Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intention in Benin in 2021: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: The development of COVID-19 vaccines has brought considerable hope for the control of the pandemic. With a view to promoting good vaccine coverage, this study aimed to measure vaccine intention against COVID-19 and to understand the factors that promote it. METHOD: In April 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study at the national level through a telephone survey of Beninese aged 18 years or older. We used a marginal quota sampling method (n = 865) according to age, gender, and department. We constructed the questionnaire using a theoretical framework of health intention. We determined the factors associated with intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in Benin using a multinomial logistic regression at the 5 % significance level. RESULTS: The intention to vaccinate was 64.7 %; 10.9 % of the population were hesitant, and 24.4 % did not want to vaccinate. Thinking that it was important to get vaccinated (AOR = 0.274; CI = 0.118–0.638) or that getting vaccinated will help protect loved ones from the virus (AOR = 0.399; CI = 0.205–0.775) increased the intention to vaccinate. Having a high level of education (AOR = 1.988; CI = 1.134–3.484), thinking that the vaccine could put one's health at risk (AOR = 2.259; CI = 1.114–4.578), and hearing something negative about the vaccine (AOR = 1.765; CI = 1.059–2.941) reduced intention to vaccinate. In addition, believing that the creators of the vaccine had ensured its safety (AOR = 0.209; CI = 0.101–0.430), and believing that it was unlikely to be infected after vaccination (AOR = 0.359; CI = 0.183–0.703) decreased hesitancy in favour of the intention to vaccinate. CONCLUSION: In April 2021, vaccine intention was high, but maintaining this high rate requires building confidence in the vaccine and combating misinformation about the vaccine.