Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Top Concerns in Pregnant Women at a South Texas Clinic [A128]

Abstract

to determine the impact of patients' self-reported COVID-19 knowledge on COVID-19 vaccination rates during pregnancy.METHODS: A total of 359 postpartum patients consented to participate in an institutional review board-approved cross-sectional survey at an urban academic medical center in Miami, Florida between July and September 2021. Participants self-reported their COVID-19 vaccination status and answered questions to assess their general knowledge regarding COVID-19 infection and its impact on pregnancy, as well as knowledge of current guidelines for vaccination in pregnancy and safety of vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Correct responses to each item earned 1 point, while incorrect responses detracted 1 point, yielding knowledge scores ranging from -5 to +5. RESULTS:The mean knowledge score across participants was 1.761.77. Controlling for age and education, a 1-point increase in knowledge score was associated with a 1.6-times increase in the odds of vaccination. There was a monotonic increase in vaccination rates as knowledge score rose (P,.001). CONCLUSION: The strongly positive correlation between knowledge scores and vaccination emphasizes the vital role that knowledge plays in the decision to be vaccinated for gravida individuals. This elucidates the importance of empowering pregnant persons with reputable and accurate information to increase the likelihood of vaccination in this at-risk population.

Social media and COVID‐19 vaccination hesitancy during pregnancy: a mixed methods analysis

“…This may reflect differences in the implicit communication protocol (health forum versus microblogging) or on the people posting (with differences in age, educational and social status possible but not evident in our study) and reactions to other posts. 39 Safety concerns have also been found to be the primary concern in other studies of pregnant people 11,12,14,[40][41][42][43][44] and in the general population. 20,45,46 Emphasis on the speed of development has also been echoed elsewhere, 20,40 as has the lack of data in pregnancy.…”

“…Safety concerns have also been found to be the primary concern in other studies of pregnant people 11,12,14,40–44 and in the general population 20,45,46 . Emphasis on the speed of development has also been echoed elsewhere, 20,40 as has the lack of data in pregnancy 43 .…”

“…Although surveys have been undertaken to assess the acceptability of the COVID vaccine, 10 many of these only include a small number of participants, 11–14 they sought opinion before the vaccine was available 15 or they focused on patient characteristics (such as race) or the data sources used to make their decision 13,16,17 …”

“…As demonstrated by previous vaccination campaigns, uptake can be improved through targeted intervention strategies that address specific barriers. 8,9 Although surveys have been undertaken to assess the acceptability of the COVID vaccine, 10 many of these only include a small number of participants, [11][12][13][14] they sought opinion before the vaccine was available 15 or they focused on patient characteristics (such as race) or the data sources used to make their decision. 13,16,17 Limitations of survey tools include the modulation of feelings/beliefs of the individual, recruitment bias, researcher bias and participant bias.…”

Hesitancy for COVID-19 Vaccines and Its Implications for Routine Immunisation

“…COVID-19 vaccine hesitant pregnant women also reported hesitancy for influenza and Tdap vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy was associated with lack of information to take an informed decision, personal long term side effects, short and long term side effects on the pregnancy, and harmful ingredients in the vaccine [23].…”