Introduction: Contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of severe maternal and fetal complications. Mass vaccination is considered a promising solution to successfully combat the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes vaccinating of pregnant and breastfeeding women. The success of a vaccine is determined not only by its efficacy, but also by its acceptability. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the acceptability and reluctance of pregnant and breastfeeding women to receive COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from March 2022-beginning to June 2022-end. Using an online self-administered questionnaire with a convenience sampling technique, we assessed women for pregnancy, gravidity, parity, high-risk pregnancy, trimester of pregnancy, and current or planned breastfeeding. Furthermore, we assessed patients with preexisting chronic illnesses. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic data and items drawn from Goncu Ayhan et al, including vaccination history, perception of risk related to the COVID-19 pandemic, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and acceptance and attitude toward future COVID-19 vaccination.

Results: A total of 854 women (615 pregnant and 192 breastfeeding women) were included. Predictors of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance were found in women with a high level of education, those who lived with an elderly family member, and had close contact with a COVID-19-positive person. The reasons for declining vaccination included COVID-19 diagnosis during pregnancy and concerns about side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 503 (58.9%) women believed that COVID-19 vaccines had the potential to harm their babies. Only 415 (48.6%) agreed they would take the COVID-19 vaccine if it were recommended for pregnant women.

Conclusion: Pregnant and breastfeeding women fear COVID-19 vaccination due to safety concerns for their babies. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance varies among pregnant and breastfeeding women, regardless of whether they receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our study underlines the importance of public education campaigns to improve the overall quality of information on COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9707376PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S387169DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

pregnant breastfeeding
24
breastfeeding women
24
covid-19 vaccination
20
covid-19
16
covid-19 pandemic
12
covid-19 vaccine
12
women
10
pregnant
8
vaccination
8
cross-sectional study
8

Similar Publications

Neurovascular unit impairment in iron deficiency anemia.

Neuroscience

December 2024

Departamento de Neurobiología y Neuropatología, IIBCE, MEC, Montevideo, Uruguay. Electronic address:

Iron is one of the crucial elements for CNS development and function and its deficiency (ID) is the most common worldwide nutrient deficit in the world. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women and infants is a worldwide health problem due to its high prevalence and its irreversible long-lasting effects on brain development. Even with iron supplementation, IDA during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding can result in irreversible cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Maternal mental health is vital to overall well-being, particularly among expectant and postpartum Black and Latina women who experience higher stress levels and mental health challenges. Traditional healthcare systems often fail to meet these needs, underscoring the need for innovative and accessible interventions. NurtureVR, a digital maternal mental health and educational program, leverages virtual reality to offer mindfulness, relaxation, and guided imagery to support these women.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Early identification of gestational diabetes mellitus is essential for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. While risk factors such as advanced maternal age, elevated pre-pregnancy body mass index, multiparity, and a history of gestational diabetes have been recognized, the role of serum biomarkers remains uncertain. This study explores the predictive value of early-pregnancy laboratory findings in conjunction with maternal demographic and clinical characteristics for gestational diabetes mellitus.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of supplementary feeding with Chinese herbal mixtures on perinatal sows, focusing on their reproductive performance, immunity and breast milk quality. Sixty healthy pregnant sows (Large white, 4 parities) were randomly allocated into five treatment groups ( = 12 per group): the control group received a basal diet, the TRT1 group received a basal diet supplemented with 2 kg/t Bazhen powder (BZP), while the TRT2, TRT3, and TRT4 groups received a basal diet supplemented with 1 kg/t, 2 kg/t, and 3 kg/t Qi-Zhu-Gui-Shao soothing liver and replenishing blood powder (QZGSP), respectively. The trial lasted for a duration of 5 weeks, commencing from day 100 of gestation and concluding on day 21 postpartum.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: With the COVID-19 emergency, the provision of healthcare had to be reorganized. Community Health Services for Families of Trieste adopted new methods to ensure continuity of care and the maintenance of the Standards and Good Practices of the Baby Friendly Initiative of UNICEF for the Birth Care Pathway. The aim of the study was to identify the perceived needs of women, couples, caregivers, and health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate new healthcare strategies, identifying weaknesses and strengths, and future developments.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!