Impact of COVID-19 Knowledge on COVID-19 Vaccination Rates During Pregnancy

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Immunization against SARS-COV-2 protects pregnant persons from severe COVID-19 illness. Pregnant individuals are less likely (19.2%) to be vaccinated against COVID-19 than their non-gravidas counterparts (69.6%). This disparity may be attributed to a lack of knowledge regarding the risks of SARS-COV-2 infection in pregnancy and the benefits and safety of vaccination. This study aims to determine the impact of patients' self-reported COVID-19 knowledge on COVID-19 vaccination rates during pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 359 postpartum patients consented to participate in an institutional review board-approved cross-sectional survey at an urban academic medical center in Miami, Florida between July and September 2021. Participants self-reported their COVID-19 vaccination status and answered questions to assess their general knowledge regarding COVID-19 infection and its impact on pregnancy, as well as knowledge of current guidelines for vaccination in pregnancy and safety of vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Correct responses to each item earned 1 point, while incorrect responses detracted 1 point, yielding knowledge scores ranging from -5 to +5. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score across participants was 1.7±1.77. Controlling for age and education, a 1-point increase in knowledge score was associated with a 1.6-times increase in the odds of vaccination. There was a monotonic increase in vaccination rates as knowledge score rose (P<.001). CONCLUSION: The strongly positive correlation between knowledge scores and vaccination emphasizes the vital role that knowledge plays in the decision to be vaccinated for gravida individuals. This elucidates the importance of empowering pregnant persons with reputable and accurate information to increase the likelihood of vaccination in this at-risk population.