Appraisal of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance in the Romanian Pregnant Population

Abstract

Widespread COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and minimizing the risk of novel variants arising in the general population, especially in pregnant women. According to the publicly available research data, vaccination intentions vary significantly by country, with Romania among the European countries with the lowest vaccination rates. Thus, we sought to determine the scale of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign among pregnant women in Romania, as well as the variables affecting their choices. A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women referred to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Timisoara Municipal Emergency Hospital in Romania, where participants were asked to complete an online survey including standardized and unstandardized questionnaires indicating their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and the reasons for their willingness. Out of the 500 women who were requested to participate, there was a total of 345 validated questionnaires, with 184 vaccinated and 161 unvaccinated pregnant women. The statistically significant determinant factors for COVID-19 vaccination acceptance were the urban area of residence (OR = 0.86), having a higher level of education (OR = 0.81), the third trimester of pregnancy (OR = 0.54), trusting the government (OR = 0.83), being a frequent traveler (OR = 0.76), fearing the severity of COVID-19 (OR = 0.68), the higher availability of COVID-19 vaccines nearby (OR = 0.87), and seeing more people getting vaccinated (OR = 0.75). As there are no increased risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 immunization in pregnant women, the variables identified in this research are crucial in determining the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines that should be addressed in this vulnerable group to increase vaccination rates.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and social media on the behaviour of pregnant and lactating women towards vaccination: a scoping review

“…Compared with non-pregnant women (63.0%), significantly more pregnant women (78.1%) answered ‘yes’ to the question if they trusted social media rumours 47. In a survey conducted a few months later, Romanian unvaccinated pregnant women (44.7%) were significantly more likely to select social media as a trustworthy decision-making factor compared with vaccinated pregnant women (25.0%) 48…”

“… 47 In a survey conducted a few months later, Romanian unvaccinated pregnant women (44.7%) were significantly more likely to select social media as a trustworthy decision-making factor compared with vaccinated pregnant women (25.0%). 48 …”

“…Demographic factors associated with better COVID-19 vaccine willingness are a higher level of education,22 23 32 33 36 38–40 42 43 45 48 49 being employed,31 32 40 49 having a higher income,22 24 33 42 43 47 48 older age,22–25 32 33 36 39 42 45 being in the third trimester of gestation,23 26 37 45 48 multiparity36 45 and living in an urban area 43 47–49. Other demographic factors linked to COVID-19 vaccine willingness are race and ethnicity 24 29 31 39 41 49.…”

“…47 In a survey conducted a few months later, Romanian unvaccinated pregnant women (44.7%) were significantly more likely to select social media as a trustworthy decision-making factor compared with vaccinated pregnant women (25.0%). 48 A social media campaign called 'One Vax Two Lives' was set up in Washington to encourage the spread of scientifically based information about the risks of COVID-19 and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. The campaign reached a lot of people through ads on Facebook and Instagram, but the number of visitors to the informative website linked to the project remained rather low.…”

The Predictive Role of Maternal Biological Markers and Inflammatory Scores NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, and SIRI for the Risk of Preterm Delivery

“…The inflammatory scores were calculated as follows [ 24 ]: “NLR = absolute neutrophil count (ANC)/absolute lymphocyte count (ALC); derived Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (dNLR) = ANC/(WBC − ANC); MLR = absolute monocyte count divided/ALC; PLR = absolute platelet count (APC)/ALC; Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) = (ANC × APC)/ALC; systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) = (ANC × AMC)/ALC”. Laboratory values were randomly measured during the second trimester of pregnancy (13 to 26 weeks of gestation) or the third trimester of pregnancy (from 27 weeks of gestation until the moment of birth [ 25 , 26 ]. The study variables considered for statistical analysis comprised the following: demographic features and medical history (age, body mass index, number of pregnancies, number of births, number of comorbidities, urinary tract infections during pregnancy, history of pregnancy loss, history of abortion, SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pregnancy period, COVID-19 vaccination status, smoking status), and laboratory analysis (trimester of analysis, white blood cells, lymphocyte count, neutrophils, monocyte count, platelet count, hemoglobin, NLR, dNLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI).…”