Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among students at the University of Namibia, main campus, Khomas region

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic heightened global health concerns, leading governments to engage in research endeavours focused on forecasting, mitigating, and managing the disease. Despite the recognized efficacy of vaccination in controlling the spread and severity of COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge, particularly in low to middle-income countries like Namibia.This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine hesitancy among students at the University of Namibia's main campus in the Khomas Region, Namibia.Employed a quantitative cross-sectional analytical approach, data was collected from 331 students using a self-administered questionnaire. The participants, selected through stratified random sampling, represented four faculties at the University of Namibia's main campus. Informed consent was obtained, and SPSS version 27 facilitated data analysis through univariate, bivariate, and multivariate techniques.The study revealed a low vaccination rate (24.2%) and high hesitancy (48%) among students, with females exhibiting more hesitancy than males. Factors such as gender, faculty of study, safety and side effect concerns, lack of trust in vaccine development and healthcare providers, political influences, information from friends, and attitude were significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy (p<0.05).This study contributes to existing knowledge by highlighting a low vaccination rate and high hesitancy among university students. While various factors showed associations with vaccine hesitancy, concerns about safety (OR=3.278: CI;1.403-7.659), concerns about side effects (OR=7.374: CI;3.709-14.658) and other concerns (OR=19.188: CI;2.057-178.992) emerged as predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Recommendations include targeted educational campaigns within faculties, policy incentives for vaccination, fostering peer-led discussions, and ongoing research collaboration. Implementation of these measures aims to address vaccine hesitancy among University of Namibia students, promoting a safer campus environment and contributing to broader public health efforts

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Namibia

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Heita, Justine Ndahepuluka

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Amukugo, Hans

• Hesitancy
• COVID-19
• Students
• Vaccine
• Namibia
• Windhoek
• University of Namibia

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4158

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/4158