Childhood vaccinations: A pilot study on knowledge, attitudes and vaccine hesitancy in pregnant women

Abstract

Background: The objective of this pilot study was to test a questionnaire aimed at assessing knowledge of and attitudes towards vaccination, as well as intention to vaccinate, among pregnant women. Methods: The questionnaire was self-administered by 49 pregnant women attending antenatal classes at three Family Centers in Rome. A descriptive analysis of data was performed. Results: Poor knowledge of vaccinations, inadequate attention from healthcare professionals, recurrent consultation of unreliable sources of information, misconceptions about the side effects of vaccines, high level of vaccine hesitancy were found. Where appropriate, questionnaire sections were shown to be internally consistent. Conclusion: The questionnaire proved reliable and is suitable for further studies.