Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among students at the University of Namibia, main campus, Khomas region
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Date
2025
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
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
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Health
Keywords
Hesitancy, COVID-19, Students, Vaccine, Namibia, Windhoek, University of Namibia