Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccine Across the Sub‐Saharan African Region: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Introduction The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has significantly impacted the economic, health, educational, and general living conditions of the global population. The economic loss, while still unfolding, is projected to be quite huge, particularly if a sudden outbreak, as was observed in India, subsequently develops in African countries. Widespread acceptance and uptake of COVID‐19 vaccines is currently the only effective approach to limit infection and reduce mortality from the disease. Knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of the COVID‐19 vaccine are important as they influence its acceptability and uptake, especially given its quick turnaround. This study determined the KAP of sub‐Saharan African (SSA) respondents towards the COVID‐19 vaccination. Methods A validated self‐administered web‐based questionnaire was disseminated via emails and social media platforms to SSA countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The mean KAP scores were calculated and summarized. Linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the unadjusted ( B ) and adjusted ( β ) coefficients at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Of the 2572 respondents aged 34.6 (SD, 11.8), 54% were males, 80% had bachelor’s or higher degree, and the majority (82.3%) were previously vaccinated for other diseases. KAP of the COVID‐19 vaccine were low across the four sub‐Saharan regions of Central (16.6 ± 6.2), Eastern (18.6 ± 6.0), Southern (19.0 ± 5.5), and Western Africa (19.1 ± 5.7). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that respondents who worked in the healthcare sector, had previous vaccination history, experienced symptoms of COVID‐19, and relied on mainstream media for their information, those that believe that the virus is real, Southern African and West African respondents reported higher COVID‐19 vaccine knowledge. Central African respondents, non‐Christians, respondents with bachelor’s degrees or lower education, and those who had a previous history of vaccination had higher attitude scores towards COVID‐19 vaccination, while healthcare workers, those with a pre‐existing health condition, those who believe that COVID‐19 virus is real, and respondents who had been tested for the virus had higher risk perception scores. Conclusion Most respondents were willing to be vaccinated despite inadequate knowledge about the COVID‐19 vaccine. Targeted education campaigns are needed to improve uptake of COVID‐19 vaccines.