Frequency and Affecting Factors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Patients with Diabetes

Abstract

Aim: While vaccines are the most important strategy in combating the COVID-19 epidemic, their effectiveness can be greatly affected by vaccine hesitancy. Diabetes mellitus is known as an immunecompromised condition, and COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. For this reason, the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for diabetic patients. This study investigated the social, demographic, and clinical factors affecting vaccination frequency and vaccine hesitancy in diabetics. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to determine the demographic, social, and individual characteristics of the participants who were vaccinated or unvaccinated. Patients with diabetes mellitus and having the physical and mental capacity to answer the pre-prepared questions by face-to-face survey method according to the order of admission were included. There were two groups of participants: those who received the COVID-19 vaccination (Group 1=180) and those who did not (Group 2=26). Results: The frequency of vaccination was 87.4%. A comparison of the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups did not show any significant differences in terms of gender, age, type, and duration of diabetes, smoking, insulin use, marital and educational status, living place, history of COVID-19, family members with COVID-19, and relatives who died due to COVID-19. Influenza vaccination rates were also significantly lower in the unvaccinated group than in the vaccinated group (7.7% vs. 26.1%, p=0.047). Conclusions: Although the COVID-19 vaccination rates of our diabetic patients were higher than the general provincial rate, they were the same as in Türkiye, regardless of demographic, social, and individual characteristics. As evidenced by the COVID-19 experience, additional information and support regarding vaccination- preventable diseases could raise the rate of other recommended vaccinations among diabetic patients.

Keywords

• COVID-19 vaccine
• diabetes mellitus
• vaccine hesitancy

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