1 research outputs found
Intention to accept pertussis vaccine among pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan
Background: Maternal immunization against pertussis is a potential strategy to protect young infants from severe disease. We assessed factors associated with intention to accept pertussis vaccination among pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between May and August 2013 in pregnant women who visited healthcare centers in urban slums of Karachi city. Women completed a survey examining socio-demographic factors, vaccination history, knowledge on pertussis disease, perception of vaccine recommendation sources, and potential influences on vaccine decision-making.Results: Of the 283 participants, 259 (92%) provided their intention to either accept or decline pertussis vaccination. Eighty-three percent women were willing to accept the pertussis vaccine if offered during pregnancy. About half (53%) of the participants had ever heard of pertussis disease. Perceptions of pertussis vaccine efficacy, safety, and disease susceptibility were strongly associated with intention to accept pertussis vaccine (p \u3c 0.01). Healthcare providers, Ministry of Health, and mass media were considered as highly reliable sources of vaccine recommendation and associated with intention to accept antenatal pertussis vaccination (p \u3c 0.001). Healthcare provider recommendation was a common reason cited by respondents for pregnant women to accept antenatal pertussis vaccination (p = 0.0005). However, opinion of primary decision-makers in the family (husbands and in-laws) was a crucial reason cited by respondents for pregnant women to reject pertussis vaccination in pregnancy (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Antenatal pertussis vaccination initiatives in South Asia should strongly consider inclusion of family members, healthcare providers, national health ministries, and mass media to help implement new vaccination programs