Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccines in an International Sample of Pregnant Women

Background: There has been an unprecedented global effort to produce safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19. In less than a year, several pharmaceutical companies and research organizations have developed vaccines that effectively bring about an immune response. However, COVID-19 vaccines have not been accepted by a large percentage of the general population, especially among those excluded from the clinical trials of potential vaccines, such as pregnant women. The current study was aimed to identify predictors of vaccine acceptance in an international sample of pregnant women. Methods: In 2020, data were collected from pregnant women via an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey. The survey was hosted on the Pregistry platform for COVID-19 studies and was advertised through a variety of social media platforms and parenting forums in 16 countries. Data related to demographics and likelihood of accepting a COVID-19 vaccine were collected. Results: In total, 5,356 women were included in the study. Vaccine acceptance increased as perceived vaccine efficacy increased. If the vaccine was found to be 90% effective, 30% of our sample indicated that they would be ‘very likely’ to get vaccinated, 11% ‘fairly likely’ and 12% ‘somewhat likely’. Ten percent of respondents felt that they were ‘very well informed’ about COVID-19 vaccines, while 8% were ‘very confident’ that these vaccines are safe and/or effective. Over 50% held the opinion that vaccination was ‘very important’ for their country and that the majority of the population should be vaccinated. In a multivariate model, being a college graduate (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.35), >30 years of age (OR: 1.11, CI: 1.00-1.23), and residing in Africa (OR: 2.37, CI: 1.52-3.73), Asia (OR: 3.63, CI: 2.96-4.48), Europe (OR: 1.17, CI: 1.03-1.33), and South America (OR: 2.22, CI: 1.92-2.58) were associated with increased vaccine acceptance. White Hispanic, Asian, Black/ Black Hispanic, and Hispanic participants had increased odds of accepting the vaccine compared with those who self-identified as White; however, when stratified by region, this increase only held in North America for Hispanic participants. Conclusion: Only half of our international sample of pregnant women indicated that they would be ‘somewhat likely’, ‘fairly likely’, or ‘very likely’ to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Acceptance differed by region, race and ethnicity, age, and education. This fairly low acceptance suggests a need for public health campaigns that can increase confidence among pregnant women.

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Social Media Platforms for Health Communication and Research in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Survey in Uganda

10.1101/2020.04.30.20086553 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ronald Olum ◽

Felix Bongomin

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Response Rate ◽

Perceived Usefulness ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Public Health Campaigns

ABSTRACTObjectives(1) To examine the usage of social media and other forms of media among medical students (MS) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Uganda. (2) To assess the perceived usefulness of social media and other forms of media for COVID-19 public health campaigns.DesignA descriptive WhatsApp messenger-based cross-sectional survey in April 2020.SettingMakerere University Teaching Hospitals (MUTH) and 9 of the 10 medical schools in Uganda.ParticipantsHCPs at MUTH and MS in the 9 medical schools in Uganda.Main outcome measuresWe collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, sources of information on COVID-19, preferences of social media platform and perceived usefulness of the different media platforms for acquisition of knowledge on COVID-19.ResultOverall, response rate was 21.5% for both MS and HCPs. In total, 877 (HCPS [136, 15.5%], MS [741, 85.5%]) were studied. Majority (n=555, 63.3%) were male with a median age of 24 (range: 18-66) years. Social media was a source of information for 665 (75.8%) participants. Usage was similar among MS and HCPs (565/741 (76.2%) vs. 100/136 (73.5%), p=0.5). Among the MS, commonly used social media were: WhatsApp (n=705, 95.1%) Facebook (n=405, 54.8%), Twitter (n=290, 39.1%), Instagram (n=178, 24.0) and Telegram (n=80, 10.8%). Except for WhatsApp, male MS we more likely to use the other social media platforms (p= <0.001 − 0.01). Mass media (television and radio) and social media were preferred the most useful tools for dissemination of COVID-19 related information.ConclusionMore than two-thirds of MS and HCPs are routinely using social media in Uganda. Social media platforms may be used for dissemination of information as well as a research tool among MS and HCPs. Social media alongside other media platforms can also be used as sources of reliable information on COVID-19 as well as for dissemination of research findings and guidelines.Strengths and limitationsThis is the first study in sub Saharan Africa on the use of social media for research during the COVID-19 pandemic.The study also explores perceived usefulness of different media for COVID-19 public health campaigns.Diversity of the participants consisting both healthcare professionals and medical students.A relatively large sample size was enrolled in the survey despite a low response rate.

