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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Subjective Norms Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant Women in Kenya: An Online Cross-Sectional Pilot Study Using WhatsApp

Author

Listed:
  • Sylvia Ayieko

    (Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Walter Jaoko

    (Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 19676, Nairobi 00202, Kenya
    KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi 00202, Kenya)

  • Rose Okoyo Opiyo

    (Department of Public and Global Health, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi 00202, Kenya)

  • Elkanah Omenge Orang’o

    (Department of Reproductive Health, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, Eldoret 30100, Kenya)

  • Sarah E. Messiah

    (Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
    Center for Pediatric Population Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
    Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Kimberly Baker

    (Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Christine Markham

    (Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been recommended, but the perceptions related to uptake remain unexplored. This pilot study aimed to explore how perceptions influence COVID-19 vaccine uptake among a sample of 115 pregnant women in Kenya, recruited via WhatsApp. Data were collected using an adapted online questionnaire between May and October 2022. Logistic analyses assessed the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination uptake and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) constructs: attitudes and subjective norms. COVID-19 vaccination coverage was 73%, with vaccine hesitancy estimated at 41.4% among the unvaccinated group. Most participants had completed college education and had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines. There was no significant effect of enrollment in WhatsApp pregnancy groups on attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Pregnant women were concerned about vaccine effectiveness (31.1%), and almost one-half (47.3%) were discouraged from receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Positive attitudes towards vaccination were associated with COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 2.81; 95% CI 1.12–7.04; p = 0.027), but no significant relationship was found between COVID-19 vaccination and strong subjective norms (influences to get COVID-19 vaccines). Our findings suggest that strategies to improve vaccination should consider targeting attitudes and proximal social networks (friends/family) to facilitate vaccination decision-making. WhatsApp can be used for research distribution and enhance the dissemination of accurate information.

Suggested Citation

  • Sylvia Ayieko & Walter Jaoko & Rose Okoyo Opiyo & Elkanah Omenge Orang’o & Sarah E. Messiah & Kimberly Baker & Christine Markham, 2024. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Subjective Norms Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant Women in Kenya: An Online Cross-Sectional Pilot Study Using WhatsApp," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:1:p:98-:d:1320063
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