Awareness and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and associated factors among pharmacy students in Zambia

AimThis study aimed to assess the awareness and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines associated factors among pharmacy studentsin Zambia.Materials MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional 326 undergraduate students in Lusaka, Zambia, from February April 2021.Data were analysed using Stata version 16.1. Multivariable logistic regression was used determine key influencing vaccineacceptance.ResultsOf participants, 98.8% aware vaccines, but only 24.5% would accept vaccination. Compared otherreligions, being Christian faith with reduced odds vaccine (aOR=0.01, 95% CI:0.01-0.20). Conversely, male, single unemployed. females,male respondents 86% more likely if it made available (aOR=1.86, CI: 1.10-3.14). In addition,unmarried 2.65 times as vaccination than married (aOR=2.65, 1.06-6.63).Conversely, unemployed less their employed counterparts (aOR=0.32, CI:0.16-0.46). Barriers acceptability possible side effects (78.5%) scepticism about its effectiveness(10.2%).ConclusionThere significant hesitancy toward Zambian despite awarenessof vaccines. Health authorities must work collaboratively training institutions mitigate hesitancy, especially withhealthcare part future healthcare workforce overseeing disease prevention strategies.