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Conditionality of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in European countries

10.1101/2021.06.24.21259453 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Leonardo w Heyerdahl ◽

Muriel Vray ◽

Benedetta Lana ◽

Nastassia Tvardik ◽

Nina Gobat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Preventive Measure ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Public Health Campaigns

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in recent months offers a powerful preventive measure that may help control SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Nevertheless, long-standing public hesitation around vaccines has heightened public health concerns that vaccine coverage may not achieve desired public health impacts.This cross-sectional survey was conducted online in December 2020 among 7000 respondents (aged 18 to 65) in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. The survey included open text boxes for fuller explanation of responses. Projected COVID-19 vaccine coverage varied and may not be sufficiently high among certain populations to achieve herd immunity. Overall, 56.9% would accept a COVID-19 vaccine, 19.0% would not, and 24.1% did not know or preferred not to say. By country, between 44% (France) and 66% (Italy) of respondents would accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Respondents expressed conditionality in open responses, voicing concerns about vaccine safety and mistrust of authorities. Public health campaigns must tackle these safety concerns.

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Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Ghana

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research ◽

10.52403/ijhsr.20220124 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 175-187

Author(s):

Sumani Abdul-Manan ◽

Alhassan Iddrisu Abdullai ◽

Buhari Gunu Yussif

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

P Value ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Social Media Platforms

Background: A proven strategy for saving lives from vaccine-preventable diseases is the timely vaccination of the people. In Ghana, there is considerable hesitation about the Covid-19 vaccines due to anxieties and uncertainties about their safety. With varying perceptions and believes being developed about Covid-19 vaccines, there is a likely negative effect on vaccine acceptance or otherwise. This study aims to ascertain the levels of acceptance of potential Covid-19 vaccine among Ghanaian adults, to identify predictors of vaccine acceptance or hesitance. Methodology: A web based cross-sectional survey conducted among Ghanaians above 18 years, conducted between the month of February and March, 2021. Data were collected by administering online google forms (Questionnaire). The questionnaire was shared through social media platforms. A snowball sampling technique was used where researchers shared google forms to close friends and family. Analyses were conducted at p-value <0.05 using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and logistic regression. Results: A total of 350 responses were achieved by end of data collection. Out of these, only 348 were considered for analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Majority of the respondents (65.2%) were male, a third (30%) of them live in rural areas and about 57.5% were married. Factors such as age, educational level, prior vaccine acceptance history, personal vulnerability and self-feeling of health were significantly associated with covid-19 vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The results depict low acceptance rate for potential covid-19 vaccine among Ghanaians. Government and MoH should engage the media on its role in combating misinformation with regards the Covid-19 vaccine. Key words: coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), vaccine, hesitance, acceptance.

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Evaluation of community pharmacists’ readiness to implement the Falsified Medicines Directive (Directive 2011/62/EC): an English cross-sectional survey with geospatial analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033405 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. e033405 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ravina Barrett

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Falsified Medicines ◽

Ethical Approval ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Public Health Campaigns

ObjectivesTo evaluate the readiness to implement the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) by community pharmacies in England. Eight secondary objectives were assessed.SettingCommunity/retail pharmacies.ParticipantsWe invited pharmacists from 501 pharmacies to complete a survey. Non-contractors, non-pharmacists or pharmacists practising abroad were excluded. We randomly selected addresses, ensuring that they were nationally representative.InterventionsWe mailed the survey in October 2018 with a single follow-up in January 2019. Respondents were invited to provide self-reported answers. A prepaid self-addressed envelope was provided. We received favourable ethical approval.Results102 responses (20.44% response rate) were received. Readiness to implement was poor: 4 (3.9%) said very much, while 40 (39.2%) said not at all and 29 (28.4%) said not really. Increased workload and reduced profitability were anticipated, accompanied with improved patient safety. Prevalence of ‘substandard and falsified (SF) medical products’ was estimated at 1%–5%, with erectile dysfunction at greatest risk of falsification. Different packaging would raise suspicions. Five (4.9%) had identified SFs (p<0.001 one-sample binomial test). Of these, three (2.9%) informed the medicines agency. None had been involved in any public health campaigns. Confidence and self-efficacy was low. Strategies to reduce SFs reaching the public are described. Pharmacist’s role in combating SFs was elucidated. SFs were identified in deprived areas 4 (9%) more often than in affluent areas 1 (2%).ConclusionsMany pharmacies are not ready to implement FMD, potentially not capturing anticipated benefits of the directive, with greatest risk of harm in deprived area. We further validated a confidence scale. Limited public health campaigns may result in a lack of awareness among pharmacy professionals and patients. Limited awareness of technologies to identify falsified medicines exist, though further training is welcome. A worrying trend of under-reporting maybe prevalent. A larger sample study using this survey would be valuable.

