COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among non-communicable disease patients in Haiti

Background/objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge global health, with individuals suffering from cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes at increased risk of severe complications. While vaccination is a key preventive measure, acceptance varies due to factors including safety concerns and cultural beliefs. This study assesses COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy, along with knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among non-communicable disease (NCD) patients in rural central Haiti. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from September 2021 to January 2022 at the outpatient NCD clinic of Hopital Universitaire de Mirebalais. A total of 229 NCD patients were surveyed to evaluate vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and KAP regarding COVID-19. Data were analyzed using Chi-squared tests, T-tests, and logistic regression. Results: Participants' average age was 56.2 years, with 75.1% being female. Vaccine acceptance was reported by 34% of unvaccinated individuals, with significant hesitancy among those favoring traditional medicine. Despite high awareness of COVID-19 (99.6%), accurate knowledge of symptoms and preventive measures was limited. Conclusion: Targeted interventions addressing vaccine hesitancy among people with non-communicable diseases in rural Haiti are crucial. Culturally sensitive education delivered through community health workers could improve vaccine uptake in this high-risk population.