Prevalence and determinants to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV in Bench Sheko zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A multi-center study.

Introduction: In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as one of the top 10 threats to global health. Currently, vaccine hesitancy is the most common obstacle to reducing COVID-19 incidence and achieving herd immunity worldwide. Understanding the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy in this specific population is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve vaccine uptake and protect vulnerable communities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who receive care at public health facilities in Bench Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A multi-center study was employed, involving multiple healthcare facilities within the Bench Sheko Zone from January 1 to 30 February 2023 to assess the prevalence and determinants of hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccination among people living with human deficiency virus (PLHIV). Data were collected by using pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaires and document review, and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 then exported to and analyzed by using SPSS version 24. Statistical significance was assessed by using multivariable logistic regression analysis by determining odds ratios and 95% confidence interval. Multi-Collinearity and model fitness were also checked. Results: According to the study, the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was found to be 47.9%, [95% CI, 43.8-52.0]. One significant finding was that younger individuals (age ≤25years) [AOR = 2.30, 95%CI, 1.15-4.57] exhibited a higher level of hesitancy compared to their older counterparts. Additionally, the study identified monthly income≤3000 birr [AOR = 0.57, 95%CI, 0.31-0.92], urban residence [AOR = 0.61, 95%CI, 0.42-0.91], HIV stage one [AOR = 0.44, 95%CI, 0.27-0.73] and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinical stage two of HIV [AOR = 0.60, 95CI, 0.39-0.93] as determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: According to our study finding in southwest Ethiopia, individuals living with HIV were found to have a higher level of hesitancy towards receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as compared with center for disease control and prevention estimate of vaccine hesitancy. The study also identified several factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy, including age, urban of residence, income level, and HIV clinical stage. Addressing the identified factors in this specific population could decrease the hesitancy. To ensure the success of vaccination campaigns in the region, policymakers and stakeholders should take steps to address these underlying factors and promote greater acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the population.