Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in Kwahu South Municipality, Ghana

Overview

This study assessed factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among 384 adult residents of Kwahu South Municipality in Ghana's Eastern Region. Findings highlight low vaccination coverage linked to sociodemographic variables, misconceptions, and vaccine hesitancy, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions.

Background

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had profound global health and socioeconomic impacts since its emergence in 2019. Ghana reported its first case in March 2020, with over 157,000 cases and 1,400 deaths by early 2022. Despite government nonpharmacological measures, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal, particularly in the Eastern Region's Kwahu South Municipality, where misinformation and fears about vaccines contribute to hesitancy. Understanding determinants of vaccine acceptance is critical to improving coverage and controlling the pandemic locally.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Vaccine uptake in Kwahu South Municipality is influenced by sociodemographic factors including ethnicity, occupation, and education.
• Misconceptions such as fears of DNA alteration and sterilisation contribute significantly to vaccine hesitancy.
• Low perceived risk of COVID-19 infection reduces motivation to vaccinate despite ongoing community transmission.
• Women, particularly vulnerable groups, experienced disproportionate socioeconomic impacts, limiting access to vaccination.
• Community engagement and tailored communication strategies are essential to address misinformation and improve vaccine acceptance.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers and policymakers should prioritize culturally sensitive education campaigns to dispel vaccine myths and increase risk perception. Strengthening community health worker involvement and improving access to vaccination services in rural and semi-urban areas can enhance uptake. Addressing socioeconomic barriers, especially among women, is critical to equitable vaccine coverage.

Conclusion

Low COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Kwahu South Municipality is driven by multifactorial determinants including misinformation and sociodemographic challenges. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve vaccination rates and mitigate the pandemic's impact in this region.

References

1. WHO 2020 -- COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration
2. Ghana Health Service 2022 -- COVID-19 Epidemiology and Vaccination Data
3. Kwahu South Municipal Assembly 2021 -- Demographic and Health Facilities Report
4. STROBE 2007 -- Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology