Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards COVID-19 Vaccination Among Students and Staff at the Islamic University in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Whereas the burden of COVID-19 has greatly reduced worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality, its impact is still affecting many countries economically, politically as well as in the healthcare systems. There is therefore a need to ensure that the community is protected and safe against the resurgence of the COVID-19 by embracing the vaccination against the disease. Taking up campaign messages about the COVID-19 vaccine, requires the community to have a certain level of understanding and have a good or positive attitude towards the vaccines, all of which influence good practices.
Aim of the Study: This study therefore, aimed at establishing the knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 vaccination among students and staff at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design, and employed quantitative methods to collect data with semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA).
Results: A total of 397 respondents participated in the study. The mean knowledge score on COVID-19 Vaccination was 57.5%. All respondents had ever heard about COVID-19 vaccine. More than half of the respondents (54.2%) knew the vaccination site for COVID-19 vaccine. Few respondents (38.5%) knew the different brands of COVID-19 Vaccines. Only 34.1% of the respondents agreed that the COVID-19 vaccine was very effective; while 37.8% of the respondent’s preferred vaccination as a control measure for COVID-19, and the rest preferred other means including face masks and hand washing.
Conclusion: Health education targeting the safety and efficacy of the vaccine will most likely impact knowledge, attitude and practice of respondents and eventual uptake, especially if messaging comes from trusted sources.