Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination in two provincial hospitals of Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccination rates are extremely low in Papua New Guinea (PNG), placing a huge burden on the health system. This study aims to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination in PNG in order to direct public health interventions to improve vaccination uptake. Materials and methods: A survey of hospital workers, patients and guardians was conducted in two provincial hospitals in Papua New Guinea. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect data. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyse factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Results: 273 participants undertook the survey. Independent predictors for COVID-19 vaccination were female sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.1, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.1–3.9, P = 0.024), vaccine awareness (aOR 3.9, 95% CI 3.1–4.9, P < 0.001 and having a family member with COVID-19 (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 3.4–4.3, P < 0.001). Predictors of reduced vaccination were rural residence (aOR 0.3, 95% CI 0.3–0.4, P < 0.001), primary education (aOR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.5, P = 0.001) and secondary education (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.5–0.5, P < 0.001) compared to tertiary education, and a preference for herbal remedies (aOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, P = 0.016). Conclusion: PNG’s COVID-19 vaccination rate is among the lowest in the world. Factors associated with vaccination uptake are important to inform public health messaging and interventions to increase vaccination coverage and achieve herd immunity.