Determinants of Willingness to Pay for COVID-19 Vaccines among Residents of Osun State, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has affected virtually all spheres of society. As countries await the COVID-19 vaccine, it is imperative to plan for its financing to ensure high vaccine coverage. This study aimed to determine the willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccine among adult residents of Osun State. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study design was employed. Seven hundred and forty-four respondents were enrolled from three selected Local Government Areas using multistage sampling method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire in electronic format (Kobo Collect) was used for data collection while the data was analysed using SPSS version 25. Determinants of willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccine were assessed using binary logistic regression. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: About one-quarter, 181 (24.3%) were willing to pay for COVID-19 vaccine. The median amount respondents were willing to pay was ₦650 (IQR= ₦1563) [$1.71 (IQR = $3.96)]. Being a healthcare worker (Odds ratio = 2.0, 95% CI =1.085–3.712, p=0.026), perception of susceptibility (Odds ratio = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.232-2.973, p=0.029) and self-efficacy (Odds ratio = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.571 – 4.071, p<0.001) were significant positive determinants of willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccine. Misconceptions or perceived barriers were not significant determinants of willingness to pay for the vaccine. Conclusion: These findings indicate that there is a need for health promotion interventions to correct misconceptions about COVID-19. Government and private donor interventions may be required to subsidize the vaccine to ensure high vaccine coverage.