COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

The primary purpose of this research was to assess the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Nairobi City County, Kenya, between September 2021 and October 2022. The research utilised mixed methods and focused on 10 out of the 17 sub-counties in Nairobi, chosen through scientific selection. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages were used to summarise demographic data. Inferential statistics such as chi-square, Pearson correlation, t-test, and binary logistic regression were used for further analysis. Several factors were identified as positive contributors to COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Nurses were found to be the most influential people in vaccine uptake due to their interactions with their patients at the antenatal clinics. Pregnant women with a high level of satisfaction with how the Ministry of Health communicated policy changes, those with higher income and those with a higher education level were more likely to get vaccinated. Pregnant women who previously had children and had them vaccinated were more open to COVID-19 vaccination. Pregnant women in the age group 18-23 demonstrated higher receptance to the vaccine. Similarly, traditional media (TV, radios, etc.) and trust in peers both positively played a role in shaping the perceptions of pregnant women towards vaccine uptake. Social media was a source of misinformation, and in addition, pregnant women feared stigma from family members and peers if they took the vaccine. Socio-economic challenges, including low income, lack of transport, unemployment and very long queues, discouraged pregnant women from getting vaccinated. Among the unvaccinated, some chose to use alternative measures, including social distancing, wearing of masks and use of herbal medication, which was viewed as a safer option than the vaccine. The research concluded that there was a significant association between being informed about policy changes, satisfaction with the source of information, employment status, influence of healthcare providers (particularly nurses), confidence and media, prior vaccination of children, fear of stigma and sterilisation and COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Limited access to healthcare services, lack of adequate information, low trust level, low level of education, low income, lack of confidence and inadequate information contributed to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the unvaccinated pregnant women. Misinformation circulating on social media played a significant role in undermining confidence in credible information sources related to the vaccine. The research recommended that training healthcare workers, especially nurses, to deliver consistent and empathetic messaging during antenatal care visits is essential to build trust among pregnant women. The Ministry of Health needs to implement comprehensive community-based campaigns targeting misconceptions and misinformation about COVID-19 vaccination. Government and private institutions should collaborate in improving vaccine accessibility.