Hesitancy towards a COVID-19 vaccine among midwives in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional web-based survey

INTRODUCTION: One of the most significant barriers to social immunization, which is critical in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, is vaccine hesitancy or rejection. The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptance, hesitancy and barriers to COVID-19 vaccines among midwives in Turkey. METHODS: A total of 806 midwives participated in the cross-sectional study, which was conducted online from November 2020 to January 2021. The data were collected by using an Introductory Information Form, Anti-Vaccination Scale - Short Form, and Attitudes to the COVID-19 Vaccine Scale. RESULTS: In all, 17.2% of the midwives in the study had a history of COVID-19 infection, which was confirmed by a PCR test; 69% were exposed to COVID-19 patients; 36.8% had a person diagnosed with COVID-19 with PCR in their family; and 18.1% had a relative die due to COVID-19. In the study, 16.8% of midwives considered getting the COVID-19 vaccine, while the majority (48.8%) stated they would get the vaccine once vaccine safety was established, while 10.5% stated that they did not wish to receive the vaccine. Insufficient phase studies of COVID-19 vaccine studies (75.6%) and insufficient control due to imported COVID-19 vaccines developed (48.1%) were among the most important determinants of COVID-19 vaccine reluctance. CONCLUSIONS: The potential acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccines by the study midwives was found to be low. The knowledge, confidence and attitude of midwives toward vaccines are important determinants of patients’ vaccine acceptance and recommendation.