Malaria Vaccine Acceptance and Associated Factors in Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease. This significant public health problem disproportionately affects people in Africa. In Cameroon, it is the first infant-child morbidity and mortality cause, with 11 000 annual deaths despite considerable investment in disease control. However, there are effective vaccines against malaria, so this study sought to evaluate vaccine acceptance and related factors in this nation before rollout.

Method This nationwide survey collected data from December 2023 to January 2024 using an online and in-person questionnaire. The chi-square test identified the malaria vaccine acceptance elements, and multiple logistic regression depicted factors linked to vaccine acceptance. SPSS enabled analysis, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Microsoft Excel 365 eased the elaboration of charts and tables.

Result Data from 2025 participants indicated a 91% malaria vaccine acceptance. This rate varied from 78% in the Littoral to 94% in the Far North and South West regions. Factors that favor vaccine acceptance include a history of severe malaria (OR = 1.4, 95%CI:  1.0-1.8, p = 0.03), awareness of the availability of the malaria vaccine for infants (OR = 1.4, 95%CI:  1.0-2.0, p=0.03), and working in the vaccination service (OR = 3.8, 95%CI:  2.7-5.3, p<0.01). Elements reported for vaccine hesitancy include fear of unsafe and negative rumors about the vaccine.

Conclusion The residents of Cameroon are highly willing to get their children vaccinated against malaria. However, following regional acceptance disparities and identified hesitancy points, it is crucial to reinforce communication to address population groups, doubts, and rumors about vaccines to ensure optimal uptake in the country’s regions.

Note:
Funding declaration: There was no funding for this study. The corresponding author bore the cost of data collection.

Conflict of Interests: None.

Ethical Approval: This survey was conducted as part of the Cameroon EPI's routine interventions to introduce the malaria vaccine and did not require ethical clearance. Participants consented to take part in the study.

Keywords: Malaria vaccine, vaccine acceptance, associated factors, vaccine hesitancy, Cameroon