Knowledge and Acceptability of the COVID-19 Vaccine Among Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Korea, and Factors Affecting Its Recommendation in the Pregnant Population
10.21896/jksmch.2022.26.4.245
- Author:
Bo Yun CHOI
1
;
Heesu YOON
;
Won Joon SEONG
;
Geum Joon CHO
;
Sunghun NA
;
Young Mi JUNG
;
Hyun Sun KO
;
Joong Shin PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Maternal and Child Health
2022;26(4):245-253
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Purpose:To analyze the overall knowledge and attitude of healthcare providers regarding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and factors affecting these opinions in Korea.
Methods:We conducted a nationwide survey study of obstetricians and gynecologists registered in the Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The knowledge, attitude, and factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women were investigated.
Results:Among 258 participants, 182 (70.5%) answered that they recommended COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women, while 76 (29.5%) answered that they did not. The administrative district of the physician's healthcare center and knowledge regarding adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine were factors affecting opinions on vaccine recommendation. Physicians working in metropolitan cities were 7.3 times more likely to recommend COVID-19 vaccination to pregnant women than those working in Seoul. Physicians aware of the COVID-19 vaccine safety profiles in pregnant women were 25.36 times more likely to recommend vaccines than those who were not. A significantly higher proportion of the recommended group provided vaccine information to pregnant women compared to the nonrecommended group and also recommended booster shot vaccination. Guidelines from academic societies (70.9%) and from government and public centers (64.8%) were important factors in the recommendation group, while additional study results (57.1%) were important factors in the nonrecommendation group. This information will be useful for future reference regarding vaccine recommendations.
Conclusion:Providing guidelines and recent data regarding COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant populations to healthcare providers will promote obstetricians and gynecologists to recommend vaccination to pregnant patients and will thereby contribute to achieving herd immunity in Korea.