Obote, William Dekker2024-04-302024-04-302023-10Obote, W. D., (2023, Thesis). An assessment of the nexus between awareness and uptake of the malaria rts,s/as01 vaccine in selected malaria-endemic counties in Kenya. School of Communication, Daystar University.https://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4318Masters ThesisABSTRACT This study sought to assess the correlation between awareness and uptake of the malaria RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in Busia and Homa Bay counties in Kenya, regions endemic with malaria. It primarily focused on discerning the predominant sources of information that educate the local communities about the vaccine, as well as the community’s knowledge about the vaccine and its correlation to the vaccine’s acceptance, which is crucial to develop resonant malaria vaccine communication strategies, aimed at enhancing vaccine uptake. Busia and Homa Bay were selected due to the diversity in their epidemiological settings, offering a conducive environment for comparative analysis. The study employed a cross-sectional survey through a stratified sampling approach on residents of the selected counties, utilizing structured questionnaires to collect quantitative data, subsequently analysed through various techniques including regression analysis. The study population of 460 was drawn from communities located in Ndhiwa and Homa Bay Town sub-counties in Homa Bay County and Butula and Nambale Sub-counties in Busia County. The study found a strong correlation between awareness and uptake of the malaria vaccine among residents of Busia and Homa Bay, with individuals who have heard about the vaccine being three times more likely to take up the vaccine. The study concluded that awareness plays a role in influencing individuals' intentions and behaviours regarding the vaccine. The study recommends the use of effective communication strategies for promoting the uptake of the vaccine.enThesis