scholarly journals COVID19 Vaccine Intentions in South Africa: Health Communication Strategy to Address Vaccine Hesitancy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umakrishnan Kollamparambil ◽  
Adeola Oyenubi ◽  
Chijioke Nwosu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Communication ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
National Income ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
African Population ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance

Abstract Background: Widespread vaccine acceptance is key to achieving herd immunity through vaccination against COVID19, especially because the available vaccines do not have 100% efficacy. The continued infection amongst the unvaccinated can lead to heightened risk of further virus mutation, exposing even those vaccinated to new virus strains. Therefore, there are social benefits in minimising vaccine hesitancy. The objective of this study is to assess the level of COVID19 vaccine hesitancy in South Africa, identify the socio-economic patterns in vaccine hesitancy and to develop a targeted health communication strategy based on the HBM and EPPM models in order to improve vaccine acceptance. Methods: The study uses the nationally representative National Income Dynamics Study - Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) survey. The analysis combines univariate and bivariate statistics together with multivariate regression models like binomial/ordinal logit and seemingly unrelated regressions.Results: The study finds that vaccine acceptance is lower than that of non-pharmaceutical intervention life face-mask use. Only 55% are fully accepting of the vaccine, while a further 16% are moderately accepting of vaccines. Together, vaccine acceptance is estimated at 70.8% and vaccine hesitancy against COVID19 is estimated at 29.2% amongst the adult South African population. The reasons cited for vaccine hesitancy are primarily due to concerns regarding the side-effects and efficacy of vaccine. the study has identified perceived risk of infection with the mediating role of efficacy as a key predictor of vaccine intention. Apart from vulnerability to infection, those perceiving higher severity of risk (elderly and those with chronic illness) have lower hesitancy. Higher awareness of COVID19 related information and higher household income are correlated with lower vaccine hesitancy. The non-black African population group has significantly high vaccine hesitancy compared to black Africans. Males on average have lower hesitancy compared to females, and unmarried/unpartnered individuals are found to have higher hesitancy. Conclusions: There are other significant differences across socio-economic and demographic variables in vaccine hesitancy. From a communication perspective, it is imperative to continue risk messaging, hand in hand with clearer information on the efficacy of the vaccines

scholarly journals COVID19 vaccine intentions in South Africa: health communication strategy to address vaccine hesitancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umakrishnan Kollamparambil ◽  
Adeola Oyenubi ◽  
Chijioke Nwosu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
National Income ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
African Population ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Black African

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy is emerging as a significant challenge in many parts of the world in the fight against the COVID19 pandemic. The continued infection amongst the unvaccinated can lead to a heightened risk of further virus mutation, exposing even those vaccinated to new virus strains. Therefore, there are social benefits in minimising vaccine hesitancy. The objective of this study is to assess the level of COVID19 vaccine hesitancy in South Africa, identify the socio-economic patterns in vaccine hesitancy and highlight insights from the national survey that can inform the development of a COVID-19 vaccination acceptance communication campaign. Methods The study uses the nationally representative National Income Dynamics Study - Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) survey. The analysis combines univariate and bivariate statistics, as well as multivariate regression models like binomial/ordinal and multinomial logit. Results The study finds that vaccine acceptance is lower than that of non-pharmaceutical intervention like face-mask use. Only 55% fully accept the vaccine, while a further 16% are moderately accepting of vaccines. Together, vaccine acceptance is estimated at 70.8%, and vaccine hesitancy against COVID19 is estimated at 29.2% amongst the adult South African population. The study has identified the perceived risk of infection with the mediating role of efficacy as a key predictor of vaccine intention. Higher awareness of COVID19 related information and higher household income are correlated with lower vaccine hesitancy. The non-black African population group has significantly high vaccine hesitancy compared to black Africans. Conclusions There are other significant differences across socio-economic and demographic variables in vaccine hesitancy. From a communication perspective, it is imperative to continue risk messaging, hand in hand with clearer information on the efficacy of the vaccines.

scholarly journals Confidence and Receptivity for COVID-19 Vaccines: A Rapid Systematic Review

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Cheryl Lin ◽  
Pikuei Tu ◽  
Leslie M. Beitsch
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Political Interference ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Vaccine Mandates

While COVID-19 continues raging worldwide, effective vaccines are highly anticipated. However, vaccine hesitancy is widespread. Survey results on uptake intentions vary and continue to change. This review compared trends and synthesized findings in vaccination receptivity over time across US and international polls, assessing survey design influences and evaluating context to inform policies and practices. Data sources included academic literature (PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO following PRISMA guidelines), news and official reports published by 20 October 2020. Two researchers independently screened potential peer-reviewed articles and syndicated polls for eligibility; 126 studies and surveys were selected. Declining vaccine acceptance (from >70% in March to <50% in October) with demographic, socioeconomic, and partisan divides was observed. Perceived risk, concerns over vaccine safety and effectiveness, doctors’ recommendations, and inoculation history were common factors. Impacts of regional infection rates, gender, and personal COVID-19 experience were inconclusive. Unique COVID-19 factors included political party orientation, doubts toward expedited development/approval process, and perceived political interference. Many receptive participants preferred to wait until others have taken the vaccine; mandates could increase resistance. Survey wording and answer options showed influence on responses. To achieve herd immunity, communication campaigns are immediately needed, focusing on transparency and restoring trust in health authorities.

