Understanding Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Among Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak began in December 2019, leading to severe acute respiratory syndrome. By January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and by March 11, 2020, it was classified as a pandemic. Pregnant women were identified as a particularly vulnerable group, facing a heightened risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm delivery, ICU admission, cesarean section, and in some cases, death.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women at AMCH, Roorkee.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at AMCH, Roorkee, involving 196 pregnant women. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, with a sampling frame created by listing pregnant women from each of the seven health institutions at AMCH, Roorkee. Convenience sampling was employed to proportionately select the required sample. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS-20, with bivariate analysis to examine the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and other explanatory variables.

Results

The study found that several factors were associated with the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women. These factors included:

• Perception of the respondent
• Age
• Ethnicity
• Education level
• Occupation
• History of COVID-19 infection
• COVID-19 vaccinations among family members
• Degree of infection risk

Conclusion

The study concluded that various demographic and contextual factors are significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women at AMCH, Roorkee. These findings can guide healthcare professionals and policymakers in developing strategies to improve vaccine acceptance and mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy.