Covid Vaccination Uptake amongst Public Transport Crew in Meru Matatu Stage, Meru County

Abstract

The uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations is an essential aspect towards enabling effective control on the spread of the virus. It is important that matatu crew, together with the vulnerable groups should receive vaccination to lower the incidence and disease transmission rate. In the Covid 19 vaccination campaign this group has been greatly sidelined. The study was aimed at determining predictors of Corona Virus vaccine uptake amongst Matatu crew within the Meru matatu stage. The study therefore assessed the individual factors, established the contextual factors, evaluated perceptions and established experiences that predict uptake of the Corona Virus 19 vaccine amongst the Matatu crew in Meru matatu stage. The study population was Matatu crew in Meru matatu stage. Sampling size determination was done using the Fischer’s formula. The sampling technique was systematic among the drivers, touts and conductors in Meru Matatu stage. While purposive selection was done among the key informants. The study used of questionnaire for quantitative and for qualitative data collection an interview guide was used. Data analysis from the self- administered questionnaire was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics frequencies, proportions. Chi-square analysis was used to capture associations amongst the categorical variables. Further, statistical significance was placed at p<0.05. Qualitative data was analyzed through the use of thematic analysis. Results are presented in tables, pie charts and bar graphs for ease of understanding. The study found a low uptake of Covid 19 vaccine among the Matatu operators. The individual characteristics associated with COVID -19 uptake on different aspects of knowledge included knowledge on mode of administration Chi square =110.45, d.f= 4, P value<0.00, knowledge on the doses required, Chi square = 136.521, d.f=4 and p value <0.000. Contextual issues including politics and sources of information were also to be factors influencing vaccine uptake among the Matatu operations. This study concluded that there was low uptake of Covid -19 vaccine among the Matatu crew in Meru Uptake was influenced by age, gender, marital status, nature of duty as well as the level of education a participant holds.On Individual factors associated with COVID – 19 vaccine uptake, knowledge and beliefs were statistically significant. Knowledge on mode of administration (Chi square =110.45, d.f= 4, P value <0.00) and knowledge on the doses required (Chi square = 136.521, d.f=4 and p value <0.000) were found to be statistically significant. Belief that COVID-19 is preventable was associated with vaccination for COVID-19 Chi square, 129.02, df=3 and P value <0.00. Belief that COVID-19 is manmade was also significantly associated with vaccination for COVID-19 Chi square106.584, df=4 and P value <0.00.Only a small proportion (9%) had prior experience with other vaccines in adulthood. The study therefore concluded that knowledge and beliefs influenced uptake of Covid 19 vaccine. Mass media and Sacco influence were Contextual factors associated with Covid 19 Vaccine uptake. The study concluded that communication and media, Politics and Sacco influence can significantly influence Covid 19 vaccine uptake. Therefore, the study recommended that the ministry of health and other partners to come up with programs to undo the misconception towards COVID-19 vaccine, and that there was continuous need to educate the masses and create awareness on risks and benefits associated with Covid 19.