Examining Vaccine Hesitancy Among Ghanaian Parents for the R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine

J Pediatr Health Care. 2024 Nov-Dec;38(6):873-885. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.05.010. Epub 2024 Oct 4.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess Ghanaian parental attitudes toward a new malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, and its associated determinants.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted anonymously in July and August 2023 using snowball and convenience sampling techniques, using the Parental Attitude about Children Vaccination Scale.

Results: A total of 818 individuals were included, 67.2% were females, their median age was 32 years, and 29.01% were hesitant to vaccinate their children. People living in forests, with younger children, having the youngest child aged 1-3 years, skipping antenatal care or scheduled vaccinations, and not being willing to give the R21/Matrix-M vaccine to children, were vaccine-hesitant. However, healthcare workers, those having a relative who died from malaria, and those who vaccinated their child against malaria were less hesitant.

Discussion: A large sector of parents expressed willingness to vaccinate their children against malaria. Addressing parental hesitancy requires intervention programs targeting the identified factors and enhancing parental knowledge.

Keywords: Malaria; endemic diseases; vaccinations; vaccine refusal.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Ghana
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Malaria Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Malaria* / prevention & control
  • Malaria* / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parents* / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vaccination / psychology
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data
  • Vaccination Hesitancy* / psychology
  • Vaccination Hesitancy* / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Malaria Vaccines