The Impact of Health Status of Academic Staff on Attitudes towards COVID-19 Vaccination

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has had overwhelming effects on human lives, properties, and access to essential services in the society. Consequently, the manufacturing of vaccine was envisaged a milestone in effort towards ‘normalizing’ the world. With discourses around the efficacy of the vaccines, it is unclear whether having a health condition could influence once decision to accept the vaccine or encourage others to receive the vaccine. This study attempted to contribute towards this debate by assessing the impact of health status on attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods A questionnaire, known as, the Attitude towards COVID-19 Vaccination Scale was developed to collect data from participants at school contexts. A total of 1047 participants completed questionnaire from 22 countries. The data was subjected to a two-way factorial analysis of variances. Results The result showed a direct effect of health status of individuals on attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. It appears that healthier individuals are more willing to accept the vaccine than those who indicated they had minor or chronic health conditions. Also, individuals who were vaccinated appears to be more receptive towards the vaccine than those who were yet to receive the vaccine. Moreover, it emerged that the more the educated individuals have, the more likely they would hold favourable disposition, less hesitant and open to vaccination than those with little or no education. Conclusions The results call for more deliberate approach by countries to promote the use of the vaccines especially among those underlying health condition. Other implications of the study are discussed in more detail.