Community Sensitization and Acceptance of Covid -19 Vaccines in Juba, South Sudan
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Date
2023-11-15
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Kampala International University
Abstract
This study investigated the factors that may impact the community's willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, in order to increase vaccine acceptance in Juba, South Sudan. In doing so, the study set out to realize three objectives: to examine the effect of community behavioral change regarding COVID-19 vaccines acceptance; to assess the effect of knowledge and perceptions of community members regarding COVID-1N 9 vaccines acceptance and to determine the effect of communication strategies and increase in vaccine acceptance. In addition, the study was guided by two theories; namely: The Health Belief Model by Rosenstock (1974) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) by Bandura (1986). The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and a mixed method approach in data collection, whereby both quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative (key informant interview) approaches were used to elicit data from the study. Quantitative approach, however, was the main source of data, whilst qualitative approach served as a supplementary source of data. The sample size consisted of 164 respondents determined through the use of Krejcie and Morgan table of 1970 and data was analyzed at uni-variate, bi-variate and at multivariate level using means, standard deviation, Pearson Linear Correlation Coefficient (PLCC) and regression analysis. The study revealed that all variables in the model (Community behavioral change, Community knowledge and perceptions and effective communication strategies) are significant predictors of acceptance of COVID 19 Vaccines. From the study findings on the first objective of the study, the study concluded that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that by promoting Community behavioral change through providing accurate information about vaccines, addressing misinformation and rumors about vaccines and working with community leaders to promote vaccination, then acceptance of COVID 19 Vaccines will be enhanced. On the second objective of the study, the study concluded that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that by promoting Community knowledge and perceptions through making the vaccines more accessible, addressing discrimination against marginalized groups, strengthening healthcare system, investing in education and Promoting social cohesion; and then then acceptance of COVID 19 Vaccines will be enhanced. Concerning objective three, the study concluded that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that by promoting effective communication strategies through Using clear and concise language, using evidence-based information, using multiple channels, tailoring the message to the target audience, engaging with the target audience; then, acceptance of COVID 19 Vaccines will be enhanced. And lastly from the study findings and conclusions, the study recommended that all the three constructs of community sensitization should be enhanced in South Sudan through promotion of accurate information about vaccines, addressing misinformation and rumours about vaccines and using a variety of channels, such as mass media campaigns, social media, and face-to-face communication.
Description
A Research Report Submitted to the College Of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management of Kampala International University
Keywords
Community Sensitization, Acceptance, Covid -19, Vaccines, Juba