Knowledge attitudes and practices of high-risk groups towards COVID-19 vaccination in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of high-risk groups towards the COVID-19 vaccination program in Kampala, Uganda, and to guide interventions improving uptake of the vaccine. A total of 576 high risk groups were surveyed using a digitized semi-structured questionnaire, with multistage sampling used to select participants. Results showed that 63.5% (n = 366 of 576) had a high knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, 70.5% (n = 406) had a good attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, and 76.9% had received a COVID-19 vaccine. AstraZeneca (63.2%, n = 280) and Pfizer (26%, n = 115) were the most received vaccines, with over 60% (n = 226) experiencing side effects following vaccination. Sex, attitude, holding a leadership position, having convinced peers to receive the vaccine, having been convinced by peers to receive the vaccine, and having been convinced by peers not to take COVID-19 vaccine were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination status. The study recommends community-level interventions to address the gaps in knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines and address negative peer influence inhibiting uptake.