COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy in Cameroon: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background The development of effective vaccines was a promising tool for ending the pandemic. However, the success of a vaccination programme depends heavily on achieving significant community acceptance. In Cameroon, numerous studies have investigated the level of acceptance, hesitancy and perception of COVID-19 vaccines, with mixed results. To provide a comprehensive understanding of these parameters, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and perception in Cameroon. Methods A systematic search of online databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, was conducted to identify relevant research articles. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The extracted data were compiled in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using R statistical software (version 4.3.3). The pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and perception was calculated using random effects meta-analysis. Funnel plots, Egger’s and Begg’s tests were used to assess publication bias. Results Of the 1243 records identified through the database search, 20 research articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The random-effects model showed that the that approximately 31.21% (95% CI: 23.49-38.94) of the Cameroonian population was willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. More than two-thirds of the population (68.49%; 95% CI: 60.65-76.34) were vaccine hesitant. Half of the participants (51.81%; 95% CI: 42.70-60.93), had a negative perception of the COVID-19 vaccine. The acceptance rate progressed from the first semester of 2021 (27.21%; 95% CI: 10.38-44.05) to the first semester of 2022 (45.56%; 95% CI: 25-66.12). The pooled vaccine acceptance rate was 29.29% (95% CI: 19.86-38.72) for the general population and 39.24% (95% CI: 22.84-55.64) for healthcare workers. The pooled vaccine hesitancy rate was 70.39% (95% CI: 61.30-79.80) for the general population and 57.42 % (95% CI: 4.05-71.80) for healthcare workers Conclusion Despite progress in vaccine acceptance, targeted interventions are still needed to address vaccine hesitancy in the country. Strategies such as improving access to accurate information, building trust in institutions, and strengthening community engagement are crucial to increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake.