Knowledge, Attitudes, Myth, and Perceptions towards COVID-19 Vaccine among typical educated Sub-Saharan Africa: A Web-Based Survey

ABSTRACT

The covid-19 pandemic is a major health challenge for society and health workers globally. The study sought to determine the effect of perception, attitudes, and myths on vaccine acceptance in residents in West African countries. This cross-sectional study of 1170 respondents was conducted while maintaining social distancing measures in sub-Sahara Africa. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire via social media platforms. Data gathered were analysed using SPSS version 25.0 for windows. Of 1170 responses received, 59.5%, 51.8%, 70.8%, and 39.5% were from respondents between 30–39 years, males, from English-speaking countries, and had a college degree or above. Respondents had good knowledge (96.999%) of the COVID-19 vaccine, and information about the vaccine was mainly through social media/internet (55.6%) and media houses (23.8%). The overall results show that the majority of the respondents, 96.80% were aware of the Vaccine through social media. However, the findings from covariates show that myth and perception, gender, educational qualification, and employment status have a significant impact (p<0.05) on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The study suggests that people in Sub-Saharan Africa need to be reassured of the importance of vaccinations through proper information dissemination. Thus, information highlighted a need for Stakeholders and Policymakers to contribute to holding an optimistic attitude and perception free of devoid of misconceptions circulating on social media towards vaccine acceptance. [ FROM AUTHOR]