Examining the Factors Related to Vaccine Hesitancy Among Individuals with Disabilities in the Fako and Meme Divisions of Cameroon

Authors

  • Jerome Nyhalah Dinga Michael Gahnyam Gbeugvat Foundation, Buea, Cameroon & Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon &  Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA Author
  • Sharris Echari Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon Author
  • Benjamin Pokam Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon Author
  • Andreas Ateke Njoh Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon Author
  • Aishwarya Salian Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA Author
  • Stanley Gamua Dobgima Michael Gahnyam Gbeugvat Foundation, Buea, Cameroon and Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon Author
  • Joseph Marie Essissima Amougou Orthodox Church, Yaounde, Cameroon Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JFMPM/2025(2)110

Keywords:

Vaccine Hesitancy, Persons with Disabilities, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP), Cameroon, Public Health, Advocacy

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccines are a cornerstone of public health, effectively combating infectious diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy—defined as delaying or refusing vaccination despite availability—is a significant threat to global health, as recognized by the World Health Organization. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among people with disabilities in the Fako and Meme Divisions of Cameroon.

Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed, using a multi-stage probability sampling technique to recruit 116 participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between vaccine hesitancy and the categorical variables.

Results: The study population ranged in age from 17 to 75 years (mean age 36.67 ± 15.86 years), with an equal gender distribution (50% female, 50% male). The majority of participants had completed secondary education (50%), followed by primary education (33.6%) and tertiary education (16.4%). Deafness was the most prevalent disability (41.4%). While just over half of the participants (52.6%) recognized the importance of vaccines, only half (50%) perceived them as safe. Despite this, overall knowledge (63%) and attitude (64%) towards vaccination were positive. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between vaccine hesitancy and both the type of disability (p=0.001) and marital status (p=0.036).

Conclusion: People with disabilities in the study area demonstrated relatively good knowledge and positive attitudes toward vaccines. However, being single was identified as a significant factor influencing vaccine knowledge and uptake. The study recommends targeted vaccine education campaigns for all marital status groups within the disabled community to address potential hesitancy and promote vaccination.

Author Biographies

  • Jerome Nyhalah Dinga, Michael Gahnyam Gbeugvat Foundation, Buea, Cameroon & Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon &  Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA

    Jerome Nyhalah Dinga, Michael Gahnyam Gbeugvat Foundation, Buea, Cameroon & Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon &  Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA

  • Sharris Echari, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon

    Sharris Echari, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon

  • Benjamin Pokam, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon

    Benjamin Pokam, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon

  • Andreas Ateke Njoh, Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon

    Andreas Ateke Njoh, Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon

  • Aishwarya Salian, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA

    Aishwarya Salian, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA

  • Stanley Gamua Dobgima, Michael Gahnyam Gbeugvat Foundation, Buea, Cameroon and Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

    Stanley Gamua Dobgima, Michael Gahnyam Gbeugvat Foundation, Buea, Cameroon and Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

  • Joseph Marie Essissima Amougou, Orthodox Church, Yaounde, Cameroon

    Joseph Marie Essissima Amougou, Orthodox Church, Yaounde, Cameroon

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Published

2025-04-08

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): Volume 2 Issue 2

Section

Articles