Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Flu Vaccination in Hemodialysis Patients

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cardiovascular complications among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward cardiovascular complications among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

METHODS

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital between December 2022, and May 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 545 valid questionnaires were collected, with an average age of 57.72 ± 13.47 years. The mean knowledge, attitudes and practices scores were 8.17 ± 2.9 (possible range: 0-24), 37.63 ± 3.80 (possible range: 10-50), 33.07 ± 6.10 (possible range: 10-50) respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients from non-urban area had lower knowledge compared to those from urban area (odds ratio (OR) = 0.411, 95% CI: 0.262-0.644, P < 0.001). Furthermore, higher levels of education were associated with better knowledge, as indicated by OR for college and above (OR = 4.858, 95% CI: 2.483-9.504), high school/vocational school (OR = 3.457, 95% CI: 1.930-6.192), junior high school (OR = 3.300, 95% CI: 1.945-5.598), with primary school and below as reference group (all P < 0.001). Besides, better knowledge (OR = 1.220, 95% CI: 1.132-1.316, P < 0.001) and higher educational levels were independently associated with positive attitudes. Specifically, individuals with a college degree and above (OR = 2.986, 95% CI: 1.411-6.321, P = 0.004) and those with high school/vocational school education (OR = 2.418, 95% CI: 1.314-4.451, P = 0.005) have more positive attitude, with primary school and below as reference group. Next, better attitude (OR = 1.174, 95% CI: 1.107-1.246, P < 0.001) and higher education were independently associated with proactive practices. Those with college and above (OR = 2.870, 95% CI: 1.359-6.059, P = 0.006), and those with high school/vocational school education (OR = 1.886, 95% CI: 1.032-3.447, P = 0.039) had more proactive practices, with primary school and below as reference group.

CONCLUSIONS

End-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis demonstrated insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and moderate practices regarding cardiovascular complications. Targeted interventions should prioritize improving knowledge and attitudes, particularly among patients with lower educational levels and income, to enhance the management of cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease.

Factors Predicting Influenza Vaccination Adherence Among Patients Undergoing Dialysis in Taif City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Influenza infection can cause severe complications and hospitalization in patients with end-stage renal disease. Despite the importance of influenza vaccination in preventing such complications, adherence to vaccination among these patients is often inadequate.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors that predict influenza vaccination adherence among patients undergoing in-center dialysis in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in dialysis units of different hospitals in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. A predesigned questionnaire was used for data collection which included questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about influenza vaccination, perceived risks of influenza infection, and vaccine-related questions.

RESULTS

A total of 463 individuals were included in the analysis. The median score for knowledge was 6/10, with 60.9% of patients demonstrating good knowledge. In terms of vaccination status, 64.1% had received the influenza vaccine for the current year, with 47.3% adhering to yearly vaccination, 23.1% receiving vaccines irregularly, and 29.6% never receiving the vaccine. Among those who did not receive the vaccine, 21.8% were concerned about the side effects, 15.1% did not believe in the vaccine's effectiveness, and 14.5% were influenced by the media. Adherence to vaccination was significantly associated with good knowledge (OR=2.4), a higher perceived risk of hospitalization (OR=2), and a higher perceived risk of death (OR=2.2).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the study reports predictors that influence influenza vaccine adherence among patients receiving dialysis in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of knowledge, perceived risk, and healthcare workers' advice in influenza vaccine adherence among patients receiving dialysis.

Factors affecting the intention of COVID-19 vaccination in Korean patients with myasthenia gravis: A survey-based study

Objective

To investigate the intention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in Korean patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and to determine the factors that influence their attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Materials and methods

We conducted a questionnaire survey of 160 Korean patients with MG. The questionnaire consisted of five categories, including vaccination status, willingness to get vaccinated, general concerns over vaccination, impact of MG diagnosis on vaccination decision, and MG-specific concerns over vaccination. The responses were rated from 1 (no intention or influence) to 5 (significant intention or influence). We compared the clinical factors between patients willing to get vaccinated (willing group) and those who were neutral or unwilling (hesitant group).

Results

The average score of willingness to get vaccinated was 4.1 ± 1.2 (Likert score, 1–5). The hesitant group demonstrated higher proportions of women, patients with MG Foundation of America (MGFA) classification ≥III at nadir, and those who had experienced myasthenic crisis than the willing group (women, p = 0.027; MGFA classification≥III, p = 0.018; myasthenic crisis, p = 0.027). Scores for the willingness to get vaccinated (Likert score, 1–5) were negatively correlated with the MGFA classification at nadir (r = −0.235, p = 0.003), degree of general concern about vaccination (r = −0.362, p < 0.001), and impact of MG diagnosis on vaccination decision (r = −0.365, p < 0.001). In the path analysis, the MGFA classification at nadir was negatively associated with the willingness to get vaccinated by increasing the impact of MG diagnosis on vaccination decision.

Conclusion

MG diagnosis, maximum disease severity, and general concerns about vaccination influenced the intention to get vaccinated.