Knowledge, attitude and perception of healthcare workers Regarding COVID-19 and vaccine in Ilorin

Abstract

This study determined the knowledge, attitude and perception regarding COVID-19 and vaccine among healthcare workers in Ilorin. It was a web-based cross-sectional study conducted for a period of eight weeks in secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in Ilorin. A total of 2,002 healthcare workers participated in the study. Data on sociodemographics, COVID-19 and vaccine-related concerns were collected. Descriptive and frequency statistics were done. The chi-square test was used to evaluate associations between the categorical variables. P-value was set at <0.05. Ordinal regression was used to assess the determinants of willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine. The gender distribution showed female preponderance (67.6%) and most participants were married (85.8%). Most common age group was 36-50 years (n=839,41.9%). Most (61.3%) of the participant got information on COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine and preventive measures through news and social media. Of the participants, 46.3% used the preventive measures always. Some participants believed these measures help to reduce the spread. Gender as well as other additional factors affected the willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. There was high awareness about COVID-19 and fair practice of preventive measures. The willingness to take the vaccine among participants was high. Information about the disease and vaccine were sourced mostly from social media. Thus, healthcare policy makers should take advantage of social media to disseminate appropriate information on COVID-19 and vaccine to improve disease control.