Examining Vaccination Coverage in Patients with Diagnosis of Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis. A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Seasonal influenza, pneumococcal disease, and Corona-virus disease (COVID-19) constitute a serious public health concern, as they impact a substantial portion of the population, in particular patients with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate vaccine coverage in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, about influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines, and to identify the sociodemographic and clinical factors affecting it. Methods: Α cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of patients with a diagnosis of chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis. The study was conducted from March 2022 to July 2023. Results: A convenience sample size of 300 patients (age  30) participated. Regarding their vaccination, 88.3% were vaccinated against SAR-Covid-19, 44.8% against pneumococcus, and 54.7% against seasonal influenza this year. Patients’ belief that annual vaccination is the best method for influenza prevention was found to be significantly higher among older patients and those with comorbidities. Also, pa-tients who had been vaccinated against seasonal influenza (this year or every year), against pneumococcus, or SAR-Covid-19 agreed significantly that annual vaccination is the best method for influenza prevention. In addition, patients who were informed about vaccination by their doctor/ nurse agreed significantly more with that. Multiple logistic regression found that a four times greater probability of being fully vaccinated according to the national vaccination program was found in patients who were in-formed about vaccination by a doctor/nurse. Moreover, as patients’ age increased, so did the probability of being fully vaccinated. Conclusions: The study's findings can be uti-lized in public health initiatives and by healthcare practitioners addressing patients with low vaccination adherence.

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