Factors affecting COVID -19 vaccine uptake among ART patients: A cross sectional study at Kapata Urban Clinic in Chipata District, Eastern Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Kapata Urban Clinic in Chipata District, Eastern Province, and it explored the factors that affect the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among ART patients. The primary aim of the study was to address the lower vaccination rates among PLHIV, who were at a higher risk of severeCOVID-19 outcomes. Although COVID-19 vaccines had proven effective in combating the pandemic, the study revealed that only 60% of ART clients at Kapata Urban Clinic had been fully vaccinated, falling short of the 70% target required for achieving herd immunity. The theoretical framework employed in the study was the Health Belief Model (HBM), which explains how individuals' beliefs and attitudes influence their health behaviors. To collect data, the study utilized a mixed methods design, involving the administration of structured questionnaires and conducting semi-structured interviews. The key findings of the study indicated that 66.2% of PLHIV on treatment at the clinic had received vaccination. Additionally, 72.4% of the sampled patients at Kapata Urban Clinic had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, reflecting a vaccination rate higher than the national average. Factors influencing vaccine uptake included time constraints, medical reasons, limited access to transportation, concerns regarding side effects, and a lack of information about the vaccine. Based on these findings, the study recommended intensified community outreach campaigns, informative radio programs, and the involvement of healthcare providers to address these concerns and enhance vaccine acceptance among PLHIV. The study's findings were intended to serve as a guide for authorities in developing interventions aimed at improving COVID-19 vaccine uptake among this vulnerable population.