Awareness of the Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination in Wenchi Municipality: A Health Belief Model Perspective
Abstract:
The COVID-19
pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has had unprecedented
health, and economic impacts globally. Vaccination emerged as a cornerstone
strategy for reducing morbidity, mortality, and transmission of the virus.
However, in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), uptake has been
suboptimal despite extensive awareness campaigns. In Wenchi Municipality, fully
vaccinated coverage stood at 25.3% in July 2024; far below the WHO-recommended
herd immunity threshold of 70%. This study examines awareness of the importance
of COVID-19 vaccination, using Health Belief Model (HBM) to interpret findings
and guide recommendations. A convergent mixed-method cross-sectional design was
employed, targeting 288 adults aged 18 years and above, selected through
probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling. Quantitative data were
collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistics. Qualitative responses were obtained using open-ended
questions and were analyzed through thematic analysis. While 82.7% of
respondents believed vaccination could prevent COVID-19, gaps remained in
understanding broader benefits such as reduction in severity, community
protection, and facilitation of safe travel. About 17% perceived vaccination as
a threat to life and 11.5% denied its preventive value. The study found that
awareness was high in terms of perceived benefits but inconsistent in linking
perceived susceptibility and cues to action. Safety concerns, misinformation,
and distrust in vaccine efficacy were key barriers. Awareness alone is
insufficient for vaccine uptake. Public health strategies must combine information
dissemination with interventions that directly target barriers and strengthen
cues to action, ultimately transforming knowledge into vaccination behavior.
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