Influenza Vaccination Rates and Related Factors in Patients with Chronic Heart Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: Patients with chronic heart disease (CHD) have been defined in many guidelines as one of the priority groups for influenza vaccination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate influenza vaccination rates and related factors in patients with CHD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted between May and August 2019. The questionnaire investigated socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination status in the 2018-19 influenza season, whether the influenza vaccine had been recommended, and vaccine acceptance or refusal reasons. Results: Of the 389 CHD patients participating in the study, 62.21% were male, and 45.24% were aged ≥65. The influenza vaccine uptake rate was 11.31%. Advanced age, vaccination recommendation by a physician, family members living with CHD patients having been previously vaccinated, emergency hospitalization for heart disease or respiratory disease, and knowing that the influenza vaccine was free of charge were factors that increased vaccination acceptance. Conclusion: The influenza vaccination rate among the CHD patients in this study was well below the expected level. The influenza vaccine not being recommended or not sufficiently encouraged, especially by physicians or other healthcare workers, seems to represent the greatest obstacle to influenza vaccination among CHD patients. © 2022 Ankara Medical Journal.All right reserved.