Abstract:

The Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is the greatest threat to public health in recent times. It has infected over 40 million people globally, having an untoward economic impact on many nations. A global race to find a safe and effective vaccine is ongoing, but controversies exist over the conduct of the vaccine trials among the African population. We assessed the awareness, perceptions of, and willingness to participate in the anticipated COVID-19 vaccine trials among adults in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Method: We used a web-based cross-sectional correlational survey and a purposive quota sampling technique to select 478 respondents. Results: 65.2% were aware of the anticipated COVID-19 vaccine trials, 73% had positive perceptions about it, 63.1% expressed fear about it, 46% are not willing to participate in the trials, and 65.2% will not recommend the trials to a family or friend. The correlation between perception and willingness to participate in the trial was positive and low (r=0.043, p<0.667). Sex, age, religion, Area Councils were significantly associated with willingness to participate in the trials. (P-Values 0.001, 0.003, 0.001 and 0.001 respectively). The primary sources of information about the trials include church/mosque, family, healthcare providers, and friends. Conclusion: There is a high level of Awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine trials; perceptions of the trial are positive, but most people are afraid and will neither participate nor recommend the trials to significant others. We recommend a targeted psychosocial intervention to increase participation in the trial and future COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

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