COVID-19 Knowledge and Vaccine Acceptability among Adults in a Selected Community of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is a pandemic disease that has ravaged the health systems of developed and developing countries. At the time of writing this article, Nigeria had recorded about 254 thousand cases and 3,141 mortalities. The Federal Capital Territory Abuja accounts for 12.4% of the total cases in Nigeria with a mortality rate of 0.9%. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, risk perception, and level of uptake of the vaccine among the adult population in Abuja. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 180 consenting adults from November to December 2021 in a selected community in Abuja. It was operational research conducted by the Advocacy and Social Mobilization Unit of the Primary Health Care Board. Results: The majority; 131(72.8%) of participants were aware of COVID-19 and 145 (80.6%) thought the disease was very dangerous. Over half, 91 (50.6%) felt they were at risk of contracting the disease. The most reported preventive measures taken were hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and social distancing. Three out of every ten persons, 57 (31.7%) had been fully or partially vaccinated against COVID-19. Over a third, 26 (38.8%), of those who were unwilling to get vaccinated reported safety concerns. We, therefore, recommend to the Advocacy and Social Mobilization Unit of the Federal Capital Territory Primary Health Care Board to develop clear messages that address vaccine safety issues.