Pregnant women with higher health literacy tend to be less hesitant about vaccines, targeted training by community health professionals could improve awareness and access to accurate information.
A study posted in BMC Women's Health explored how health literacy influences vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women, aiming to improve both understanding of their health and vaccination rates.
This cross-sectional study conducted by Kubra Cetin and Seda Cangol Sogut involved 230 pregnant women. The data was gathered online via the Anti-Vaccination Scale (VHS), and the Health Literacy Scale (HLS).
Pregnant women had an average VHS score of 55.53 ± 10.15 and an HLS score of 98.57 ± 21.48. Health literacy was linked to sociodemographic and obstetric factors, while vaccine hesitancy was influenced by educational background, economic status, residence, and family dynamics. Pregnant women influenced by TV, radio or the internet had higher anti-vaccine mindsets.
A negative correlation was found between vaccine hesitation and health literacy among expectant women. Despite a moderate level of vaccine hesitancy, health literacy was generally adequate. To enhance vaccination rates, it is recommended that targeted education and counselling be provided to improve health literacy among pregnant women.
BMC Women's Health
The relationship between vaccine hesitancy and health literacy in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study
Kubra Cetin, Seda Cangol Sogut
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