Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in rural Bangladesh. Design This was a cross-sectional study conducted between June and November 2021. Setting This study was conducted in rural Bangladesh. Participants People older than 18 years of age, not pregnant and no history of surgery for the last 3 months were eligible to participate. Primary and secondary outcomes The primary outcomes were proportions of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and roll-out participation among the rural population. The secondary outcome was identification of correlates which contributed to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and roll-out participation. Χ 2 tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify relevant correlates such as sociodemographic factors, clinical conditions and COVID-19-related factors. Results A total of 1603 participants were enrolled. The overall COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was very high (1521/1601, 95%), and half of the participants received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Majority of participants wanted to keep others safe (89%) and agreed to the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines (88%). To fulfil the requirement of online registration for the vaccine at the time, 62% of participants had to visit an internet café and only 31% downloaded the app. Over half (54%) of participants were unaware of countries they knew and trust to produce the COVID-19 vaccine. Increased age, being housewives, underweight and undergraduate education level were associated with vaccine acceptance, while being female, increased age and being overweight/obese were associated with vaccine uptake. Trust in the health department and practical knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines were positively associated with both vaccine acceptance and uptake. Conclusion This study found a very high COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in rural Bangladesh. Policymakers should support interventions aimed at increasing vaccine and general health literacy and ensure ongoing vaccine supply and improvement of infrastructure in rural areas.