COVID-19 vaccine uptake, barriers and facilitators among key populations living with HIV/AIDS in Rivers State,...

The study evaluated COVID-19 vaccine uptake and the barriers and facilitators influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among key populations living with HIV/AIDS in Rivers State, Nigeria.

A key population-based cross-sectional study employed purposive sampling to recruit 458 participants from one-stop shops between April-June 2024. Data collection tools were integrated into a Kobo database. SPSS version 27 (IBM, Armonk, USA) for descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square and bivariate logistic regression) analysed vaccine uptake and associated factors, with significance determined at p<0.05.

The COVID-19 vaccine uptake was 54.1%, with 22.3% partially vaccinated and 31.8% fully vaccinated. Pfizer-BioNTech (43.5%) and Moderna (22.2%) were the most administered vaccines. Key barriers included lack of information (91.7%), vaccine side effects concerns (88.0%), and distrust in vaccine safety (95.2%). Younger participants, those with shorter antiretroviral therapy (ART) durations, single individuals, and unemployed participants showed significantly lower vaccine uptake (χ²=48.266, 37.689, 29.131, and 62.136; p<0.001).

Moderate vaccine uptake highlights gaps in COVID-19 vaccination among key populations. To improve vaccine uptake, tailored interventions addressing stigma, misinformation, and access barriers are recommended. Leveraging community leaders and integrating vaccines into HIV/AIDS care programs can enhance acceptance and delivery.