Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant Women in the Health District of Thies, Senegal

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted global health systems, and vaccination remains a critical strategy to mitigate its effects. However, vaccination rates among pregnant women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, remain understudied. This study aimed to identify factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in the Thies health district, Senegal. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 736 pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities in Thies. They were then exhaustively recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using R software. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with vaccination. Results: Participants had a mean age of 28.36 ±6.7 years, with most being married (88.0%), educated (79.1%), and lacking income-generating activities (66.1%). Awareness of COVID-19 vaccination was reported by 67.0%, yet only 28.5% expressed confidence in the vaccines. While 76.4% believed in the importance and usefulness of vaccination, 58.0% perceived it as risky. Vaccine coverage was 54.2%. Factors significantly associated with vaccination included advanced age, decision-making autonomy (AOR=4.24), knowledge of vaccines (AOR=15.3), and perceptions of the vaccine’s importance (AOR=3.26) and usefulness (AOR=2.98). However, perceived risk of vaccination was also associated with uptake (AOR=4.50). Conclusion: Improving COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women requires tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps, decision-making autonomy, and risk perceptions. These findings highlight the importance of context-specific strategies to enhance vaccine acceptance and coverage in similar settings.