four primary health-care centers (PHCs) were randomly
of vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccines in Ilorin, selected from among existing public health-care centers
Kwara State, this study was designed to identify the major in Ilorin using a convenience sampling method, focusing
determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake on centers with substantial staff and patient capacities.
among public health-care workers in major health-care Health-care workers, including practicing consultants and
centers within the Ilorin metropolis. In addition, the study in-training students, were primarily chosen to participate
aims to assess the impact of health-care workers’ roles in in the study. However, non-professionals working within
driving behavioral changes related to COVID-19 vaccine the health-care centers, such as auxiliary staff, cleaners,
acceptance.
and minders, who expressed interest and provided consent,
2. Methods were included to avoid bias. A short meeting was held with
the different department heads and health-care workers to
The study was conducted in Ilorin, a cosmopolitan city and explain the process and importance of the study, as well as
the capital of Kwara State, situated at latitude 8°30’N and their roles, after which they were allowed to individually
longitude 4°35’E (Ibikunle et al., 2019). The study involved answer the questionnaire sheet. A total of 400 individuals
consenting men and women over the age of 18 who met the were given the questionnaire across all PHCs; however,
inclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained before only 366 completed and returned the forms, followed by
administering a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. debriefing.
Sample size calculation followed Taro Yamane’s method
for descriptive cross-sectional studies. With the population Experienced research assistants, thoroughly trained
of Kwara State at 2,365,353, the sample was deduced using in data collection procedures, were engaged to ensure
Equation I: consistency in administering the questionnaire tools.
Interactions with participants were conducted in a
2
Sample size (n) = N/(N+1 (e) ) (I) conducive and safe environment, establishing rapport and
Where N is the population size, n is the sample size, and elucidating the nature and purpose of the study, including
e is the confidence level (applied at 0.05). the intentions behind the use of the results. Participants

Therefore, the sample size was calculated as: were assured of confidentiality, and informed consent was
n = 2365353/(2365353 + 1 [0.05] ) sought before their inclusion in the study. In addition,
2
debriefing sessions were conducted after questionnaire
n = 2365353/(5913.38) administration to address any psychological stress resulting
n = 400 from the questioning process.

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.2462