Perceived Risk of SARS-CoV-2 at the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent Vaccination Attitudes in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases: A Longitudinal Analysis.
J Clin Rheumatol
; 28(4): 190-195, 2022 Jun 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1650163
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
In a cohort assembled at the start of the pandemic in New York City, objectives of this longitudinal study were to ascertain whether perspectives about SARS-CoV-2 risks obtained at enrollment were associated with clinical course and vaccination intent obtained at follow-up with the advent of vaccines.METHODS:
Patients with diverse rheumatologist-diagnosed diseases taking immunosuppressive medications were interviewed in April 2020 during the height of mortality-associated COVID-19 in New York City and were asked whether they perceived greater infection risk due to rheumatic diseases/medications. Patients were interviewed again when vaccines became available and asked about flares, medication changes, disease activity during the pandemic, and current disease status. They also reported SARS-CoV-2 testing, vaccination intent, and vaccination concerns.RESULTS:
Ninety-six patients had follow-ups (January-March 2021; 83% women; mean age, 50 years). At enrollment, 53%/57% perceived much greater infection risk from autoimmune disease/medications; at follow-up, patients reported flares (63%), greater/unpredictable disease activity (40%), and more medications (44%). Current disease was excellent/very good/good (73%) and fair/poor (27%). Enrollment perspectives were not associated with follow-up status. Seventy percent had SARS-CoV-2 testing. Twenty-three percent would not/were hesitant about vaccination. In multivariable analysis, younger age, concern about effects on rheumatic disease, and distrusting vaccine information were main reasons for not intending/hesitancy to be vaccinated. Eighty-six percent did not report rheumatologists as sources of vaccine information.CONCLUSIONS:
Clinical status at follow-up and vaccination intent were not associated with perceived SARS-CoV-2 risk at the start of the pandemic. Concern about vaccine effects on rheumatic disease and distrust in vaccine information deterred patients from vaccination.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
/
Rheumatic Diseases
/
Vaccination
/
COVID-19 Vaccines
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
J Clin Rheumatol
Journal subject:
Physiology
/
Orthopedics
/
Rheumatology
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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