Assessing determinants of the intention to accept a pertussis cocooning vaccination: A survey among healthcare workers in maternity and paediatric care

Objective: To assess the intention to accept a pertussis cocooning vaccination and to examine the determinants that influence this intention among healthcare workers (HCWs) in maternity and paediatric care. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Maternity assistants, midwives, and paediatric nurses in the Netherlands. Methods: We developed a 123-item questionnaire based on a literature review and the Reasoned Action Approach (a social cognitive model of behaviour). We used the questionnaire to explore the determinants of intention to accept pertussis cocooning vaccination among the HCW groups. We also assessed the behavioural beliefs underlying HCWs' attitudes towards pertussis cocooning. We used correlation and regression analyses to assess univariate and multivariate associations in the study variables. Results: Altogether, 486 maternity assistants, 320 midwives, and 200 paediatric nurses completed the questionnaire; 45%-63% reported their intentions to accept pertussis vaccination. Attitude, anticipated affect regarding non-acceptance, and decisional uncertainty were uniquely associated with the intention to accept a pertussis vaccination. The respondents' attitude towards pertussis cocooning vaccination was further explained by their general vaccination beliefs, agreement with a policy advice to vaccinate HCWs, the perceived cost-benefit ratio, and the perceived personal responsibility to prevent pertussis in patients. Conclusion: About half of the participating HCWs reported their intentions to accept a pertussis cocooning vaccination. Attitude, anticipated affect regarding non-acceptance, and decisional uncertainty came forward as the most important determinants of intention. This study helps build the evidence base describing the determinants of the intention to accept a pertussis cocooning vaccination among HCWs.