Determination of the Vaccination Hesitations and Vaccination Behaviors of the Pregnant Women

Abstract

Objective: Vaccination during pregnancy is important for both maternal and fetal/newborn health. The aim of this study was to examine the vaccination behaviors and levels of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive study involved 518 pregnant women. Data were collected between March and May 2022, utilizing demographic information form and the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS). Results: The mean VHS score was found to be 31.92±4.68. The rate of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women was determined to be 31.5%. The mean score for lack of confidence was 25.63±4.10, while the mean score for perceived risks was 6.29±1.50. Pregnant women who received information about vaccination during pregnancy from healthcare professionals had higher mean scores on the VHS, as well as on the lack of confidence and perceived risks sub-dimensions, compared to those who did not receive such information (p<.05). Of the pregnant women, 86.3% had received/were planning to receive tetanus vaccine, at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine had been received by 61.8% before pregnancy and by 11.8% during pregnancy, and 37.5% had received/were planning to receive hepatitis B vaccine.The vaccine hesitancy of pregnant women who had received the COVID-19 vaccine before pregnancy, as well as those who had received or were planning to receive the tetanus and hepatitis B vaccines during pregnancy, was lower compared to those who had not received these vaccines(p<.05). Conclusions: As the vaccine hesitancy of pregnant women increased, their vaccination decreased. Healthcare providers catering to pregnant individuals should assess and address hesitancy, ensuring timely vaccinations.