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

Introduction. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease and vaccination of pregnant women seems to be the most effective strategy to prevent pertussis in infants. The aim of this study is to assess the acceptance by women of pertussis vaccination during pregnancy based on Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. Methods. A multicentre observational study was carried out with a convenience sample of 300 respondents. Results. Most women were worried to contract or to transmit pertussis during the first months of the infant’s life and perceived pertussis contracted in the first months of life as very serious. Parity appears to be a factor predicting this health behaviour, as nulliparous women tend to get more vaccinated or have a higher intention to get vaccinated (ORa 2.8 CI 95% 1.5-5.2 p<0.01). Discussion and conclusions. HBM is an effective tool for identifying facilitators and barriers to health behaviours. Strategies to promote vaccination during pregnancy are needed, including educational interventions and communication campaigns.