Knowledge, myths and acceptability of covid-19 vaccination among expectant women attending out- patient department of the private and public sector hospitals

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted to explore pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 237 pregnant women were included from January 2021 till December 2021. After enrolment in the hospitals and before antenatal checkup all patients sent for COVID-19 vaccinations, those who had reservations regarding vaccination in pregnancy and willing to participate and share their knowledge were included. Data was collected using a pre-designed structured proforma. There were 84 pregnant women (35.4%) from rural residences, 67.1% with middle socioeconomic status, 84.8% were literate, 83.5% with 1 -3 antenatal visits, 46.8% with 21 – 26 weeks of gestational age, the mean gestational age of samples was 21.7 weeks. The source of information regarding hazards of COVID vaccine during pregnancy, there were 35 (44.3%) reported family, 24 (30.4%) reported friends, 15 (19%) reported healthcare providers and 5 (6.3%) reported media as the main source of information regarding hazards of COVID vaccine in pregnancy. Most of the expectant ladies who has misconceptions and were worried about birth defects and long-term effects on babies, the safety and prevention of COVID infection by the vaccine had information from the family.