Increasing Influenza Vaccination Rates among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chongqing, China: A...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients face elevated risks of severe influenza complications and mortality.
• Influenza vaccination is a critical preventive measure for this high-risk population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess influenza vaccination willingness among T2DM patients in Chongqing, China for the 2023/2024 season.
• To identify behavioral and social drivers (BeSD) influencing vaccination decisions in T2DM patients.

Main Methods:

• A multi-stage sampling approach surveyed 1672 T2DM patients via face-to-face interviews.
• Binary logistic regression analyzed factors associated with vaccination willingness.
• Standardized scores identified key barriers and drivers using BeSD tools.

Main Results:

• Only 11.7% of T2DM patients were vaccinated in the 2022/2023 season, but 59.6% expressed willingness for 2023/2024.
• Factors increasing willingness included minority ethnicity, unemployment, higher income, diabetes complications, vaccine knowledge, and prior vaccination.
• Predominant drivers were fear of infecting others and trust in vaccine efficacy; high cost was the main barrier.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing vaccine knowledge and leveraging healthcare worker/peer recommendations are vital.
• Targeted interventions like health education for unemployed T2DM patients, advocacy, and free vaccination policies are recommended to improve coverage in Chongqing.