Home⇛Mindoro Journal of Social Sciences and Development Studies (MJSSDS)⇛vol. 2 no. 1 (2025)

Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating women in SAMARICA District, Occidental Mindoro: A health belief model perspective

Arnold Jann L Cariaso | Artemio Gonzales

Discipline: Community Nursing

 

Abstract:

COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for public health, yet hesitancy persists among specific populations, including pregnant and lactating women. This study aimed to determine the willingness of pregnant and lactating women in SAMARICA District, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and identify factors influencing their attitudes. This is an analytical cross-sectional study design using Health Belief Model survey interview. The total of 82 pregnant and lactating women from SAMARICA district in Occidental Mindoro were included through convenience sampling. Data were collected on demographics, perceived health status, vaccine information sources, and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. Results shows that government trust (r=.492; p value=.000); perceived severity (r=.384; p value=.000); perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccination (r=.522; p value=.000); perceived barriers of COVDI-19 vaccination (r=.364; p value=.001) were positively correlated with the respondents’ cues to action. Rural residence was also associated with higher vaccination intention. While overall vaccination intention was high, targeted interventions are necessary to address remaining hesitancy among this vulnerable population. Strengthening health communication campaigns and addressing specific concerns regarding vaccine safety during pregnancy and lactation are crucial for improving COVID-19 vaccine uptake.



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