Revisiting Poverty, Human Development and Inequality in Democratic South Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 097370302110329
Author(s):  
Vusi Gumede
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Human Development ◽  
South African ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
National Income ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Poverty Dynamics ◽  
The South ◽  
South African Society ◽  
Multidimensional Poverty Index

There are many questions related to poverty in South Africa that remain unsatisfactorily answered. Given the poor performance of the South African economy, including declining per capita incomes and increasing unemployment, since 2010 or so, it is important to examine poverty dynamics in the recent years. Many recent studies in this regard have relied on 2015 data, and do not examine all the three interrelated aspects of wellbeing viz. poverty, human development and inequality. In this context, this paper uses all the five waves of the National Income Dynamics Study and employs different poverty and inequality measurement techniques to investigate poverty dynamics, human development and inequality during the post-apartheid period in South Africa. The estimates suggest that although poverty was declining prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the African/Black population group is the most affected by poverty. The phenomenon of feminisation of poverty is also verified based on the evidence of increasingly more women in poverty than men. The proportion of population experiencing multiple deprivations, measured by the Multidimensional Poverty Index, have not changed in the post-apartheid period. Similarly, human development has not improved during this period. South African society continues to be one of the most unequal societies in the world. The paper argues that the inability to sufficiently reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality results from the weak performance of the South African economy. In the same vein, it is the structure of the South African economy that has kept the levels of human development low and income inequality high.

scholarly journals Public acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines: cross-national evidence on levels and individual-level predictors using observational data

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048172
Author(s):  
Marie Fly Lindholt ◽  
Frederik Jørgensen ◽  
Alexander Bor ◽  
Michael Bang Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Health Communication ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Total N ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Personal Consequences ◽  
Western Democracies

ObjectivesThe management of the COVID-19 pandemic hinges on the approval of safe and effective vaccines but, equally importantly, on high vaccine acceptance among people. To facilitate vaccine acceptance via effective health communication, it is key to understand levels of vaccine scepticism and the demographic, psychological and political predictors. To this end, we examine the levels and predictors of acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.Design, setting and participantsWe examine the levels and predictors of acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine in large online surveys from eight Western democracies that differ in terms of the severity of the pandemic and their response: Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Italy, UK and USA (total N=18 231). Survey respondents were quota sampled to match the population margins on age, gender and geographical location for each country. The study was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021, allowing us to assess changes in acceptance and predictors as COVID-19 vaccine programmes were rolled out.Outcome measureThe outcome of the study is self-reported acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine approved and recommended by health authorities.ResultsThe data reveal large variations in vaccine acceptance that ranges from 83% in Denmark to 47% in France and Hungary. Lack of vaccine acceptance is associated with lack of trust in authorities and scientists, conspiratorial thinking and a lack of concern about COVID-19.ConclusionMost national levels of vaccine acceptance fall below estimates of the required threshold for herd immunity. The results emphasise the long-term importance of building trust in preparations for health emergencies such as the current pandemic. For health communication, the results emphasise the importance of focusing on personal consequences of infections and debunking of myths to guide communication strategies.

scholarly journals Lack of lockdown, open borders, and no vaccination in sight: is Bosnia and Herzegovina a control group?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan Fojnica ◽  
Ahmed Osmanovic ◽  
Nermin Đuzic ◽  
Armin Fejzic ◽  
Ensar Mekic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Open Borders

AbstractBosnia and Herzegovina is among ten countries in the world with the highest mortality rate due to COVID-19 infection. Lack of lockdown, open borders, high mortality rate, no herd immunity, no vaccination plan, and strong domestic anti-vaccination movement present serious COVID-19 concerns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In such circumstances, we set out to study if the population is willing to receive the vaccine.A cross-sectional study was conducted among 10,471 adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina to assess the attitude of participants toward COVID-19 vaccination. Using a logistic regression model, we assessed the associations of sociodemographic characteristics with vaccine rejection, reasons for vaccine hesitancy, preferred vaccine manufacturer, and information sources.Surprisingly, only 25.7% of respondents indicated they would like to get a COVID-19 vaccine, while 74.3% of respondents were either hesitant or completely rejected vaccination. The vaccine acceptance increased with increasing age, education, and income level. Major motivation of pro-vaccination behaviour was intention to achieve collective immunity (30.1%), while the leading incentive for vaccine refusal was deficiency of clinical data (30.2%). The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is shown to be eightfold more preferred vaccine compared to the other manufacturers. For the first time, vaccine acceptance among health care professionals has been reported, where only 39.4% of healthcare professionals expressed willingness to get vaccinated.With the high share of the population unwilling to vaccinate, governmental impotence in securing the vaccines supplies, combined with the lack of any lockdown measures suggests that Bosnia and Herzegovina is unlikely to put COVID-19 pandemic under control in near future.

