Sanftenberg L, Keppeler S, Heithorst N, Dreischulte T, Roos M, Sckopke P, Bühner M, Gensichen J. Psychological Determinants of Vaccination Readiness against COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza of the Chronically Ill in Primary Care in Germany-A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Vaccines (Basel) 2023;
11:1795. [PMID:
38140199 PMCID:
PMC10747451 DOI:
10.3390/vaccines11121795]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines against COVID-19 and influenza are highly recommended for the chronically ill. They often suffer from co-morbid mental health issues. This cross-sectional observational study analyzes the associations between depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (OASIS) with vaccination readiness (5C) against COVID-19 and influenza in chronically ill adults in primary care in Germany. Sociodemographic data, social activity (LSNS), patient activation measure (PAM), and the doctor/patient relationship (PRA) are examined as well. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed-effects regression models are calculated. We compare data from n = 795 study participants. The symptoms of depression are negatively associated with confidence in COVID-19 vaccines (p = 0.010) and positively associated with constraints to get vaccinated against COVID-19 (p = 0.041). There are no significant associations between symptoms of depression and vaccination readiness against influenza. Self-reported symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder seem not to be associated with vaccination readiness. To address confidence in COVID-19 vaccines among the chronically ill, targeted educational interventions should be elaborated to consider mental health issues like depression. As general practitioners play a key role in the development of a good doctor/patient relationship, they should be trained in patient-centered communication. Furthermore, a standardized implementation of digital vaccination management systems might improve immunization rates in primary care.
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