Ethnic Diversity and the Effect on Vaccine Hesitancy in Africa: How does ethnic diversity influence vaccine hesitancy in African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant challenges in addressing vaccine hesitancy (VH), particularly in Africa, where vaccination rates remained low despite vaccine availability. This thesis examines the influence of ethnic diversity on vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the following research question: “How does ethnic diversity influence vaccine hesitancy in African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic?” Using multiple linear regression analysis, this study analyzes the relationship between ethnic diversity, measured through the Ethno-Linguistic Fractionalization (ELF) Index, and vaccine hesitancy, while incorporating control variables such as trust in government, access to healthcare, democracy, and public information campaigns. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, the analysis revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between ethnic diversity and vaccine hesitancy, suggesting that higher levels of diversity may reduce hesitancy. Social...Show moreThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant challenges in addressing vaccine hesitancy (VH), particularly in Africa, where vaccination rates remained low despite vaccine availability. This thesis examines the influence of ethnic diversity on vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the following research question: “How does ethnic diversity influence vaccine hesitancy in African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic?” Using multiple linear regression analysis, this study analyzes the relationship between ethnic diversity, measured through the Ethno-Linguistic Fractionalization (ELF) Index, and vaccine hesitancy, while incorporating control variables such as trust in government, access to healthcare, democracy, and public information campaigns. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, the analysis revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between ethnic diversity and vaccine hesitancy, suggesting that higher levels of diversity may reduce hesitancy. Social networks and trust are identified as key mechanisms that improve vaccine uptake in diverse communities. This study builds upon the Five C's framework of vaccine hesitancy, revealing how ethnic diversity influences all other factors of the framework. These findings offer actionable recommendations for trust-building, equitable healthcare access, and tailored information campaigns, providing a basis for more effective public health policies in diverse settings.Show less

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Ethnic Diversity and the Effect on Vaccine Hesitancy in Africa: How does ethnic diversity influence vaccine hesitancy in African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic?