Gendered experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccinations: A case study of healthcare workers at Katutura Health Centre, in Khomas region, Namibia
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Date
2024
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Healthcare workers as frontline heroes in the COVID-19 pandemic were the first to be
considered for the COVID-19 vaccine. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and
experiences about COVID-19 vaccinations based on the gender of the healthcare
workers at the Katutura Health Centre. The objectives of the study were to explore the
perceptions about COVID-19 vaccinations; describe the experiences of healthcare
workers vaccinated at the Katutura Health Centre and examine how gender is
connected to how one experiences and perceives COVID-19 vaccinations. The study
was informed by a qualitative descriptive case study design, with a sample size of 22
participants out of a population of 104, using convenience sampling. A pilot study was
conducted but the results were not part of the main study. The data was collected using
semi-structured interviews. The data was transcribed and analysed using thematic
analysis. The principles of autonomy, beneficence, justice and non-maleficence were
applied to the study. Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis, namely; the
perception of healthcare workers on the COVID-19 vaccine, the experience of
healthcare workers on the COVID-19 vaccine, and the link between gender and
vaccine uptake. The findings were related to critical theory, which provided the basis
on which to explain how Health Care Workers (HCWs) perceived and experienced the
COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and the public. The findings conclude that HCWs
received their information from formal sources and social media. However, HCWs
understood the benefits of receiving the vaccine, which was also the factor that
prompted them to receive the vaccine. The process of receiving the vaccine was
described as fast and smooth. Yet, most experienced headaches and muscle pain as
side effects. The uptake of the vaccine was common amongst females, however, they
expressed fear of infertility and death as hindrances to receiving the vaccine. The study
recommended the development and conducting of training for HCWs focused on
benefits of vaccines, and vaccine safety
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Degree of Masters of Arts in Gender and Development studies
Keywords
Gender, Health Care Workers, COVID 19, Experience, Perceptions, Namibia, University of Namibia