Corona-virus disease 2019 vaccination acceptance and associated factors among residents of Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an extremely contagious viral infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Scientific evidence on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and predictors among residents in low-income countries like Ethiopia is sparse. Therefore, we aimed to assess level of the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among residents of Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: : A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 840 residents in Dire Dawa Administration from May 18 th to June 18 th , 2021. Multistage cluster sampling followed by systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. A pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from respondents. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictors of the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The odds ratio (OR) along, with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to estimate the strength of the association. Results: : Out of 840 respondents recruited, the proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was found to be 54.4% (457/840); (95% CI: (51.0%, 57.7%)). Being males [AOR=1.85, 95% CI: (1.35, 2.54), P<0.001], not having a current habit of substance use [AOR=2.38, 95% CI: (1.73, 3.26), P<0.001], having a monthly income of less than 51.31USD [AOR=0.19, 95% CI: (0.04, 0.88), P=0.001]; and not having a prior history of vaccination experience [AOR=0.40, 95% CI: (0.29, 0.54), P<0.001] were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: This study reveals that the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was low. Being male, having a lower income in the family, not having a current habit of substance use, and not having previous vaccination experience were factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Health information dissemination and economic empowerment are crucial to improving COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the community. The study’s findings would have implications for policymakers.