COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant, lactating, and non-pregnant
women of reproductive age in Turkey: a cross-sectional analytical study
Abstract
Background: Vaccination is a proven method of managing the COVID-19
pandemic and it is essential to prevent negative consequences in
pregnant, lactating, and reproductive-age populations. The study aims to
identify the rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, the reasons for
receiving and not receiving the vaccine, and the associated factors
among pregnant, lactating, and non-pregnant women of reproductive age.
Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted online
in Turkey, at the end of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,
between February-May 2022. A total of 658 participated in the study. The
Question Form and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale were used to collect data.
Results: Vaccine acceptance rates were 91.7% in non-pregnant women of
reproductive age, 77% in lactating women, and 59% in pregnant women
(p<0.05). The highest rate of vaccine hesitancy was observed
in pregnant women (31.3%), and the vaccine rejection rate was the
highest in lactating women (10.2%). For pregnant women (55.5%) and
non-pregnant women of reproductive age (56.4%), the primary reason for
the acceptance of the vaccine had no other choice but to be protected
against the disease, while for lactating women (50.6%), the primary
reason for receiving the vaccine was protecting the baby. Conclusion:
Lack of knowledge about and confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine is still
one of the barriers to vaccine acceptance today. Health care providers
(HCPs) should provide effective counseling to pregnant, lactating, and
non-pregnant reproductive-aged women based on current information and
guidelines.