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ABSTRACT: Background
Maternal immunization has prevented millions of child deaths globally; nevertheless, incomplete vaccination remains a public health concern in South Africa, where almost half of child deaths occur during neonatal period. This study explored the knowledge and attitudes inhibiting vaccine acceptancy during pregnancy.Methods
Key informant and semi-structured interviews were conducted with pregnant women receiving antenatal care at community clinics, antenatal care staff, women enrolled in maternal immunization trials, community leaders and non-pregnant women residing in Soweto. Focus Group Discussions were also held with the mothers and husbands/partners of the pregnant women (n = 55).Results
The study established good knowledge, a positive attitude and high acceptability of maternal immunization among pregnant women, non-pregnant women, antenatal staff as well as church and community leaders. Men were the least positive about maternal immunization. Aside from antenatal staff, there was poor knowledge regarding the types of vaccinations administered and the health benefits of immunization across all the study groups. Reasons adduced for poor knowledge about the types of vaccinations include lack of communication on maternal immunization during antenatal sessions or clinic visits and power dynamics that tend to exist between healthcare workers and patients.Conclusion
Ensuring that healthcare workers provide useful information on immunization during antenatal visits as well as include men in education sessions regarding the benefit of vaccination may increase patients' confidence and immunization uptake.
SUBMITTER: Godongwana M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7851332 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Godongwana Motlatso M Myburgh Nellie N Adedini Sunday A SA Cutland Clare C Radebe Nomasonto N
Heliyon 20210130 1
<h4>Background</h4>Maternal immunization has prevented millions of child deaths globally; nevertheless, incomplete vaccination remains a public health concern in South Africa, where almost half of child deaths occur during neonatal period. This study explored the knowledge and attitudes inhibiting vaccine acceptancy during pregnancy.<h4>Methods</h4>Key informant and semi-structured interviews were conducted with pregnant women receiving antenatal care at community clinics, antenatal care staff, ...[more]