Health Beliefs and the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Case Study of Pregnant Nongwuaso District, Udonthani Province

Abstract

Abstract

          This qualitative research aimed to study the health beliefs of pregnant women towards COVID-19 vaccine and the role of community nurses in empowering pregnant women and their families to receive the vaccine in Nongwuaso district, Udon Thani province. Sample were 55 participants in the study, comprising 26 pregnant women, 26 family members of pregnant women, and 3 healthcare providers specializing in maternal care. Data were collected between November and December 2021 using in-depth interview guidelines, focus group discussions, and non-participatory observation guidelines. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data.

          The results showed that I. Pregnant data devided to 1) the group had received COVID-19 vaccine, average age 18.38 years old, high school graduated 53.85%, average gestational age 21.24 weeks and had experienced risk of COVID-19 infection 84.62% 2) The group had not received COVID-19 vaccine; average age 29.85 years old, Bachelor's degree 38.46%, average gestational age 26.23 weeks and had no experience of COVID-19 infection risk 69.24% II. The health beliefs of pregnant women towards the COVID-19 vaccine could be divided into three dimensions: 1) perception of the risk of getting sick, including the risks of getting infected and the symptoms of the disease. 2) perception of the severity of the disease, including knowledge, awareness, and concerned about the disease and vaccine. 3) perception of the benefits of receiving the vaccine, including the benefits, risks, and decision to receive the vaccine. These three dimensions were found to be different between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, associated with the different levels of information received about COVID-19 disease and COVID-19 vaccines. Unvaccinated pregnant had received less information and joined group empowerment with community nurses at antenatal care clinics and community services about COVID-19 disease and COVID-19 vaccines than vaccinated pregnant women. As a result, they had less concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on themselves and their babies, so they were unlikely to get vaccination. III. Community nurses had important roles in empowering pregnant women and their families to received vaccination. This includes; providing information and building understanding about the benefits of vaccines, promoting pregnant women and their families to make the decision to receive vaccines and follow up after vaccination. These roles can be summarized into four key areas; Assessment, Critical thinking, Empowerment and Sustainability.

          Suggestions from this study. Providing guidance and making decisions regarding vaccination should be done with careful consideration and be worthy, especially for pregnant women. It is important to involve the pregnant women, their spouses, and family in decision-making. Community nurses should play a key role in empowering pregnant women to access comprehensive vaccination services.