Acceptance of the COVID-19 Vaccine Among Postpartum Women in Five Countries

Abstract

Objectives: This study identified factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and willingness to receive the vaccine among postpartum women in the United Kingdom, Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil, and South Korea. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was designed and conducted from July to November 2021. Data from 3,253 women who were up to 6 months postpartum in the United Kingdom, Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil, and South Korea were analyzed. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Approximately 72% of women had received at least one dose of the vaccine with a range from 97.0% in Brazil to 25.2% in South Korea. Among five countries, positive attitudes and beliefs toward the COVID-19 vaccine were associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35, 1.47). Higher education, paid employee status, and urban residence were associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The country-specific analysis results showed that attitudes and beliefs toward the COVID-19 vaccine were a strong predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and willingness to receive it among postpartum women. Conclusion: Positive attitudes and beliefs toward the COVID-19 vaccine and better COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices are important for acceptance of the vaccine in postpartum women. Therefore, there is a need for sufficient and clear communication on the novel vaccine’s safety and efficacy to improve awareness and attitudes among postpartum women.