Original Research COVID-19 vaccine utilisation among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe

Talent Tapera, Clifford Odimegwu, Tatenda Makoni, Waraidzo Mukuwapasi, Vivian Chitiyo, Gilton Kadziyanike, Abigail Mutsinze, Nicola Willis, Garikayi Chemhaka, Million Phiri

Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 1 | a664 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.664 | © 2025 Talent Tapera, Clifford Odimegwu, Tatenda Makoni, Waraidzo Mukuwapasi, Vivian Chitiyo, Gilton Kadziyanike, Abigail Mutsinze, Nicola Willis, Garikayi Chemhaka, Million Phiri | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 01 June 2024 | Published: 11 March 2025

About the author(s) Talent Tapera, Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Clifford Odimegwu, Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tatenda Makoni, Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+), Harare, Zimbabwe
Waraidzo Mukuwapasi, Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+), Harare, Zimbabwe
Vivian Chitiyo, Zvandiri, Harare, Zimbabwe
Gilton Kadziyanike, Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+), Harare, Zimbabwe
Abigail Mutsinze, Zvandiri, Harare, Zimbabwe
Nicola Willis, Zvandiri, Harare, Zimbabwe
Garikayi Chemhaka, Department of Statistics and Demography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
Million Phiri, Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and Department of Population Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Background: Several studies have now highlighted COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in the public. However, not much is known about COVID-19 vaccination amoung people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Aim: This study aimed to examine the predisposition of PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy to utilise the COVID-19 vaccine.

Setting: The study was done in urban and rural communities of Zimbabwe

Methods: The study utilised a concurrent triangulation design of which only one data collection phase was used. The quantitative data were collected from 2157 PLHIV on antiretroviral viral therapy through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. On the other hand, qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews.

Results: The study found a higher proportion of COVID-19 vaccine utilisation among adults in comparison to adolescents and young people. Fear of side effects contributed to the most common reason for not getting vaccinated. Adolescents aged 15–19 years were significantly less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.41–0.83). Being a previous contact of a COVID-19 case was significantly associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.92–6.10). Additionally, living in a rural area was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination among PLHIV (aOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05–1.83).

Conclusion: There is need to broaden to speak to the role of families, communities and healthcare workers ensuring adolescent and youth-friendly information and support for vaccinations.

Contribution: The COVID-19 vaccination rates were lower among adolescents and young people compared to adults living with HIV. Adolescents and young people face challenges in accessing adolescent-friendly health services.

Keywords

HIV; COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccination; antiretroviral therapy; Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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