IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH (IJHPR )

E-ISSN 2545-5737
P-ISSN 2695-2165
VOL. 10 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijhpr.vol.10.no2.2025.pg80.92

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Covid-19 Vaccination Uptake and Knowledge among Professional Footballers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

Tariniye Alaere OkahAkpotu, Dr Stella Ufuoma Rotifa, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, Dr Justice Patani Akpotu

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Abstract

This study assessed the extent of COVID-19 vaccination uptake among footballers within the Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State. A structured research instrument was employed to collect data from 397 participants representing two football clubs in Bayelsa State. Analytical methods included descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, and ANOVA with Post Hoc testing. A predominant proportion of participants exhibited intermediate educational qualifications (53%) and fell within the age range of 15 to 25 years (59%). Awareness levels of COVID-19 were 32.6% on transmission, 80.91% on prevention, and 30.5% on complications. Most respondents reported receiving 1 to 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines (79%), predominantly the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine (98%). Principal sources of COVID-19 information were television (p=0.393, F=0.943), newspapers (p=0.065, F=2.810), public talks, and seminars (p=0.056, F=2.78). Age-related differences were observed in contributions to understanding COVID-19 transmission, prevention, and complications. Highly significant relationships (p<0.001) were reported between knowledge levels regarding COVID-19 transmission (OR=99.485, CI=23.079 to 428.84), prevention (OR=12.250, CI=2.779 to 54.008), and complications (OR=114.33, CI=26.441 to 494.39) and COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite a lower level of knowledge concerning COVID-19 transmission and complications, a commendable level of awareness regarding prevention was noted. The study underscores the necessity for comprehensive knowledge enhancement regarding COVID-19 and related conditions, with recommendations for improvement to effectively manage potential resurgences of the virus.

keywords:

COVID-19, Vaccination Uptake, Knowledge, Professional Footballers, Yenagoa

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