Factors associated with vaccination intentions and uptake among pregnant women in the UK: A scoping review.
Pregnant women's vaccination decisions are influenced by a variety of factors, including sociodemographic characteristics and personal beliefs, but there is inconsistency between intentions and actual uptake.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the frag 176-191 corpusSummary and findings
This scoping review examined factors influencing vaccination intentions and uptake among pregnant women in the UK. It analyzed both qualitative and quantitative studies, identifying various influences on vaccination decisions. The review included 49 primary studies published between 2010 and 2025.
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to identify factors associated with vaccination decisions among pregnant women in the UK, guided by the SAGE matrix on vaccine hesitancy, and explored differences between qualitative and quantitative findings and between vaccine intentions (attitudes) and actual uptake (behaviors). Embase®, MEDLINE®, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched; rapid review methodologies were applied. From 2,326 records, 49 primary studies were included (published 2010-2025). We identified 222 qualitative factors from 32 studies, and 114 quantitative factors from 30 studies. Qualitative studies frequently reported individual and group influences, particularly beliefs and attitudes about vaccine effectiveness and safety, and the role of healthcare professionals in decision-making. Quantitative studies highlighted sociodemographic influences, including older age, ethnicity, and lower social/economic deprivation. Factors found to be associated with vaccination intention vs. uptake were inconsistent, though these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the modest number of studies addressing this issue.
Background
This paper addresses the clinical question of what factors influence vaccination decisions among pregnant women, a critical area given the implications for maternal and fetal health. Prior research has indicated that vaccine hesitancy can be influenced by various factors, including personal beliefs and sociodemographic characteristics. Understanding these factors is essential for improving vaccination rates in this population.
Methods
The study employed a scoping review design, analyzing data from 2,326 records to include 49 primary studies. The studies were sourced from databases such as Embase®, MEDLINE®, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The review focused on both qualitative and quantitative findings regarding vaccination intentions and actual uptake.
Results
The review identified 222 qualitative factors from 32 studies and 114 quantitative factors from 30 studies. It was noted that qualitative studies often reported influences related to beliefs about vaccine effectiveness and safety, as well as the role of healthcare professionals. Quantitative studies emphasized sociodemographic factors, including older age and ethnicity.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that there are numerous factors influencing vaccination decisions among pregnant women, but the inconsistency between intentions and actual uptake raises questions about the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing vaccination rates. The modest number of studies addressing this issue limits the ability to draw strong conclusions, and the effect sizes of identified factors may not be clinically meaningful.
Key findings
- 222 qualitative factors identified from 32 studies.
- 114 quantitative factors identified from 30 studies.
- Older age, ethnicity, and lower social/economic deprivation were highlighted as sociodemographic influences.
Limitations
- Modest number of studies addressing intention vs. uptake.
- Potential biases in qualitative reporting.
- Limited longitudinal data on vaccination behaviors.