scholarly journals The Barrier to Vaccination Is Not Vaccine Hesitancy: Patterns of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance over the Course of the Pandemic in 23 Countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ammina Kothari ◽  
Gerit Pfuhl ◽  
David Schieferdecker ◽  
Casey Taggart Harris ◽  
Caitlin Tidwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Longitudinal Survey ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
The World ◽  
Main Barrier ◽  
Actual Vaccine ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Intent To Vaccinate

AbstractBackgroundAt present, evidence is inconclusive regarding what factors influence vaccine intent, and whether there are widespread disparities across populations and time. The current study provides new insights regarding vaccine intent and potential differences across 23 countries and over time.MethodsOur data come from a unique longitudinal survey that contains responses from Facebook users (N=1,425,172) from the 23 countries from four continents collected in 18 waves from July 2020 through March 2021.ResultsWe find that vaccine intent varies significantly across countries and over time. Across countries, there are notable disparities in intent to vaccinate. Regarding time, intent has recently reached an all-time high. Our data demonstrates that intent to vaccinate has increased as countries have deployed vaccines on larger scales with undecidedness declining. However, there are some countries where vaccine intent is stagnant and in one country – Egypt – where it seems to have declined.InterpretationsLarge numbers of citizens across the world are willing to get vaccinated. In the vast majority of countries in our sample, these were high enough to reach more conservative levels of herd immunity1 if combined with numbers of persons already infected. As such, the main barrier to vaccination is not vaccine hesitancy, but the shortage of vaccines. This sends a clear message to politicians who need to work on a quick and fair distribution of vaccine; and to scientists who need to focus their attention on understanding remaining pockets of vaccine skepticism or undecidedness and on factors that explain actual vaccine behavior, rather than intent.

scholarly journals Exploring social media usage as a communication channel among independent food retailer SMEs in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e392
Author(s):  
José Dos Santos ◽  
Rodney Duffett
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Communication Channel ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Contact Points ◽  
Food Retailer

Social media has facilitated interaction between businesses and consumers, and consequently, has seen rapid growth as a communication channel by a number of smaller retailers in South Africa. Hence, the primary research objective of this study is to explore social media usage as a marketing communication strategy by independent food retailer small to medium enterprises (SMEs). The study used a qualitative data collection strategy and in-depth interviews were conducted among eleven independent food retailer SMEs in South Africa. The study revealed that the level of social media activity by the respondent retailers was influenced by enabling factors such as cost effectiveness, accessibility, reach and relationship building, whereas perceived risk and resources such as time, knowledge and human resources were inhibiting factors. The research contributes to the available literature exploring social media usage as customer contact points for promotional purposes, as well as provides insight for further studies on the use of social media conduits by independent food retailer SMEs or similar businesses in a developing country.

Evidence-based strategies to promote vaccine acceptance

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 338-343
Author(s):  
Alison While
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Programme ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Vaccination Uptake

The success of a vaccination programme depends upon its coverage so that it provides herd immunity. Vaccine hesitancy has the potential to undermine a vaccine programme. Evidence suggests that some strategies are more effective in promoting vaccination uptake. Community nurses should help in the promotion of vaccination uptake using evidence-based interventions and through ‘Making Every Contact Count’.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance is associated with Vaccine Hesitancy, Perceived Risk and Previous Vaccination Experiences

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
İlknur Dolu ◽  
Zeynep Turhan ◽  
Hacer Yalnız Dilcen
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Vaccine Confidence ◽  
High Level

Abstract Objective: This study examines the factors associated with the willingness to get the coronavirus vaccine among individuals aged 18 and above. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey. The participants aged 18 and older were recruited between December 2020 and January 2021 through conventional social media sites. Snowball sampling was used. An anonymous questionnaire consisted of demographics, vaccination experiences, and perceived risk of coronavirus disease. Results: 1202 women and 651 men were included in the data analysis. Findings showed that demographics, vaccinations experience, and perceived risk of getting COVID-19 were explained 37% of the variance in people’s willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccination according to hierarchical logistic regression. Furthermore, increasing age, being male, acquiring positive information about COVID-19 vaccines, having a lower level of vaccine hesitancy, the high level of worry about the COVID-19 and low level of perceptions of the possibility of becoming infected by the COVID-19 were the main predictors of COVID-19 vaccine willingness. Conclusions: Factors affecting adults’ willingness to be inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines were related to demographics, vaccination experiences, and perceived risk of getting COVID-19. We recommend that public health authorities and practitioners should consider these multiple factors regarding vaccine confidence to achieve herd immunity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document