Attitude of Pregnant Women for Covid-19 Vaccination

Abstract

Objective: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) Vaccination is critical approach in restricting the COVID-19 epidemic in order to curb infections and diminishseverity of illnessparticularly among most vulnerable group such as pregnant women. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the attitude of women in pregnancy toward COVID-19 vaccination. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the outpatient Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. The duration of the study was about 6 months from October 2021 to March 2022. A total of 325 pregnant women having pregnancy of after 14 weeks and before 34 weeks, who were physically and mentally fit with no past history of acute or chronic systemic disorder were included in the study. For quantitative variables mean and standard deviation was recorded and for qualitative variables frequency and percentages were reported. Results: The study results showed thatthe mean age of the participants was 28.92 ± 5.18 years, mean parity was 2.61±1.80, and mean gravidity was 3.66±1.86. When asked about their intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, 167(51.4%) participants indicated fear of pregnancy complication while 158(48.6%) had no fear. 170(52.3%) participants showed fear of complication related to baby. About 65(20.0%) were concerned about safety of vaccine. Most of the participants 290(89.2%) agreed that isolation methods and social distancing are not enough. 235(72.3%) believed that COVID-19 vaccine can protect from the infection only 90(27.7%) participants did not believe on effectiveness of vaccine. Conclusion: This study concluded that despite the low educational level of pregnant women, most of the participants showed positive attitude and willing to be vaccinated. However, majority pregnant women had fear of detrimental effects for the fetus and mother that were two major concerns among pregnant women when considering COVID-19 vaccination