Determinants of Covid-19 Vaccine Resistance in Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic was first reported in Wuhan, China. Faced with the dangers (multiple contaminations, restriction of social and economic life and numerous deaths) linked to the disease that affect all countries on different continents, measures have been taken, including vaccination to protect the population. However, there is a resistance of the populations, especially that of Korhogo, north of Côte d'Ivoire, to receive the vaccine against Covid-19. This mixed-methods study analyzes the determinants of resistance to vaccination against Covid-19. Data collection was based on interviews and a questionnaire administered to students, members of a cooperative and motorcycle taxi drivers. The results showed that the reluctance of the population to be vaccinated against Covid-19 can be explained by a set of determinants linked to the neglect of the actual existence of the disease, a lack of confidence in the strategies developed by the authorities in the management of the pandemic, the influence of social networks and the insecurity of the vaccine due to the side effects manifested by some subjects after receiving the first dose. These populations rely instead on preventive therapeutic prescriptions from community leaders based on local cultural practices. More extensive and diversified communication activities must be carried out for the benefit of the population, taking into account the level of education and the cultural context.