Nothing to sneeze at – uptake of protective measures against an influenza pandemic by people with schizophrenia: willingness and perceived barriers

Abstract

Objectives: To examine willingness to adopt protective behaviours, and perceived barriers, during a pandemic influenza, in people with schizophrenia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted exploring the responses of 71 adults with schizophrenia and 238 adults without schizophrenia attending a general practice setting, regarding willingness and perceived barriers to adopting protective measures against the 2009 swine influenza pandemic in Australia. Results: The majority of participants with schizophrenia reported that they would be at least moderately willing to be vaccinated (74.2%), isolate themselves (73.2%), wear a face mask (54.9%) and increase hand washing (88.6%). However, 71.8% were concerned about “catching” flu from vaccination. Predictors of willingness to adopt protective actions included self-efficacy (vaccination, face mask, isolation), perceived likelihood of contracting swine flu (vaccination), educational status (face mask) and perceived overall risk from swine flu (face mask). Key modifiable perceived barriers to adopting protective measures were identified, including cost and need for transport assistance for vaccination. Conclusions: People with schizophrenia report being generally willing to adopt protective measures, especially increased hand washing, during a pandemic influenza. Understanding perceived barriers may enable development of effective interventions to increase uptake of protective measures.

COVID-19 paranoia in a patient suffering from schizophrenic psychosis – a case report

“…This observation may be in line with the previous reports that higher levels of concurrent anxiety in patients with schizophrenia correlated with lower perception of personal risk of infection with swine flu, although the reason for this effect is unclear (Maguire et al, 2019a). Patients with schizophrenia have also been shown to be less willing to get vaccinated and to adhere to social distancing during an influenza pandemic (Maguire et al, 2019b). Our patient reported trying to spend more time at home because of COVID-19, but did not adopt other protective measures such as hand washing or wearing a face mask.…”

The potential impact of COVID-19 on psychosis: A rapid review of contemporary epidemic and pandemic research

“…Three included studies considered psychotic patient adherence with protective measures (Cheng et al, 2004;Maguire et al, 2018;Pang, 2004). There was a consistent conclusion that adherence was markedly more problematic in people with psychosis, although included studies had important methodological limitations.…”

“…A single cross-sectional study examined willingness and perceived barriers to adopting protective measures in 71 adults with and 238 without schizophrenia attending primary care (Maguire et al, 2018). People with schizophrenia were less willing to receive a vaccination and were more concerned about vaccination side effects.…”

COVID-19 and its effect on emergency presentations to a tertiary hospital with self-harm in Ireland

“…Furthermore, symptoms in SMI including positive symptoms, cognitive impairment and poor insight may impair the ability of people with SMI to follow public health advice, thus increasing their risk of infection (Maguire et al, 2019). Poverty, homelessness, substance misuse and living in residential settings further increase the risk of poorer outcomes among people with SMI, in the case of exposure to COVID-19 (Green et al, 2018, Thornicroft et al, 2009.…”