Willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among residents of Southwestern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 vaccine is a key intervention toward containing the pandemic. Vaccines are thought to be a form of defense. One of the major challenges to managing the COVID-19 pandemic is the uncertainty or willingness to accept vaccinations. Our study aimed willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine and the factors that influence it in Mettu Woreda, Ilu Ababor Zone, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study design was conducted from August 1, 2021, to September 1, 2021, among rural residents of Mettu woreda’s of Ilu Ababor Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. The semi-structured data collection format was prepared to assess the magnitude of the communities’ acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of communities’ acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine at 95% CI. RESULTS: Of 350 participants from the study area, 59% of them were males and 41% females. Less than one-third (29.8%) of participants were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. The results multivariable logistic regression revealed that the age group of ≥50 years (OR=0.29; 95% CI: −3.1–0.34) as compare with the 18–29 years, low monthly income (OR=0.85; 95% CI: −0.74–2.33), low perception level (OR=0.35; 95% CI: −2.03–0.24), government unemployed (OR=0.86; 95% CI: −0.72–0.1), low Level of acceptance (OR=0.72; 95% CI: −0.67, 0.08) and unwillingness to test COVID-19 (OR=0.13; 95% CI: −4.47, 0.58) were predictors of willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION: Less than one-third of the study, participants were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. The likelihood of Willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine was low in the study area. Overall; low education, low vaccination perception, low income, jobless occupation, older age, and unwillingness to test for COVID-19 were associated with greater willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine and are significantly associated with willingness to get the COVID-19 immunization.