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Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention to Receive the Pertussis Vaccine in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review
Franciszek Ługowski1, Julia Babińska1, Aleksandra Urban1
1II Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
Insights
Maternal pertussis vaccination knowledge varies globally, with awareness and willingness to vaccinate remaining insufficient in many pregnant populations. Educational interventions are needed to improve understanding and uptake of the pertussis vaccine for infant protection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Public Health
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough) is a serious global respiratory infection, particularly dangerous for infants, with increasing incidence.
- Maternal vaccination against pertussis is recommended to protect newborns, as it transfers immunity to the infant.
- Understanding pregnant women's knowledge and vaccine hesitancy is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically assess pregnant women's knowledge of pertussis and its vaccine.
- To evaluate pregnant women's willingness to receive the pertussis vaccine.
- To identify key factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in the obstetric population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted across major databases (Web of Science, Embase, Scopus).
- Studies published between January 2014 and July 2024 were included to capture recent evidence.
- 11 studies were analyzed from an initial screening of 955 articles.
Main Results:
- Awareness of pertussis infection ranged widely, from 5% to 95.9% across different populations.
- Willingness to receive the pertussis vaccine varied significantly, from 11.2% to 94.8%.
- Factors influencing vaccination decisions included perceived safety, effectiveness, fear of side effects, and healthcare provider recommendations.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge and acceptance of the pertussis vaccine among pregnant women are inconsistent globally.
- Even in populations with high reported awareness, specific knowledge about pertussis immunization during pregnancy may be lacking.
- Further research into educational interventions is recommended to enhance awareness and promote pertussis immunization in pregnant women for neonatal protection.
Abstract:
Background: Pertussis is a respiratory infection that represents a significant threat worldwide, especially for infants. The global incidence of pertussis is on the rise, with 20-40 million cases occurring every year. Maternal vaccination offers protection to newborns and, therefore, is recommended by numerous healthcare organizations. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the level of knowledge regarding pertussis and the pertussis vaccine, as well as the willingness to receive the vaccine among pregnant women, and identify the most significant reasons for vaccine hesitancy among the obstetric population. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases between 1 April 2024, and 31 July 2024. Our search strategy aimed to identify studies published from 1 January 2014 to July 2024 in order to capture a decade's worth of the most recent evidence and updates in maternal pertussis vaccination. Results: We screened 955 articles altogether, with 11 studies included in the analysis. The general awareness of pertussis infection prior to participation in the study varied from 5% in a study performed in Turkey to 95.9% in the Norwegian population. Moreover, the willingness to receive the vaccine ranged from 11.2% in the Turkish population to 94.8% in the Netherlands. Several statistically important factors affecting the decision have been identified, such as belief in safety and effectiveness, fear of adverse reactions, or healthcare professional recommendation. Conclusions: The general awareness regarding pertussis vaccine in pregnant women differs significantly depending on the population studied. However, it remains unsatisfactory even in populations with a high declared level of knowledge if asked specific questions. Presented results may indicate the need for studies on the efficacy of educational interventions for raising awareness about the meaning of pertussis immunization during pregnancy and preventing infection among neonates.
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