Predictors of first-dose COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Benin: Evidence from a cross-sectional study based on a telephonic survey

Introduction: Vaccination against COVID-19 is an essential tool in the fight against the pandemic, but adherence to vaccination programmes is a major challenge, particularly in African countries. This study aimed to identify determinants of uptake of the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine using large-scale data collected from the Beninese population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study using a telephone survey between December 2021 and January 2022. The study covered Beninese aged 18 and over. Marginal quota sampling (n = 858) was used, with age, gender and department as quota variables. The questionnaire was inspired by the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Health Belief Model. Binary logistic regression was used at the 5% significance level. Results: According to this study, 56.9% of people had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The likelihood of getting the first dose is increased by having confidence in the vaccine (aOR= 2.009; CI= 1.414-2.853), finding the length of waiting time at vaccination centres acceptable (aOR= 1.601; CI= 1.128-2.273), living in the centre of Benin (aOR= 2. 398, IC= 1.461-3.935), not having heard or seen anything bad about the vaccine (aOR= 1.586 IC= 1.444-2.200), and having a high perceived benefit (aOR= 1.57; IC: 1.003-2.458). However, the main barriers to vaccination were never having been vaccinated as an adult (aOR= 0.463; CI: 0.333-0.643), being over 60 (aOR= 0.428; CI: 0.220-0.832), and perceiving the risk of vaccination as high (aOR= 0.669; CI: 0.481-0.931). Conclusions: This study has provided results that can guide decision-makers in epidemic response programmes against COVID-19 and other similar pandemics Vaccination coverage is not negligible, but efforts are still needed, particularly in the south, among the elderly and people without previous vaccination experience. It is also important to improve confidence in the vaccine and to combat misinformation.