An Online Survey on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Facebook Users in Mogadishu, Federal Republic of Somalia

Abstract

Introduction: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Somalia faced challenges with mass vaccination such as limited vaccine supplies and vaccine hesitancy. Identifying reasons for vaccine hesitancy will inform the development of evidence-based interventions to address the challenge. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Facebook users in Mogadishu, Somalia; and to identify the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study design using an online survey was applied. Data was collected from internet-connected adult Mogadishu residents. Recruitment of participants was done online through social media. Data on the demographics of the participants, willingness to be vaccinated, and views on determinants of vaccine hesitancy was collected using a structured questionnaire. Nine preselected determinants were considered; they included low confidence in the vaccine, side effects, efficacy, mistrust of government, perception of vaccine information as inconsistent and contradictory, perception of health status as not susceptible to severe disease, a belief that the COVID-19 and its vaccine are created to benefit pharmaceutical businessmen, and a belief that COVID-19 vaccines are made with non-halal compounds. Data was analyzed to obtain proportions of participants with vaccine hesitancy and other characteristics. Bivariable logistic regression analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis assess any association between vaccine uptake and hesitancy with the independent variables...