tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Am J Prev Cardiol
. 2024 Aug 13:19:100716.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100716. eCollection 2024 Sep. Cardiology patients are unaware of the benefits of seasonal influenza immunization
Sarah R Monagle[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Ella Spear[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Timothy Abrahams[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Udit Thakur[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Derk Pol[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Karen Bellamy[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Joanne Hickman[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Stephen J Nicholls[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Adam J Nelson[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Seasonal influenza immunization reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. Patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) derive a greater benefit than those without, yet up to 50 % do not take up the immunization. Patient perceptions and beliefs are known to inform immunization behaviors, yet the immunization related beliefs of patients with CVD have not been described.
Objective: To describe beliefs, perceptions and behaviors regarding influenza immunization in patients with CVD.
Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional, voluntary and anonymous survey of 181 cardiology inpatients and outpatients attending three large hospitals in Victoria.
Results: Median age was 64, 35.0 % were female and 24.2 % spoke a language other than English at home. Over one-third-(34.5 %) of respondents did not receive the seasonal influenza immunization in the prior year. Only half (54.2 %) of patients agreed that their heart condition placed them at higher risk of complications and serious illness if they contracted influenza. Nearly a quarter of patients (24.0 %) were concerned about side effects while 1 in 10 patients raised cost as a barrier despite being free-of-charge in Australia. If asked to receive the seasonal influenza immunization, 86 % patients would agree if their cardiologist recommended it.
Conclusion: Despite guideline recommendations, most cardiology patients are uninformed of the cardiovascular benefits of seasonal influenza immunization with many unaware they are at higher risk of influenza-related illness. The vast majority of patients would accept the immunization if recommended by their cardiologist highlighting their important role in improving uptake.
Keywords: ASCVD; Cardiovascular prevention; Influenza immunization; Patients.
. 2024 Aug 13:19:100716.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100716. eCollection 2024 Sep. Cardiology patients are unaware of the benefits of seasonal influenza immunization
Sarah R Monagle[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Ella Spear[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Timothy Abrahams[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Udit Thakur[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Derk Pol[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Karen Bellamy[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Joanne Hickman[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Stephen J Nicholls[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Adam J Nelson[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 39252853
- PMCID: PMC11381886
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100716
Seasonal influenza immunization reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. Patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) derive a greater benefit than those without, yet up to 50 % do not take up the immunization. Patient perceptions and beliefs are known to inform immunization behaviors, yet the immunization related beliefs of patients with CVD have not been described.
Objective: To describe beliefs, perceptions and behaviors regarding influenza immunization in patients with CVD.
Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional, voluntary and anonymous survey of 181 cardiology inpatients and outpatients attending three large hospitals in Victoria.
Results: Median age was 64, 35.0 % were female and 24.2 % spoke a language other than English at home. Over one-third-(34.5 %) of respondents did not receive the seasonal influenza immunization in the prior year. Only half (54.2 %) of patients agreed that their heart condition placed them at higher risk of complications and serious illness if they contracted influenza. Nearly a quarter of patients (24.0 %) were concerned about side effects while 1 in 10 patients raised cost as a barrier despite being free-of-charge in Australia. If asked to receive the seasonal influenza immunization, 86 % patients would agree if their cardiologist recommended it.
Conclusion: Despite guideline recommendations, most cardiology patients are uninformed of the cardiovascular benefits of seasonal influenza immunization with many unaware they are at higher risk of influenza-related illness. The vast majority of patients would accept the immunization if recommended by their cardiologist highlighting their important role in improving uptake.
Keywords: ASCVD; Cardiovascular prevention; Influenza immunization; Patients.