Page 94 - IJPS-10-1

International Journal of
Population Studies Attitudes of older adults toward COVID-19 vaccine

reality of COVID-19, and concerns about the safety of the taking into consideration the views of older adults as well as
vaccines as reasons for rejecting the COVID-19 vaccine. other sub-populations toward COVID-19 vaccine uptake,
Similar findings have been reported by Ezema et al. (2023), the current study used a qualitative approach to contribute
who highlighted factors such as denial of COVID-19’s to the existing literature on the views and attitudes of
existence, lack of trust in the Nigerian government’s health- older adults toward COVID-19 vaccines and the reasons
care system, misleading sermons by religious leaders, for COVID-19 hesitancy. This focus is particularly crucial
disinformation, and fear of adverse effects of COVID-19 as some underlying health conditions associated with
vaccines contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy aging render older adults more susceptible to COVID-19.
among the populace. A rapid review study by Olu- The study’s significance is underscored by the Nigerian
Abiodun et al. (2022) indicates that propaganda, concerns government’s mandate to prioritize the vaccination of
over adverse effects, and conspiracy theories influence older adults.
people’s negative attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine.
Similarly, Eniade et al. (2021) found that perceived risk and 2. Methods
lack of trust in the government system deter Nigerians from 2.1. Design, setting, and sampling
COVID-19 vaccine uptake. In a qualitative study by Onalu The study adopted a descriptive phenomenology design,
et al. (2022), the government’s alleged ploy to harm citizens a qualitative research method selected for its ability to
and religious beliefs was cited as the reason for poor uptake describe the universal essence of the COVID-19 vaccine
of the COVID-19 vaccine. Other reasons include perceived (Lopez & Willis, 2004; Willis et al., 2016). The research
adverse effects, mistrust, and a moral obligation to receive was conducted within the southeast geopolitical zone of
the vaccine (Ogueji & Okoloba, 2022). Nigeria, comprising five states, namely Abia, Anambra,

Religious beliefs are an integral part of the daily lives Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. The study sample consisted of
of many people, influencing their reactions to and uptake 32 participants, with 26 individuals selected for in-depth
of medical interventions. Therefore, the exploration of interviews (IDIs) and 6 participants selected for the focus
COVID-19 vaccine apathy necessitates a discussion of the group discussion (FGD).
role of religious beliefs. Studies have demonstrated that In the process of selecting study areas and participants,
religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping people’s a non-probability sampling technique was adopted,
attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine uptake (Kasstan, 2021; utilizing purposive, snowballing, and availability sampling
Qasim et al., 2022). Diverse attitudes toward COVID-19 procedures. Out of five states in southeast Nigeria, Anambra
vaccine uptake are evident among various religious groups, state was purposively selected for its substantial older adult
with some expressing outright opposition (Garcia & Yap, population, totaling 237,272 older adults aged 60 years
2021). Within certain religious doctrines, prayers are and above (145,847 males and 91425 females) (National
revered over medication, leading to a perception of vaccine Population Commission, 2010). In addition, Anambra
ineffectiveness among the faithful (Lucia et al., 2020). In state has experienced a high number of COVID-19 cases
addition, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is occasioned by (Nigeria Center for Disease Control, [NCDC], 2020),
a lack of trust in the efficacy of the scientific procedures further justifying its selection as a study area. Anambra
employed in its development (Olagoke et al., 2021; Plohl state encompasses 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs)
& Musil, 2021; Upenieks et al., 2022). Notably, Christians and three senatorial districts, namely Anambra North,
have been reported to harbor negative attitudes toward the Anambra Central, and Anambra South. For this study,
COVID-19 vaccine (Baker et al., 2020; Whitehead & Perry, one LGA was purposively selected from each of the two
2020) due to the belief that it was developed from aborted selected senatorial zones. The chosen LGAs are Idemili-
fetal tissue (Thinane, 2022). Similar sentiments have been South in the Anambra Central senatorial zone and Nnewi-
observed among Muslims and Jewish communities (Islam North in the Anambra South senatorial zone. Within these
et al., 2021). As a result, the rollout of the COVID-19 selected LGAs, two communities were further selected,
vaccines in Indonesia was halted until approval was namely Otolo and Umudim from Nnewi-North LGA and
obtained in accordance with Islamic law (Jamal, 2020). Nnobi and Nnokwa from Idemili-South LGA.
Furthermore, Christians in the US perceive COVID-19 The participants were selected utilizing a combination
vaccines as unsafe and ineffective, contributing to their of snowball and availability sampling techniques. Some
unwillingness to receive the vaccine (Corcoran et al., 2021).
participants were recruited with the help of community
Several studies have addressed attitudes toward leaders in the selected communities. With their assistance,
COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Nigeria (Adigwe, 2021; James we identified one or two older adults who subsequently
et al., 2022; Uzochukwu et al., 2021). Despite these studies referred us to other eligible participants. In total, 32

Volume 10 Issue 1 (2024) 88 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.359