Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Vaccine hesitancy is a serious public health problem that contributes to poor vaccine uptake with associated poor health outcomes among the population. This study assessed the level of hesitancy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among pregnant women in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 104 pregnant women was conducted at a specialist hospital antenatal clinic. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was assessed using a 10-item tool. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 30.3 y (standard deviation 6.3), with 49% ages 25-34 y. Most were married (96.2%), resided in urban areas (84.6%) and were employed (64.4%). About 72% of the participants had more than one child, were healthy (55.8%) and had no family members or friends who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 (70.2%). Overall, about 58% of the participants were hesitant regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Participants' parity, health status, social influence and negative perceptions towards vaccination influenced vaccine hesitancy.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women were likely to be hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccines if they felt their health was good and had a family member who had received a COVID-19 shot. Public health efforts and education campaigns for pregnant women are needed to change their perception patterns to promote vaccination uptake and participation in vaccine trials.