Sociocultural and behavioural features of anticipated COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Papua New Guinea: a mixed methods study proposal

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was characterised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a pandemic in 2020. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has remained on high alert ever since its National Control Centre continues to coordinate national preparedness and response measures guided by its Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19. As part of the WHO, Gavi and other global partners' COVAX program, PNG received several COVID-19 vaccine doses. A national-wide vaccine roll-out for COVID-19 was initiated in PNG in May 2021. Despite the availability of vaccines and the capacity of health systems to vaccinate frontline workers and community members, including high-risk groups, questions on vaccine safety, confidence, and acceptance remain critical for the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Evidence from studies on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and demand in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) suggests that sociocultural factors of the community and behaviours of different vaccine stakeholders, including vaccine recipients, vaccine providers and policymakers, determine the effectiveness of vaccination interventions or strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study will examine sociocultural determinants of anticipated acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the population of urban and rural areas of different regions in PNG, and healthcare providers' views on vaccine acceptance. METHODS: The study design includes a mixed methods approach to implement in PNG's coastal and highlands regions. The first research activity will use a qualitative methodology in which the epistemological foundation is based on constructivism. This design elicits and listens to community members' accounts of ways culture as a rich source provides meaning to the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to 'niupela pasin' (New normal) and vaccination acceptance. The second activity will be a cross-sectional survey to assess the distribution of features of vaccine acceptance, priorities and practices. The third activity will be in-depth interviews of healthcare providers actively involved in either COVID-19 clinical management or public health-related pandemic control activities. RESULTS: The project proposal has been reviewed and approved by the Medical Research Advisory Committee of Papua New Guinea. The qualitative data collection started in December 2022 and the survey will begin in May 2023. The findings will be disseminated to the participated communities later this year followed by the publications. CONCLUSIONS: Proposed research on community views and experience concerning sociocultural and behavioural features of anticipated acceptance of the vaccine will provide a better understanding of communication and education needs for vaccine action for COVID-19 control in PNG and other LMICs. The research also considers the influence of healthcare providers' and policymakers' roles in the awareness and use of the COVID-19 vaccine. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT: PRR1-10.2196/44664.