# Knowledge, perception, and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines in the Ho township, Volta region

## TL;DR

This study explores people's knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana's Volta region, finding that education level strongly influences vaccine perceptions.

## Contribution

The study identifies educational attainment as a key predictor of COVID-19 vaccine knowledge and willingness to vaccinate in a specific regional population.

## Key findings

- Tertiary-educated individuals showed significantly better understanding of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Over half of participants believed post-vaccination infection was possible despite willingness to vaccinate.
- Educational programs could improve vaccination uptake by targeting less-educated populations.

## Abstract

Vaccination has emerged as a critical strategy for combating the pandemic and preventing the emergence of new variants. Achieving population-level immunity through vaccination remains essential to reduce disease transmission and protect individuals.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted, utilizing simple random and stratified sampling methods to select 443 participants. The response rate was 99.5% (441). A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis was done. The study was conducted in July, 2022.

Most participants were female, aged 18–65. Over half showed good COVID-19 knowledge, primarily obtained through media and family. Tertiary-educated respondents demonstrated significantly better understanding. While 53.0% believed post-vaccination infection was possible, 56.1% were willing to be vaccinated, though 53.0% would not encourage others. Nearly 70% would refuse a second dose after experiencing reactions to the first. The statistical analysis revealed that COVID-19 knowledge levels were significantly associated with educational attainment (p = 0.000), ethnic group (p = 0.000), religious affiliation (p = 0.015), and employment status (p = 0.000), but not with gender (p = 0.623) or marital status (p = 0.117). The logistic regression model (p < 0.00) revealed that tertiary education (AOR = 30.204, p < 0.000) and primary education (AOR = 3.466, p < 0.047) significantly increased likelihood of good COVID-19 knowledge compared to no education, while Akan ethnicity (AOR = 0.161, p < 0.012) was also a significant predictor.

Targeting individuals with lower educational attainment can help bridge the knowledge gap and foster positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines, ultimately contributing to effective virus control and improved public health outcomes. The study underscores the need for educational programs to improve vaccination uptake in Ghana, emphasizing adherence to public health measures.