COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Italian people with multiple sclerosis.
Neurol Sci
; 44(3): 803-808, 2023 Mar.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36567409
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Vaccine hesitancy promotes the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19 virus, limiting the herd immunity. Complications caused by COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis forced governments to ensure them prior access to vaccinations. Their propensity to be vaccinated needs to be assessed to promote adhesion to vaccination programs. The aim of this study was to explore the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate in pwMS.METHODS:
We conducted an observational study recruiting patients affected by multiple sclerosis followed at MS Clinical and Research Unit of Tor Vergata University, Rome. We invited them to fill in an online survey about their intent to get COVID-19 vaccination. Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to explore differences in sociodemographic, clinical, and emotional variables relative to the opinions about vaccinations. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to assess the factorial structure of the questionnaire; Pearson's correlations between the factors and Big Five personality dimensions were also calculated.RESULTS:
Of 276 respondents, 90% was willing to get vaccinated, while only 1.4% was sure to refuse the vaccination. Education level, opinions on safety and efficacy of vaccines, and emotional status were found to be associated to the propensity of getting the COVID-19 vaccination (respectively p = 0.012, p < 0.001, and p = 0.0001). Moreover, general opinions on healthcare system were related to the intention to get vaccinated.CONCLUSION:
Our results reinforce the importance of a good relationship between doctor and patient and the need to adapt doctors' communication strategy to patients' personalities and beliefs.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
COVID-19
/
Vacilación a la Vacunación
/
Esclerosis Múltiple
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Neurol Sci
Asunto de la revista:
NEUROLOGIA
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia