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Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy and the effectiveness of vaccination education in thai patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases ; 26(Supplement 1):39.0, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2232046
ABSTRACT

Background:

Patients with SLE are at high risk of COVID-19 infection due to the disease itself and to steroids and immunosuppressive treatments. COVID-19 vaccine is crucial for reducing the severity and spread of the virus. However, vaccine hesitancy is a significant barrier to infection control. Accurate vaccine information contributes to increased vaccine acceptance. There is a lack of research on vaccine hesitancy and educational interventions in patients with SLE. Objective(s) The current study determines the prevalence and reasons for vaccine hesitancy in patients with SLE. Additionally, we evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions. Method(s) This prospective study enrolled 305 patients with SLE between July and December 2021. The data included demographics, disease activity as measured by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K), and medication. A score of >4 on the SLEDAI-2 K or >3 on the modified SLEDAI-2 K indicated active disease. Each patient completed a vaccination questionnaire before receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. We identified vaccine hesitancy rate and three main concerns regarding efficacy, side effects, and disease interference. Vaccine information was then provided, including the risks and benefits of vaccination following a standardized guideline. During the follow-up, the first vaccination was documented as vaccination acceptance. The factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were investigated using multivariate analysis. A P-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result(s) The majority of patients (94.4%) were female, with an average age of 46.6 years and a disease duration of 13.5 years. A mean period between follow-ups was 18.8 weeks. Half of patients (50.2%) had a low level of education. Only 23% of patients had active disease. Steroids and immunosuppressive treatment were 57.4 and 42.0%, respectively. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was observed in 86 (28.2%) of patients, with 36 (11.8%) refusing vaccination and 50 (16.4%) remaining indecisive. Concerns regarding the vaccination's efficacy were stated by 24.3 percent of all patients, 70.2 percent concerning side effects, and 70.5 percent about the vaccine exacerbating SLE activity. The educational intervention boosted vaccination acceptance from 71.8% to 94.1% in patients who were previously hesitant to vaccination. Low level of education was the only factor associated with vaccine hesitancy (P = 0.018). Conclusion(s) COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is low in Thai patients with SLE. Most individuals are concerned about the vaccine's adverse effects and negative impact on SLE activity. Patients with a low level of education are prone to exhibit vaccine hesitancy. Appropriate vaccine education significantly increases vaccination acceptability.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Cohort study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Topics: Vaccines Language: English Journal: International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases Year: 2023 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Cohort study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Topics: Vaccines Language: English Journal: International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases Year: 2023 Document Type: Article