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Author
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Tinotenda A Mabonga
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Title
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Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices Towards Covid 19 Vaccines Among students at Bindura University of Science Education.
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Abstract
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ABSTRACT
Background: A deadly pneumonia-like sickness of unknown origin was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. By the 30th of January 2020, the illness has been classified as a novel
Coronavirus disease and labeled a public health emergency of worldwide concern (WHO, 2020). Despite the introduction and development of numerous clinically tested and efficient Covid-19 vaccines, a year of international sickness, mortality, social isolation, and lockdowns, Covid-19 vaccination can largely depend on the knowledge, attitudes and practices people might have towards Covid-19 vaccines. This study aimed to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices, toward Covid-19 vaccines among students at Bindura University of Science Education.
Materials and methods: The study was carried out at Bindura University of Science Education in Zimbabwe. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out and research questionnaires were used as data collecting instruments. 120 research questionnaires were administered among the respondents. The questionnaire consisted of four sections, demographic characteristics section, knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) section. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS version 20. Binary logistic analysis was used to determine factors affecting Covid-19 vaccination among the respondents.
Results: A total of 120 respondents participated in the survey, with 57.5% males and 42.5% females. The respondent’s knowledge score was quite fair (61%). The attitudes score was also quite fair (57%). The practice score was 71.8% which was quite good. The majority of the respondents (90.8%) knew it is possible to get Covid-19 even after vaccination. The majority, (78.3%) of the respondents were worried about unknown side effects of Cocid-19 vaccines in the future and (70%) of the respondents were willing to be vaccinated if it gives them access to public places e.g. school, churches, etc. while 30% of the respondents were not willing to be vaccinated at all. 68.3 % of the respondents have been vaccinated against Covid-19. KAP towards covid-19 vaccination was significantly associated with gender (p=0.006), positive Covid-19 test (p=0.001), death of a friend due to Covid-19 (p=0.002) (95% CI, 5% Significance)
Conclusion: The respondents had fair knowledge and attitudes towards Covid-19 vaccines. The respondents demonstrated good practices towards Covid-19 vaccines. KAP towards covid-19 vaccination was significantly associated with gender, positive Covid-19 test, death of a friend due to Covid-19. Despite fair knowledge and good practices, the respondents were worried about future unknown effects of Covid-19.
Recommendations: Freely give students Covid-19 vaccines and other vaccination related pamphlets to read for example at clinic as they wait for attendance targeting especially male students to boost their knowledge. There’s also need to carry out Covid-19 vaccination campaigns and awareness programs which involves students to cultivate Covid-19 vaccination culture among the students, this can positively change the attitudes of students towards Covid-19 vaccine. Key terms: COVID-19-vaccines, Vaccination, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, BUSE
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Date
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JUNE 2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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-pneumonia-like sickness
-Covid 19
-lockdowns
-social isolation
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Supervisor
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NIL
Tinotenda A Mabonga