Abstract:
Abstract
Although COVID-19 vaccines are available, evidence suggests that several factors hinder
or facilitate their use. Several studies have found gender differences in COVID-19 vaccine
uptake, with women less likely to vaccinate than men in many countries, including Ghana.
These studies, however, have primarily been quantitative. This study used a qualitative
approach to examine the facilitators and barriers to vaccine uptake among women in
Ghana. Using a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative research design, 30 women in the
Greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana were conveniently sampled and interviewed
using a semi-structured interview guide. Fifteen (15) interviews were conducted in each
region. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using QSR NVivo
version 10 software. Among the key factors that facilitate COVID-19 vaccination are the
desire to protect oneself and family against COVID-19, education about COVID-19 vaccines,
seeing others receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccine being cost-free. On the
other hand, long queues at the vaccination centres, fear of side effects, misconceptions
about the vaccines, and shortage of vaccines were the main barriers against COVID-19 vaccination.
The study results show that individual, institutional, and vaccine-related factors
facilitate or hinder COVID-19 vaccination among women. Addressing these factors need
continuous comprehensive health education, and ensuring vaccine availability at vaccination
sites will improve women’s uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines.
