Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about influenza vaccination among pregnant women in Kuwait: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Maternal influenza vaccination (MIV) is the most effective measure of preventing severe influenza-related complications in pregnant women. However, there is limited knowledge about MIV uptake in Kuwait. This study aimed to assess pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding MIV uptake and provision in Kuwait. A cross-sectional, hospital-based study using a self-administered electronic questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) Tailoring Immunization Programmes (TIP FLU) questionnaire was conducted among 272 pregnant and recently delivered women attending governmental maternity hospitals and antenatal clinics in Kuwait between October 2022 and January 2023. Only 22 participants (8.1%) reported receiving MIV during their current or most recent pregnancy. Although most participants recognised that influenza infection could have serious consequences during pregnancy, only 8% met the predefined threshold for adequate knowledge regarding MIV. Healthcare professionals demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of influenza infection than participants from other professions ( p = 0.012), while younger participants had significantly greater knowledge of MIV ( p = 0.023). No significant associations were identified between participant characteristics and MIV uptake. Participants recognised healthcare provider recommendation as an important factor influencing vaccination decisions, although many reported not receiving such a recommendation during pregnancy. Knowledge of maternal influenza vaccination and vaccine uptake were low among pregnant women in Kuwait. These findings highlight opportunities to strengthen antenatal education and encourage healthcare providers to consistently discuss and recommend maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Further studies with larger samples are needed to identify independent predictors of vaccine uptake.