Mariam Dvalishvili1, Darejan Mesxishvili2, Maia Butsashvili3, George Kamkamidze4, Deborah McFarland5, Robert A Bednarczyk6. 1. Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: mdvalis@emory.edu. 2. School of Public Health, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia. Electronic address: daremesxi@yahoo.com. 3. School of Public Health, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union, Tbilisi, Georgia. Electronic address: maiabutsashvili@gmail.com. 4. School of Public Health, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union, Tbilisi, Georgia. Electronic address: georgekamkamidze@gmail.com. 5. Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: dmcfarl@emory.edu. 6. Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: rbednar@emory.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To document knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Georgian obstetrician-gynecologists concerning influenza infection and vaccination during pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of obstetrician-gynecologists in 8 cities in the country of Georgian, from June to July, 2015, using an anonymous, self-administered, written survey. Collected data included demographics; knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to influenza vaccination during pregnancy; perceptions of influenza infection in pregnancy; perceived barriers to influenza vaccination during pregnancy; and willingness to receive education about influenza infection and vaccination during pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 278 obstetrician-gynecologists completed surveys. Most physicians perceived influenza to be a serious infectious disease (88%) and that pregnant women are more susceptible to it than the general population. Only 43% of physicians reported recommending influenza vaccination during pregnancy; 18% reported vaccinating any pregnant patients during the last influenza season. Most (75%) physicians reported a perception that there is insufficient evidence supporting influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Most (93%) were receptive to receiving additional education on maternal vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Georgian physicians are hesitant to vaccinate pregnant women, but are receptive to education about maternal vaccination. Future educational outreach to Georgian physicians could reduce concerns about maternal vaccination, potentially increasing influenza vaccination among pregnant Georgian women.
OBJECTIVE: To document knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Georgian obstetrician-gynecologists concerning influenza infection and vaccination during pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of obstetrician-gynecologists in 8 cities in the country of Georgian, from June to July, 2015, using an anonymous, self-administered, written survey. Collected data included demographics; knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to influenza vaccination during pregnancy; perceptions of influenza infection in pregnancy; perceived barriers to influenza vaccination during pregnancy; and willingness to receive education about influenza infection and vaccination during pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 278 obstetrician-gynecologists completed surveys. Most physicians perceived influenza to be a serious infectious disease (88%) and that pregnant women are more susceptible to it than the general population. Only 43% of physicians reported recommending influenza vaccination during pregnancy; 18% reported vaccinating any pregnant patients during the last influenza season. Most (75%) physicians reported a perception that there is insufficient evidence supporting influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Most (93%) were receptive to receiving additional education on maternal vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Georgian physicians are hesitant to vaccinate pregnant women, but are receptive to education about maternal vaccination. Future educational outreach to Georgian physicians could reduce concerns about maternal vaccination, potentially increasing influenza vaccination among pregnant Georgian women.
Authors: Giorgi Chakhunashvili; Abram L Wagner; Laura E Power; Cara B Janusz; Ann Machablishvili; Irakli Karseladze; Olgha Tarkhan-Mouravi; Khatuna Zakhashvili; Paata Imnadze; Gregory C Gray; Benjamin Anderson; Matthew L Boulton Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-07-30 Impact factor: 3.240