Using the Health Belief Model to Identify Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among a Sample of Pregnant Women in the U.S.: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The aim of the study was to identify factors that predict acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women. Using the Health Belief Model, the authors administered a cross-sectional survey of pregnant and postpartum women in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 227 women agreed to participate and completed the entire survey. Over half (59%) the participants had received the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of the study. Perceived barriers to vaccination (p < 0.001) and perceived benefits (p < 0.001) to vaccination were statistically significant predictors of vaccination. Trust in healthcare providers was also statistically predictive of vaccination (p = 0.001). Binary regression results were statistically significant (chi 2(9) = 79.90, p < 0.001), suggesting that perceived benefits, barriers, severity, and susceptibility scores had a statistically significant effect on the odds of a participant being vaccinated. Results indicate a need for increased patient education regarding COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, including the benefits of vaccination for mother and fetus.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women. The findings suggest that perceived benefits and barriers to vaccination, as well as trust in healthcare providers, are important predictors of vaccination. Additionally, the study highlights the need for increased patient education regarding COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, emphasizing the benefits for both mother and fetus.