COVID-19 perspectives, prevention behavior, and vaccine intention among health workers in Sierra Leone : a low-resource context

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 8/1/2024] The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted health workers, who were already affected by the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. However, there is limited research on health workers' COVID-19 experiences in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In this study, 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with health workers from three regions in Sierra Leone. The study analysis focused on examining COVID-19 experiences, prevention behavior, and vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Sierra Leone while exploring the applicability of the 5-C model in understanding their vaccine attitudes, intentions, and uptake. The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the emotional and mental well-being of health workers. Their experiences during the 2014 Ebola outbreak shaped their perceptions of COVID-19. Health workers' COVID-19 prevention practices were influenced by their perception of the severity of the virus and their familiarity with preventive measures. Vaccine uptake decisions were influenced by their perceptions of other vaccines and the desire to protect themselves and set examples. To improve COVID-19 prevention behavior among health workers, interventions should focus on overcoming barriers such as limited access to protective equipment and addressing disapproval and conspiracy theories through community engagement.