Bridging the Gap: Can Mass Health Education Reduce Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy?

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy is one of the top ten threats to global health. In Kenya, recent data suggests high levels of vaccine hesitancy. The study focused on assessing Covid-19 vaccination among individuals residing in Kericho County, Kenya while considering the potential role of mass education in vaccine hesitancy. Methods: The study adopted the psychological antecedents of vaccination model to carry out a descriptive cross sectional survey of 1200 persons who attended outpatient services in sub-County hospitals. Simple random sampling was adopted and probability proportionate to size was ensured during sampling. Data was analyzed using proportion and chi-square tests. Results: Participants who received health education had lower vaccine hesitancy. The study observed association between health education and socio-demographic and economic factors (P = < 0.001). A positive correlation between health education and confidence in vaccine safety, efficacy, trust in healthcare professionals, and trust in religious/cultural beliefs regarding vaccines was observed. The study further observed association between health education and reduced hesitancy across all complacency-related variables, convenience and constraint, collective responsibility and risk calculations. Conclusion: While health education likely played a role in promoting vaccine acceptance, its effectiveness may be influenced by individual characteristics.