Concerns related to the interactions between COVID-19 vaccination and cancer/cancer treatment were barriers to complete primary vaccination series among Chinese cancer patients: A multicentre cross-sectional survey

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination is effective for cancer patients without safety concerns. However, COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy is common among cancer patients. This study investigated factors affecting primary COVID-19 vaccination series completion rate among cancer patients in China. A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in four Chinese cities in different geographic regions between May and June 2022. A total of 893 cancer inpatients provided written informed consent and completed the study. Logistic regression models were fitted. Among the participants, 58.8% completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series. After adjusting for background characteristics, concerns about interactions between COVID-19 vaccination and cancers/cancer treatment (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 0.97, 95%CI: 0.94, 0.99) were associated with lower completion of primary vaccination series. In addition, perceived higher risk of COVID-19 infection comparing to people without cancers (AOR: 0.46, 95%CI: 0.24, 0.88), perceived a high chance of having severe consequences of COVID-19 infection (AOR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.51, 0.91) were also associated with lower completion rate. Being suggested by significant others (AOR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.23, 1.41) and perceived higher self-efficacy to receive COVID-19 vaccination (AOR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.31, 1.67) were positively associated with the dependent variable. Completion rate of primary COVID-19 vaccination series was low among Chinese cancer patients. Given the large population size and their vulnerability, this group urgently needs to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Removing concerns about interactions between COVID-19 vaccination and cancers, using fear appeal approach, involving significant others, and facilitating patients to make a plan to receive COVID-19 vaccination might be useful strategies.

Willingness of people living with HIV to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China

“…Our study further demonstrated that negative attitudes towards vaccines and perceived barriers were both associated with reduced acceptance of the second COVID-19 booster Dose. Similar results were found in immunocompromised cancer patients, which strengthened the necessity of vaccination among specific populations ( 34 , 35 ).…”

“…Our study further demonstrated that negative attitudes towards vaccines and perceived barriers were both associated with reduced acceptance of the second COVID-19 booster Dose. Similar results were found in immunocompromised cancer patients, which strengthened the necessity of vaccination among specific populations (34,35). Our study is the first to investigate the relationship between the willingness of PLWH in China to receive the second COVID-19 booster dose and the six main dimensions of the HBM.…”

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on outpatient visits for patients with cancer in Iran: an interrupted time series analysis

“…Knowing that they are a priority for vaccination will increase their con dence to seek health care services. Additionally, vaccination campaigns and emphasis on uptake for vulnerable populations, such as cancer patients, can encourage them to prioritize routine medical visits, including cancer-related appointments (47). Initiating a Covid-19 vaccination program may imply a commitment to greater health care and patient safety and instill con dence in the health care system.…”

Prevalence and factors of COVID-19 vaccine refusal among solid cancer patients in China: an application of the health belief model

“…For instance, it was 41.8% in Bosnia and Herzegovina (29), 50.5% in Tunisia (30), 66.0% in Mexico (31), and 19.5% in Korea (32). Despite the official recommendations, the prevalence only ranged from 12.6 to 58.8% among cancer patients in China (33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39).…”