KNOWLEDGE, ACCEPTANCE AND CONCERNS REGARDING COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ON THE EAST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: ACROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
- Author:
Nik Rafiza Afendi
1
;
Farhana Abu Hanifah
2
;
Noor Adibah Hanum Che Hashim
2
;
Ahmad Amir Ismail
2
;
Erinna Mohamad Zon
2
;
Rahimah Abd Rahim
2
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: COVID-19; Pregnant women; Vaccination acceptance; Knowledge; vaccination concerns
- From:Malaysian Family Physician 2024;19(1):1-11
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: KNOWLEDGE, ACCEPTANCE AND CONCERNS REGARDING COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ON THE EAST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: ACROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY:Introduction: This prospective cross-sectional study, conducted from 1 April 2022 to 31 October 2022, aimed to assess the knowledge, acceptance and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women visiting the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methods: The study included all pregnant women aged ≥18 years. Sociodemographic data, information related to COVID-19 and vaccination and information on the knowledge, acceptance and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination were collected using a validated questionnaire. Results: Out of 420 eligible pregnant women, 412 participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 98.1%. Of the respondents, 97.1% had received a COVID-19 vaccine, while 2.9% had not. Approximately 85.2% demonstrated a good understanding of COVID-19 vaccination. Among those vaccinated, 76.8% based their decision on recommendations from healthcare providers or the Ministry of Health. Among those unvaccinated, 91.7% believed that COVID-19 vaccines could harm their pregnancy and baby. Although 51% of the respondents expressed concerns about vaccine safety, 202 still chose to be vaccinated, indicating a willingness to prioritise their health despite apprehensions. Conclusion: The study found no significant link between acceptance and good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination. However, income and prior COVID-19 booster vaccination were strongly associated with acceptance. Despite safety concerns, 97.1% of the respondents had received a COVID-19 vaccine. This emphasises the importance of providing comprehensive information and addressing concerns to support informed decision-making among pregnant women. Healthcare providers play a vital role in guiding them through this crucial decision-making process.
- Full text:2026090911213190480Knowledge, acceptance and concerns regarding.pdf
