Health Belief Model efficacy in explaining and predicting intention or uptake influenza vaccination during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The influenza vaccination is a priority during pregnancy due to infection-related-outcomes. The study aim is to assess the acceptance by women of influenza vaccination during pregnancy based on Health Belief Model (HBM). METHODS: A multicentre observational study was carried out with a convenience sample of 300 respondents. RESULTS: Most women (53.7%) declared that they worried to contract influenza during pregnancy and 80.7% of them agreed that there is a risk of contracting influenza during the first months of life. Vaccine benefits (adjOR 4.3 CI 95% 1.7-10.9 p <0.01), information on vaccination (adjOR 2.6 CI 95% 1.2-5.5 p <0.01) and trust in guidelines (adjOR 3.5 CI 95% 1.6-7.3 p <0.01) are some factors associated with intent/vaccination during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: HBM confirms its effectiveness in explaining/predicting health behaviours. It is necessary to create trust in the vaccinations through an integrated work of health professionals to set up training programs and to provide effective health communication.