COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Women's Reproductive Health Concerns

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Women's Health

Background:

• COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health challenge.
• Understanding specific concerns, particularly among women regarding reproductive health, is vital for effective vaccine strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify sociodemographic factors and reproductive health concerns associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in adult females.
• To explore the relationship between vaccine hesitancy and worries about vaccine effects on gynecological and menstrual health.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 617 adult females.
• Data collected included demographics, Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) scores, vaccination timing, medical and gynecologic history, and menstrual cycle changes.
• Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon rank-sum, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and linear regression.

Main Results:

• Women without a college degree exhibited higher VHS scores and delayed vaccination post-eligibility (P < 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively).
• Significantly higher VHS scores were observed in women concerned about adverse reproductive health effects (P < 0.001).
• Women not using hormonal contraception were more likely to report delayed cycles post-vaccination compared to users (P = 0.018).

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in women is associated with concerns about reproductive health impacts and lower educational attainment.
• The findings underscore the need to integrate comprehensive reproductive health information into vaccine development and communication strategies to improve uptake.