Knowledge, attitudes and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women in Mbeya Region

COVID-19 has caused about 580 million cases and 6.4 million deaths worldwide by August 8 ^th , 2022, including 8.7 million cases (173,063 deaths) in Africa. East Africa reported 1.39 million cases on July, 2022. Tanzania confirmed 37,865 cases and 841 deaths by 8 ^th August 2022. Although billions of vaccine doses administered globally, just 17.6% of Tanzanians are fully vaccinated. Symptomatic pregnant women face a mortality risk that is 70% higher than in non-pregnant women.. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women in the Mbeya region. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of MZRH. Three scores were calculated for participants’ knowledge, attitude, and acceptance to COVID-19 vaccination. These scores were compared to many sample factors using binary logistic regression and the chi-square test. The study recruited 233 participants. Most participants (31.3%) relied on social media for Covid-19 vaccine information. Poor Covid-19 vaccine knowledge (71.2%), negative attitudes (76.8%), and low acceptance rate (38.6%) were observed. Multivariate analysis showed that greater acceptance was positively associated with having a chronic illness (AOR = 3.21, CI 1.448-7.123, P = 0.004), stronger vaccine attitudes (AOR = 1.26, CI 1.149-1.368, P = 0.015), better vaccine knowledge (AOR = 2.70, CI 2.587-2.810, P = 0.005), and prior vaccination history (AOR = 0.13, CI 0.068-0.183, P = 0.000). Conversely, preference for natural immunity (AOR = 0.42, CI 0.341-0.498, P = 0.018), and not yet being vaccinated (AOR = 0.67, CI 0.594-0.755, P = 0.000) were all linked to lower acceptance. Pregnant women exhibited low knowledge, attitude, and acceptance to COVID-19 vaccines. Misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine causes pause. Education on COVID-19 vaccination is needed to enhance vaccine uptake among pregnant women. This group must comprehend COVID-19 immunization importance, safety, and efficacy.