TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards COVID-19 Vaccination: Comparison Study between Makerere University Medical Students and Katanga Slum Residents, in Uganda
AUTHORS:
Sanjanaa Srikant, Darshit Ashok Dave, Sserubogo Samuel Gordon, Kyabaggu Christopher, Okello Solomon Roy Jasper, Nabunje Joletta Eleanor, Namatovu Lindah Joyce, Namuli Angella, Serufusa Phillip Zack, Misba Noori, Munabi Ian, Sarah Kiguli
KEYWORDS:
Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, COVID-19 Vaccine, Uganda
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.5,
May
24,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges on global health systems. COVID-19 vaccines emerged crucial in curbing its spread. Existing studies on KAP among medical students and slum community residents revealed mixed findings, with knowledge gaps, misconceptions, and barriers to vaccine acceptance. Understanding KAP of vaccine uptake is essential for effective public health strategies. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 vaccine among medical students and residents of Katanga slum in Uganda. Method: Cross-sectional study done in Katanga community & Makerere University Medical School employing a quantitative method with interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A p-value of Results: In this study, 384 participants were enrolled. The average age of participants was 26.68 ± 7.5 years. Common sources of COVID-19 vaccine information were television (31.25%) and social media (17.19%). The overall knowledge of participants was good in only 39.84%, secondary to family history of COVID-19 infection and COVID training. Attitude towards the vaccine was poor in 67.27% of participants. Joint family setting (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI (1.43 - 3.73) p Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of knowledge in COVID-19 vaccine uptake. However, negative attitudes were expressed by a significant proportion, including medical students despite their good knowledge. Only one-third demonstrated good vaccination practices. Tailored interventions are key to increasing positive attitudes, vaccination uptake, and coverage by addressing unique factors driving vaccine hesitancy in each population. Knowledge and awareness can be enhanced by dispelling myths with accurate language, and easy-to-understand language for populations with lower educational achievements through vaccination campaigns.