Version 1
: Received: 18 April 2024 / Approved: 18 April 2024 / Online: 18 April 2024 (09:14:46 CEST)
How to cite:
Njororai, F.J.; Amulla, W.; Nyaranga, C.K.; Cholo, W.; Adekunle, T. A Qualitative Exploration of Factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in selected Rural Communities in Kenya. Preprints2024, 2024041233. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.1233.v1
Njororai, F.J.; Amulla, W.; Nyaranga, C.K.; Cholo, W.; Adekunle, T. A Qualitative Exploration of Factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in selected Rural Communities in Kenya. Preprints 2024, 2024041233. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.1233.v1
Njororai, F.J.; Amulla, W.; Nyaranga, C.K.; Cholo, W.; Adekunle, T. A Qualitative Exploration of Factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in selected Rural Communities in Kenya. Preprints2024, 2024041233. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.1233.v1
APA Style
Njororai, F.J., Amulla, W., Nyaranga, C.K., Cholo, W., & Adekunle, T. (2024). A Qualitative Exploration of Factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in selected Rural Communities in Kenya. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.1233.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Njororai, F.J., Wilberforce Cholo and Toluwani Adekunle. 2024 "A Qualitative Exploration of Factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in selected Rural Communities in Kenya" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.1233.v1
Abstract
Purpose: Post-pandemic management of COVID-19 infections and any emergent outbreaks is as an endemic disease remains a public health concern. Vaccine hesitancy may continue to hamper efforts to respond any new disease outbreaks and future epidemics. This qualitative study aimed to explore factors influencing covid-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Kenya too gain deeper insights on this issue. Methods: The study was implemented in Western Kenya using key informant interviews. Fourteen (14) key informants were purposively selected for the study. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Interpretation of findings was done within the framework of the Health Belief Model. Key findings: Knowledge was a critical factor in combatting misinformation and fostering vaccine acceptance among participants in this study. Misinformation included rumors that the vaccine lowers immunity and was intended for population control. Cues to action included influence from political and opinion leaders and observing the loss of life among unvaccinated individuals. Perceived barriers to vaccine uptake included fear of vaccine safety, side effects, long waiting times at that time of our study, fear of contracting the COVID-19 at vaccination sites, family/spousal influence on vaccine uptake and fear of the unknown with the vaccine. Conclusion: Findings from this study provides insight into areas for targeted strategies for managing Covid-19 vaccinations and future pandemics. Within the framework of the Health Belief Model, this study identified salient barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy that may be helpful to inform future pandemic response.
Keywords
Qualitative; vaccine hesitancy; health belief model; post-pandemic management; Kenya
Subject
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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