Midwives' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Women: A Nationwide Web-Based Survey in Italy

This cross-sectional survey investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning the COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women among midwives in Italy and the associated factors. Midwives with at least five years of midwifery education and who had received information about the COVID-19 vaccination from official government organizations or scientific journals were more likely to know in which trimester this vaccine can be administered. A higher perceived utility of this vaccination was observed among midwives working in the public sector, in those concerned by being infected by SARS-CoV-2, who have received at least one dose of this vaccination, in those who considered COVID-19 a severe disease for pregnant women and their fetus, and who believed that the vaccination is safe. One-third of the midwives routinely provided information and half recommended this vaccination. Midwives with more years of activity, who received information about the vaccination from official government organizations or scientific journals, those who had never assisted patients with SARS-CoV-2, and those who believed in midwives' role in COVID-19 prevention were more likely to routinely provide information. Participants who perceived a higher utility of this vaccination, those who believed in midwives' role in COVID-19 prevention, those who received information from official government organizations or scientific journals were more likely to routinely provide a recommendation for the vaccine. Midwives' knowledge must be improved for ensuring that they communicate and recommend the vaccination to their patients.

Automated summary

This cross-sectional survey investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning the COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women among midwives in Italy and the associated factors. The results showed that midwives with more education and who received information from official government organizations or scientific journals were more likely to have knowledge about the vaccine. The study also found that the perceived utility of the vaccination, workplace, personal concerns, and beliefs about the severity and safety of COVID-19 were factors influencing midwives' attitudes and practices.