The Effect of the Diagnosis of Chronic Disease on Adult Immunization Behaviour

Başak Korkmazer, Banu Sarigül, Erkan Meli̇h Şahi̇n

Keywords: adult vaccination, chronic diseases

Aim:

Mortality and morbidity can be observed in adults due to diseases preventable by vaccine. Since there is no routine adult vaccination program in our country, the physicians have an important role in informing individuals and increasing the vaccination rates of adult patients. In this study, we examined the adult vaccination status of individuals with chronic disease history who consulted to our outpatient clinic.

Method:

A survey was conducted for six months at the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics of a university hospital. Adult patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire on their perceptions and attitudes about vaccination and their vaccination status.

Results:

We interviewed 299 (59.8%) women, 201 (40.2%) men total 500 patients aged between 18–79 years. 130 of the participants (26.0%) had one or more chronic disease. Adulthood vaccination administation rate were significantly higher among those with chronic disease (33.8%) then without (19.1%). Rejection rate of previous adult vaccination recommendation between participants with chronic diseases (14.6%) and without a chronic disease (16.7%) was not statistical different.

Conclusions:

Programs targeting infectious disease control are an important aspect of the prevention and control of chronic diseases. Successful strategies to improve adult immunization coverage rates will result in reductions in morbidity, mortality, and chronic disease burden. All medical and public healthcare providers must collaborate to realize the significant health benefits that come with a strong adult immunization program.

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