Insights into Predictors of Vaccine Hesitancy and Promoting Factors in Childhood Immunization Programs—A Cross-Sectional Survey in Cameroon

Jonas Kemeugni Ngandjon, Thomas Ostermann, Virgile Kenmoue and Alfred Laengler
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Jonas Kemeugni Ngandjon: Institute of Pediatric, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58448 Witten, Germany
Thomas Ostermann: Department for Psychology and Statistics, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58448 Witten, Germany
Virgile Kenmoue: Department for Human Medicine , Faculty of Health, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté BP 208, Cameroon
Alfred Laengler: Department for Human Medicine, Institute of Pediatric, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58448 Witten, Germany

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Vaccination is claimed to be a key intervention against the COVID-19 pandemic. A major challenge today is to increase vaccine acceptance as vaccine hesitancy has delayed the eradication of polio. This study aimed to identify predictors associated with vaccine acceptance in the context of the Expanded Program on Immunization among parents of children between the ages of 12 to 23 months in the Foumbot district, Cameroon. Methods: The design of this study is a cross-sectional survey. A total of 160 mothers of children between the ages of 12 to 23 months were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Incomplete vaccination status was considered “vaccine hesitancy”. Data was analyzed along with 95% confidence intervals and the p -value < 0.05. The results showed 60% vaccine acceptance and 40% vaccine hesitancy. Factors such as age-appropriate vaccination, knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD), and religion were associated with vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: Poor knowledge of VPDs is a matter of concern as it contributes to vaccine hesitancy. The study findings provide the basis to heighten health education, the public perceived threat of the VPDs, and the consequences if no measures are taken to ensure health.

Keywords: vaccine hesitancy; vaccine acceptance; childhood vaccination; knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases; vaccination status; COVID-19; health education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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