Background: Diabetes mellitus is a significant public health problem due to its rising prevalence. Even though diabetic patients are immunologically vulnerable to developing all types of microbial infections, vaccination coverage rates remain low. This study aims to estimate influenza, pneumococcus, and hepatitis B vaccine coverage rates and their motivators and barriers among diabetic patients admitted to King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH).
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 diabetic patients of both types admitted to KAUH between January and June 2019. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire from previous research, consisting of 32 questions, and conducted through telephone surveys and personal interviews.
Results: The prevalence of influenza, pneumococcus, and hepatitis B vaccine uptake was 32.3%, 3.2%, and 10.6%, respectively. The most common motivator for vaccinated patients was healthcare providers advice. Unexpectedly, the most common barrier among non-vaccinated patients was the absence of specific healthcare providers particular recommendations.
Conclusion: The prevalence of patients who received all three vaccines was 1.17%, which is very low. Implementing Saudi guidelines for vaccine uptake among people with diabetes and the adherence to these guidelines in daily healthcare practice will boost the vaccine coverage rate. Results from studies comparing the hospitalization rates among those diabetic patients who are vaccinated as compared to those who are non-vaccinated should be used as evidence on the cost-effective value of vaccination.
Key words: Influenza, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage
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