COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and aims The survey aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy rate among patients with diabetes and address barriers and beliefs that affect acceptance to take COVID-19 vaccine. Methods A quantitative research approach with cross-sectional design was used to collect data from March–May’2021. Saudi residents with diabetes, aged ≥18 years were included. Results Of the total 709 participants, 42.2% had family member with COVID-19, 14.7% had COVID-19, 34.0% had been with someone who had COVID-19. 34.7% of participants taken COVID-19 vaccination, 36.2% were willing to take, while 79.0% supported COVID-19 vaccine. Main reasons behind uncertainties towards vaccinations were relatively fast production, not many trials done and about genetic component. 44.6% got information about COVID-19 and vaccination through television, social media, and ministry website. On adjusting models, female gender, longer duration of diabetes and no history of influenza vaccine significantly associated with COVID vaccine uptake. Conclusion Participants are willing to vaccinate but show some fear and misinformation. It is imperative that due efforts are made for increasing vaccine willingness, and availability of precise information holds key to success. Otherwise, state will have to continue to funnel in resources towards post-on-set disease management, consuming a lot more resources than preventive measures like vaccination.

Prevalence of COVID-19 Infection among Patients with Diabetes and Their Vaccination Coverage Status in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Hospital-Based Diabetes Registry

“…In fact, the COVID-19 vaccination program at the time of the study was at an advanced stage, as it reached the stage of vaccination of children in the age group of 12-18 years old in early July 2021 [77]. Lower vaccination coverage can be attributed to vaccine hesitancy, which has been reported in many countries, including Saudi Arabia [72,99,100]. Considering that COVID infection in patients with diabetes can result in debilitating and potentially life-threatening complications, it is important that vaccines be regularly advocated in individuals with diabetes mellitus to counter vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions due to conspiracy theories and other misinformation [64].…”

“…As of 17 September 2021, it was estimated that approximately 50% of the general population in Saudi Arabia was fully vaccinated against COVID-19 [70]. Studies have also been performed to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia [71][72][73]. These studies can be helpful in formulating an intervention to educate the public and reduce misconceptions and accelerate the vaccination coverage of the population [73].…”

“…Although it is helpful that the population-level vaccination coverage is estimated, the percentage of the individuals or groups of patients vulnerable to COVID-19 infections and its serious complications, such as patients with diabetes, are still not known. This is particularly important, as it is evident in the literature that some patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia had received misinformation and developed irrational fears about COVID-19 vaccination [72]. A survey-based study conducted during March-May 2021 showed that only 34.7% of the study participants with diabetes had taken the COVID-19 vaccination [72].…”

“…This is particularly important, as it is evident in the literature that some patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia had received misinformation and developed irrational fears about COVID-19 vaccination [72]. A survey-based study conducted during March-May 2021 showed that only 34.7% of the study participants with diabetes had taken the COVID-19 vaccination [72]. Consequently, the aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to determine the rate of COVID-19 vaccination coverage among these patients using a large hospital-based diabetes registry of more than 11,500 patients with diabetes with a history of infection and vaccination status retrieved from unified national databases/platforms.…”

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Associated Factors among Diabetes Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Changzhi, Shanxi, China

“…While diabetic patients are more susceptible to infection with severe acute respiratory SARS-CoV-2, there are few reports about COVID-19 vaccination safety and immunological reactions, and there is no report about the willingness of COVID-19 vaccination in the diabetic group. Despite doctors' recommendations, more proportion of the people with diabetes is reluctant to get vaccinated, compared with the general population (14.2-29.0% vs. 8.7%) [11][12][13][14]. As the number of people suffering from diabetes continues to increase, it will bring a huge burden to China's health and economy.…”