Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among residents of the Kwahu South Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination is essential for pandemic control in low-resource settings such as Ghana, where uptake is influenced by sociodemographic and community factors. This study examined the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among residents of the Kwahu South Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 adults aged ≥ 18 years. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 knowledge, and community-related factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Differences between variables were assessed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake at a 5% significance level. Higher education significantly increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake (AOR = 3.0, [3.55–6.12]), as did prior COVID-19 infection (AOR = 10.2, [7.1-13.65]), awareness of COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 8.3, [6.1–10.9]) and previous vaccination experience (AOR = 7.9, [3.32–11.77]). In contrast, scepticism about vaccine effectiveness substantially reduced uptake (AOR = 12.0, [9.46–14.93]). COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Kwahu South Municipality was 76.6%, influenced by prior COVID-19 testing, vaccine awareness, previous vaccination and perceived effectiveness. Those with prior testing and awareness of COVID-19 vaccines were more likely to be vaccinated, while doubts about the vaccine’s effectiveness reduced uptake. This highlights the role of health engagement and perceptions in vaccination behavior.