Gloria Chijiogor Okeke¹, Ifesinachi Kevin Okeke¹, Aloysius Obinna Ikwuka^2,, Francis Chigozie Udeh²

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 threatened the normal existence of humans with its associated health implications, and COVID-19 vaccine development served as the rescue. With the recommendation for women to get vaccinated during pregnancy, the response to vaccination particularly against COVID-19 disease varies widely in parts of Nigeria. Objective: The objective was to study COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and the challenges of accepting the COVID-19 vaccine amongst pregnant women in Adena, North-Central Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total sample of two hundred and thirty (230) respondents was incorporated into this study. Biodata and questions relating to the research objectives were retrieved using a well-structured questionnaire. Chi-square technique () of SPSS version 23 statistical software was used to analyze the data. The Chi-square test was used for the comparative analysis of the socio-demographic data with respect to acceptance and challenges of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst pregnant women, and to test the research hypotheses at a significant level of p<0.05. Results: Mean age of the women was 29.3±6.14 years, while mean parity was 2.3±1.6. Among the respondents, 12% had no formal education, and 59.1% were Muslims. 133 (57.8%) confirmed they would accept the vaccine. The major challenges were fear of the side effects on the fetus and insufficient time for feedback on the side effects and efficiency of the vaccine. The hypotheses tested showed there was no significant difference in the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women in Adena based on their educational qualification (p=3.22221E-11) and religion (p=0.23), but there was a significant difference based on age (p=0.001473). There exists no significant difference in the challenges of pregnant women in Adena to COVID-19 vaccination based on their educational qualification (p=6.28578E-05) and religion (p=0.1463), but a significant difference was observed based on their age (p=0.00043). Conclusion: There is a need for sensitization of the general public on COVID-19 and any related viral infections. A national surveillance system should be in place to compile clinical and epidemiological data on trends in human infections. Finally, updated information from recognized international organizations like WHO should be regularly obtained, studied and utilized.

COVID-19, vaccination, pregnancy, acceptance, challenges, pandemic