Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Urban Healthcare Workers And Non-Healthcare Workers in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and is believed to be transmitted through respiratory droplets and contacts. Currently, there is no approved COVID-19 treatment but vaccines have developed against the disease. Vaccine hesitancy, however, can limit the success of vaccination. Objective The study investigated the knowledge of COVID-19 and apathetic behavior (hesitancy) towards vaccination among the mixed professional population of sub-urban dwellers in three senatorial districts of Benue State. Methods The research was a cross-sectional study involving self-administered questionnaire. The data generated was subjected to descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Statistical significance was placed at p < 0.05. Result A total of 500 questionnaires were administered; however 336 respondents representing 67.2% returned questionnaires. There was no statistical difference (p < 0.05) between health workers (55.4%) and non-health workers (44.6%). There exists an association between study sites, profession, and educational qualification, with knowledge of COVID-19 and accent to vaccination. A significant (p < 0.05) 76.2% of acknowledge the existence and infectivity of COVID-19. Interestingly, 39.6% and 47.3% of the study population sanctioned social distancing and hand hygiene as COVID-19 preventive measures. Although 73.0% show knowledge of various COVID-19 vaccines and profess vaccination as a protective measure, however, 65.7% were unsure whether vaccination protects against the disease. Side effects from previous immunization and perceived inadequate knowledge of managing vaccination adverse effects were among the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion Vaccination and preventive measures are top priorities in diseases with no approved treatment. An urgent increase in the level of advocacy and awareness of the disease is needed because of high vaccine hesitancy among health workers that constitute a significant proportion of the study population.