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The PROMISES study: a mixed methods approach to explore the acceptability of salivary progesterone testing for preterm birth risk among pregnant women and trained frontline healthcare workers in rural India

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040268 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e040268

Author(s):

Danielle Ashworth ◽

Pankhuri Sharma ◽

Sergio A Silverio ◽

Simi Khan ◽

Nishtha Kathuria ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Preterm Birth ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Rural India ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Framework Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Thematic Framework

IntroductionIndia has an overall neonatal mortality rate of 28/1000 live births, with higher rates in rural India. Approximately 3.5 million pregnancies in India are affected by preterm birth (PTB) annually and contribute to approximately a quarter of PTBs globally. Embedded within the PROMISES study (which aims to validate a low-cost salivary progesterone test for early detection of PTB risk), we present a mixed methods explanatory sequential feasibility substudy of the salivary progesterone test.MethodsA pretraining and post-training questionnaire to assess Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) (n=201) knowledge and experience of PTB and salivary progesterone sampling was analysed using the McNemar test. Descriptive statistics for a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women (n=400) are presented in which the acceptability of this test for pregnant women is assessed. Structured interviews were undertaken with ASHAs (n=10) and pregnant women (n=9), and were analysed using thematic framework analysis to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the use of this test in rural India.ResultsBefore training, ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB (including risk factors, causes, postnatal support and testing) was very limited. After the training programme, there was a significant improvement in the ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB. All 400 women reported the salivary test was acceptable with the majority finding it easy but not quick or better than drawing blood. For the qualitative aspects of the study, analysis of interview data with ASHAs and women, our thematic framework comprised of three main areas: implementation of intervention; networks of influence and access to healthcare. Qualitative data were stratified and presented as barriers and facilitators.ConclusionThis study suggests support for ongoing investigations validating PTB testing using salivary progesterone in rural settings.

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31. Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Survey of the Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes of Mexican Gynecologists and Family Physicians

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.076 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S39-S39

Author(s):

Erika Z Lopatynsky-Reyes ◽

Sue Ann Costa-Clemens ◽

Enrique Chacon-Cruz ◽

Michael Greenberg

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Latin American ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Family Physicians ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Beliefs And Attitudes ◽

In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Influenza in pregnancy is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Influenza vaccines are both safe and effective in pregnancy, supporting routine use in this population. Even though influenza vaccination in Mexico is recommended for pregnant women, there are no publications of influenza vaccine coverage in pregnancy. This is the first Latin American survey done only in physicians aiming to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes that Mexican Obstetrics-Gynecologists (OBG) and Family Physicians (FP) have towards influenza and influenza immunization during pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted, both paper-based and online. The questionnaire was composed of 35 questions, which addressed general knowledge of influenza, recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy, and beliefs and attitudes concerning the acceptability of the vaccine in pregnant women. Results A total of 206 completed surveys were available, 98 (47.6%) from OBG, 108 (52.4%) from FP. Regarding current practicing medical institutions, 76 (37%), 69 (34%), 31 (14.5%), 30 (14.5%) reported working for the Mexican Institute of Social Security, Private Sector, Secretariat of Health, or a combination of all respectively, representing an estimated 2,472 daily pregnancy consultations. About a quarter (26.2%) reported not having a notion that influenza is more severe among pregnant women. More than half (51.5%) ignored the potential side effects of influenza infection on the fetus. The majority (56.8%) did not know when vaccination during pregnancy should occur. Pregnancy as a risk factor for developing influenza complications was known only in 48.1%. Also, 46.1 % believed that vaccination only confers protection to the mother, but not to the fetus. Nevertheless, 96.1% considered that immunization against influenza during pregnancy is a safe and effective preventive intervention. A results’ summary is shown in Figure-1. Conclusion Based on this survey, current knowledge of OBG and FP for influenza morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, and the importance of influenza vaccination in pregnant women, is poor. Mandatory recommendations to educate medical providers regarding influenza vaccination during pregnancy in Mexico are necessary, even as imperative for CME credits. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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Maternal adherence to micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in Northwest China: a large-scale population-based cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028843 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. e028843 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Danmeng Liu ◽

Yue Cheng ◽

Shaonong Dang ◽

Duolao Wang ◽

Yaling Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Large Scale ◽

Northwest China ◽

Population Based ◽

Shaanxi Province ◽

Micronutrient Supplementation ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Start Time ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Scale Population

