Physicians' awareness and practice toward influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for high-risk patients

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the awareness of family medicine residents about influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for high-risk patients and to verify the most significant variables that might affect residents’ knowledge and the tools needed to enhance their practice. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at four major hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the period, October through December 2017. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was handed to 180 family residents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the study data. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables data. The One-way ANOVA test was used to detect the significant difference. Results: The overall knowledge of physicians about influenza and pneumococcal vaccines was inadequate and was more toward pneumococcal vaccine, in spite their respectable knowledge about the target population. The main reasons for non- prescribing of vaccines were forgetfulness (59.4%), the availability of vaccines (33.9%), and the patients’ refusal (23.3%). The tools that might help for prescribing were the need for the presence of electronic reminder (69.4%) and the patients should follow a regular family physician (47.2%). Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination are inadequate. This is mainly because of forgetfulness owing to minimal guideline awareness, lack of vaccine availability, and patients’ refusal. The important recommendations to enhance vaccination practice among physicians are the implementation of electronic reminders, regular follow-up with the same physician in addition to educational programs during residency, and patient education about the importance of vaccinations as a means of disease prevention.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices survey towards pneumococcal infection and vaccination among primary health care physicians, Ukraine, 2021

“…The vast majority of study participants had positive attitudes towards PCV effectiveness, safety and importance although we did not identify any associated factors. Other studies have also reported similar findings noting that a very high proportion of participants believed that these vaccines might reduce the seriousness of pneumococcal disease and the risk of hospitalization [ 20 , 26 , 27 ]. The positive attitude that influenza and pneumococcal vaccines reduce hospitalization was significantly more common in general practitioners with fewer years of professional activity, in those who dedicated longer hours per week to their professional activity, and in those who relied on scientific journals as a source of information on vaccinations [ 27 ].…”

Association between knowledge of influenza vaccine and vaccination status among general population attending primary health care centers in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia

“…Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza virus. [1] Periodic and seasonal outbreaks cause about one million deaths worldwide. [23] Greater complications afflict vulnerable and immune-compromised individuals.…”

“…[23] Greater complications afflict vulnerable and immune-compromised individuals. [145] The influenza vaccine is considered the most effective strategy for preventing severe illness and complications associated with influenza infection. [67] In Saudi Arabia, the vaccine is provided free of charge in all the PHCs.…”

Assessment of the knowledge, practice, and barriers of physicians in Lagos about respiratory diseases preventable vaccines

“…Amin et al reported that the overall knowledge of physicians about influenza and pneumococcal vaccines was inadequate in Saudi Arabia. [18] James et al in Sierra leone examined the knowledge of health workers and reported that close to half, 321 (46.0%) of healthcare workers were not aware of the influenza immunization guidelines published by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Centre for Disease Control. [19] Physicians who had completed their training have better knowledge compared to the residents.…”