Examining Influenza Vaccination Patterns and Barriers: Insights into Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Diabetic Adults (A Cross-Sectional Survey)

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent global chronic condition affecting individuals of all ages. People with diabetes face an elevated risk of lower respiratory tract infections such as pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, and pneumonia. Additionally, the influenza virus increases the likelihood of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of diabetic patients regarding the influenza vaccine. This study involved 418 diabetic patients (53.3% female) at Jordanian outpatient respiratory clinics, with an average age of 49 (±14) years. The results showed that 70.6% had never received the influenza vaccine, and only 23.7% intended to do so in the current year. A positive attitude toward the influenza vaccine significantly reduced hesitancy to get vaccinated (OR = 0.505, 95% CI 0.424–0.601, p < 0.001). The duration of diabetes exhibited a positive association with vaccine hesitancy (OR = 1.053, 95% CI 1.006–1.102, p = 0.028). The primary reason for not getting vaccinated was a lack of awareness of its benefits (42.6%). Future health education programs should emphasize the importance of the influenza vaccine for diabetic patients and address their concerns.

Evaluating Influenza Vaccination Practices among COPD Patients

“…The influenza vaccine coverage rate in Jordan is remarkably low, standing at only 9.9% among Jordanian adults during the 2011/2012 season [17]. This is also evident in studies reporting low acceptance of the influenza vaccine among high-risk groups in Jordan, such as patients with asthma or diabetes mellitus [18][19][20]. However, healthcare workers exhibited a substantially higher vaccination rate of 50% [17].…”

Acceptance of Flu Vaccine among Parents of Diabetic Children in Jordan

“…Content validity was assessed by a group of specialists, including a clinical pharmacy professor, two endocrinologists, and two clinical pharmacists. The questionnaire was developed based on two previous studies, one conducted among parents of children with asthma and the second among individuals with diabetes, in Jordan [ 33 , 34 ]. To align with the English literature review, the questionnaire was originally developed in English.…”