IMPACT OF MATERNAL ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS ABOUT  VACCINATION ON NEWBORN IMMUNITY: A PROSPECTIVE  COHORT STUDY

Dr Zulfiqar Ali Khan; Dr Shumaila Khawaja Khail; Dr Humaira Naz

Authors

Dr Zulfiqar Ali Khan Author
Dr Shumaila Khawaja Khail Author
Dr Humaira Naz Author

Keywords:

meternal attitudes, Vaccination beliefs, Newborn immunity, Antibody levels, Vaccine-preventable diseases,, Immunization rates, Public health

Abstract

This prospective cohort study examines the impact of maternal attitudes and beliefs about vaccination on newborn immunity at Swat Medical College and Allied Teaching Hospitals from 2022 to June 2024. A total of 300 pregnant women were recruited and their
vaccination beliefs assessed using a structured questionnaire. Newborn immunity was evaluated by measuring antibody levels against key vaccine-preventable diseases at 6 months of age. The study found that positive maternal attitudes towards vaccination were
significantly associated with higher antibody levels in newborns (p < 0.01). Additionally, factors such as maternal education, previous vaccination experiences, and exposure to vaccination information positively influenced maternal attitudes. These findings highlight
the critical role of maternal beliefs in shaping newborn immunity and underscore the importance of targeted educational interventions to promote vaccination awareness among expectant mothers. This research provides valuable insights for public health
strategies aimed at improving immunization rates and enhancing newborn health outcomes