Knowledge, Attitude, and Barriers of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Pregnant Women Visiting Primary Healthcare Centers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Seasonal influenza presents a heightened risk to pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. Yet, the influenza vaccination rate among this group is low. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers towards seasonal influenza vaccination among pregnant women in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, 276 pregnant women from primary healthcare centers in Qassim were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. The instrument gathered information regarding socio-demographic details, knowledge about, attitudes towards, and barriers against influenza vaccination. Data was analyzed using SPSS Software. Although a high level of vaccine awareness (95.7%) was observed among participants, the vaccination uptake (34%) was low. There were considerable variations in the median knowledge and attitude scores across different socio-demographic groups. Individuals with higher education, living in urban areas, and working in healthcare showed better levels of knowledge and more positive attitudes towards vaccination. The primary barriers to immunization included concerns regarding potential side effects and uncertainties regarding the importance of vaccines. The study demonstrates a significant disparity between awareness and actual vaccination among pregnant women in Qassim. Bridging this gap requires public health education to address misconceptions and implement communication strategies customized to socio-demographic characteristics. Training healthcare professionals in communication skills could also play a vital role in increasing vaccine uptake. Further research is recommended to devise effective interventions for increasing influenza vaccine uptake.