Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among persons aged 18 years and above in Ga North Municipality, Ghana using the Health Belief Model: A community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rollout has been accepted by the population of the Ga North Municipality, a substantial proportion has developed hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccination uptake. This study determined the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among persons aged 18 years and above in the Ga North Municipality using the Health Belief Model. Methods The study used a cross-sectional study design. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a multistage sample of 388 respondents. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of COVID-19 vaccination uptake at the level of 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results Vaccination uptake was 72.2%. The odds of COVID-19 vaccination uptake were higher among men than women [AOR = 2.02, 95% Cl: 1.13–3.20] and among singles than the married [AOR = 1.90, 95% Cl: 1.07–3.36], but lower among Muslims than Christians [AOR = 0.33, 95%Cl: 0.18–0.60]. Perceived susceptibility [AOR = 2.43, 95% Cl: 1.36–4.35], perceived barriers [AOR = 0.54, 95%Cl: 0.31–0.95], cues to action [AOR = 2.23, 95% Cl: 1.19–4.21] and self-efficacy [AOR = 3.23 95% Cl: 1.82–5.71] were the significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Conclusion The uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in GA North Municipality is high. Health promotion interventions should focus on increasing perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, minimising barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and promoting cues and self-confidence for COVID-19 vaccine uptake. It should also target women, the married, and Muslims.