ObjectivesTo report the situation of maternal micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in Northwest China and to examine the rates of and factors related to the adherence to micronutrient supplementation among pregnant women in this region, where dietary micronutrient intake is commonly insufficient.DesignA large-scale population-based cross-sectional survey.SettingTwenty counties and ten districts of Shaanxi Province.ParticipantsA sample of 30 027 women were selected using a stratified multistage random sampling method. A total of 28 678 women were chosen for the final analysis after excluding those who did not provide clear information about nutritional supplementation before and during pregnancy.Main outcome measuresMaternal adherence to micronutrient supplementation (high and low) were the outcomes. They were determined by the start time and duration of use according to Chinese guidelines (for folic acid (FA) supplements) and WHO recommendations (for iron, calcium and multiple-micronutrient (MMN) supplements).ResultsIn total, 83.9% of women took at least one kind of micronutrient supplement before or during pregnancy. FA (67.6%) and calcium (57.5%) were the primarily used micronutrient supplements; few participants used MMN (14.0%) or iron (5.4%). Adherence to supplementation of all micronutrients was low (7.4% for FA, 0.6% for iron, 11.7% for calcium and 2.7% for MMN). Higher educational levels, higher income levels, urban residence and better antenatal care (including pregnancy consultation and a higher frequency of antenatal visits) were associated with high adherence to micronutrient supplementation.ConclusionMaternal micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in Northwest China was way below standards recommended by the Chinese guidelines or WHO. Targeted health education and future nutritional guidelines are suggested to improve this situation, especially in pregnant women with disadvantaged sociodemographic conditions.

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Utilization of key preventive measures for pregnancy complications and malaria among women in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-7727-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mariame Ouedraogo ◽

Jaameeta Kurji ◽

Lakew Abebe ◽

Ronald Labonté ◽

Sudhakar Morankar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Malaria Infection ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Health Sector ◽

Maternal Health Services ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Wealth Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Jimma Zone

Abstract Background In Ethiopia, malaria infections and other complications during pregnancy contribute to the high burden of maternal morbidity and mortality. Preventive measures are available, however little is known about the factors influencing the uptake of maternal health services and interventions by pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods We analyzed data from a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2016 in three rural districts of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia, with 3784 women who had a pregnancy outcome in the year preceding the survey. We used multivariable logistic regression models accounting for clustering to identify the determinants of antenatal care (ANC) attendance and insecticide-treated net (ITN) ownership and use, and the prevalence and predictors of malaria infection among pregnant women. Results Eighty-four percent of interviewed women reported receiving at least one ANC visit during their last pregnancy, while 47% reported attending four or more ANC visits. Common reasons for not attending ANC included women’s lack of awareness of its importance (48%), distance to health facility (23%) and unavailability of transportation (14%). Important determinants of ANC attendance included higher education level and wealth status, woman’s ability to make healthcare decisions, and pregnancy intendedness. An estimated 48% of women reported owning an ITN during their last pregnancy. Of these, 55% reported to have always slept under it during their last pregnancy. Analysis revealed that the odds of owning and using ITNs were respectively 2.07 (95% CI: 1.62–2.63) and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.32–2.27) times higher among women who attended at least one ANC visit. The self-reported prevalence of malaria infection during pregnancy was low (1.4%) across the three districts. We found that young, uneducated, and unemployed women presented higher odds of malaria infection during their last pregnancy. Conclusion ANC and ITN uptake during pregnancy in Jimma Zone fall below the respective targets of 95 and 90% set in the Ethiopian Health Sector Transformation Plan for 2020, suggesting that more intensive programmatic efforts still need to be directed towards improving access to these health services. Reaching ANC non-users and ITN ownership and use as part of ANC services could be emphasized to address these gaps.

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Dengue vaccine acceptance and associated factors in Indonesia: A community-based cross-sectional survey in Aceh

Vaccine ◽

10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.05.026 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (32) ◽

pp. 3670-3675 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Harapan Harapan ◽

Samsul Anwar ◽

Abdul Malik Setiawan ◽

R. Tedjo Sasmono

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Dengue Vaccine ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance

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Faculty Use of Author Identifiers and Researcher Networking Tools

College & Research Libraries ◽

10.5860/crl.78.2.16580 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 78 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Clara Y. Tran ◽

Jennifer A. Lyon

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Research Impact ◽

State University ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Low Levels ◽

Use Of Social Media ◽

Research Networking ◽

Faculty Surveys

This cross-sectional survey focused on faculty use and knowledge of author identifiers and researcher networking systems, and professional use of social media, at a large state university. Results from 296 completed faculty surveys representing all disciplines (9.3% response rate) show low levels of awareness and variable resource preferences. The most utilized author identifier was ORCID while ResearchGate, LinkedIn, and Google Scholar were the top profiling systems. Faculty also reported some professional use of social media platforms. The survey data will be utilized to improve library services and develop intra-institutional collaborations in scholarly communication, research networking, and research impact.

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