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Journal of Information and Optimization Sciences

(Since 1980)
Hybrid ·Peer-reviewed·ISSN (Online): 2169-0103·ISSN (Print): 0252-2667

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Monthly Journal: Publishes theoretical and applied research on topics in information and optimization sciences.

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Journal of Information and Optimization Sciences
Open Access Research Article

A multinomial logistic regression analysis of factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Namibian higher education students

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* Corresponding author · click or hover a name for details

pp. 937–956Vol. 44Issue 5July 2023DOI: 10.47974/JIOS-1272XML
Received:
09 Feb 2022
Accepted:
12 Jul 2022
Published Online:
10 Oct 2023
Article type:
Research Article
Language:
EN
Article no.:
JIOS-1272
Pages:
937–956

Abstract

Coronavirus disease well known as COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several vaccines began to rise in late 2020 and Namibia started administering the COVID-19 vaccine around March 2021. Despite the availability of the vaccination services, there were delays in the acceptance of the vaccination that might result in slow rate of vaccine coverage and hence become an obstacle in ending the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of this study is to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Namibian higher education students by fitting a multinomial logistic regression model. The data was collected using an online anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The study found factors such as field of study, COVID-19 status, trust information from public health experts on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for the public to be significant factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Education on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine should be the main focus during vaccination campaigns. The result of this study could be used as an input in developing a better understanding and redirecting the focus of the vaccine to avoid failure of the vaccination programme.

Keywords

COVID-19Vaccine hesitanceMultinomial regression

Subject Classifications

62J12

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