Health care workers’ self-perceived infection risk and COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a mixed methods study

Background Vaccination is the most cost-effective way of preventing COVID-19 disease although there was a considerable delay in its institution in Tanzania. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ (HCWs) self-perceived infection risk and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Methods A concurrent embedded, mixed methods research design was utilized to collect data among HCWs in seven Tanzanian regions. Quantitative data was collected using a validated, pre-piloted, interviewer administered questionnaire whereas in-depth interviews and focus group discussions gathered qualitative data. Descriptive analyses were performed, and chi-square test used to test for associations across categories. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Results A total of 1,386 HCWs responded to the quantitative tool, 26 participated in the in-depth interviews and 74 in the focus-group discussions. About half of the HCW (53.6%) reported to have been vaccinated and three quarters (75.5%) self-perceived to be at a high risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection. Participants perceived that the nature of their work and the working environment in the health facilities increases their risk to infection. Limited availability and use of personal protective equipment was reported to elevate the perceived risks to the infection. Respondents belonging in the oldest age group and from low and mid-level health care facilities had higher proportions with a high-risk perception of acquiring COVID-19 infection compared to their counterparts. Conclusions Only about half of the HCWs reported to be vaccinated albeit the majority recounted higher perception of risk to contracting COVID-19 due to their working environment, including limited availability and use of personal protective equipment. Efforts to address heightened perceived-risks should include improving the working environment, availability of PPEs and continue updating HCWs on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccine to limit their risks to the infection and consequent transmission to their patients and public.