The willingness of UK adults with intellectual disabilities to take COVID‐19 vaccines

Hatton, Chris; Bailey, Tom; Bradshaw, Jill; Caton, Sue; Flynn, Samantha; Gillooly, Amanda; Jahoda, Andrew; Maguire, Roseann; Marriott, Anna; Mulhall, Peter F.; Oloidi, Edward; Taggart, Laurence; Todd, Stuart; Abbott, David; Beyer, Stephen Richard; Gore, Nick J.; Heslop, Pauline; Scior, Katrina; Hastings, Richard P.

doi:10.1111/jir.12884

Cited by 12 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Two fifths of PWID worried about who would support them if their carers fell ill. These findings correlate well with other research in the area over the same time period, indicating high levels of stress (Amor et al, 2021; Hatton et al, 2023; McCarron et al, 2021). Amongst measures utilised by PWID to keep themselves safe, more frequent hand washing was most widely adopted at both study points, which is also consistent with findings from other research (Hatton et al, 2023), suggesting that increased hand washing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was a widely adopted strategy by PWID.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…These findings correlate well with other research in the area over the same time period, indicating high levels of stress (Amor et al, 2021; Hatton et al, 2023; McCarron et al, 2021). Amongst measures utilised by PWID to keep themselves safe, more frequent hand washing was most widely adopted at both study points, which is also consistent with findings from other research (Hatton et al, 2023), suggesting that increased hand washing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was a widely adopted strategy by PWID. Two thirds of respondents to the survey felt more stressed in general than prior to the pandemic and, interestingly, self-reported stress was higher than objective carer reported stress.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…The data showed that the majority of respondents had experienced sustained stress and distress during the pandemic, and that levels were higher compared to the pre-pandemic era. Concerns over health (both their own and that of others) and loss of daily activity contributed without significant variation between the two survey points and is consistent with other similar literature (Hatton et al, 2023; Tromans et al, 2020).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

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The long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on people with intellectual disability and their carers

Gabrielsson,

Moghaddassian,

Sawhney

et al. 2023

Int J Soc Psychiatry

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Background: People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) are at six times higher risk of death due to COVID-19. To mitigate harm, as a high-risk group, significant social changes were imposed on PWID in the UK. Alongside these changes, the uncertainty of the pandemic influence, caused PWID and their carers to encounter significant stress. The evidence of the pandemic’s psycho-social impact on PWID originates mainly from cross-sectional surveys conducted with professionals and carers. There is little research on the longitudinal psycho-social impact of the pandemic from PWID themselves. Aims: To examine the long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on PWID. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, following STROBE guidance, of 17 Likert scale statements (12 to PWID and 5 to their carers) to ascertain the pandemic’s psychosocial impact was conducted. Every other PWID open to a specialist Intellectual Disability service serving half a UK County (pop:500,000) was selected. The same survey was re-run with the same cohort a year later. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and unpaired-t tests were used to compare responses. Significance is taken at p < .05. Comments were analysed using Clarke and Braun’s approach. Results: Of 250 PWID contacted, 100 (40%) responded in 2020 and 127 (51%) in 2021. 69% (2020) and 58% (2021) reported seeking medical support. Carers, (88%, 2020 and 90%, 2021) noticed emotional changes in PWID they cared for. 13% (2020) and 20% (2021) of PWID had their regular psychotropics increased. 21% (2020) and 24% (2021) had their pro re nata (PRN) medication adjusted. PWID or carers demonstrated no statistically significant variation in responses between themselves from 2020 to 2021. PWID were more likely to report being upset/distressed compared to their carers’ perceptions of them in both years ( p < .001). Four themes were identified. Conclusion: This longitudinal study highlights the diverse psycho-social impact of the pandemic on PWID in the UK. The Pandemic’s psycho-social impact has been significantly underestimated.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on people with intellectual disability and their carers

Gabrielsson,

Moghaddassian,

Sawhney

et al. 2023

Int J Soc Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…At the time of this study, governments across the world implemented universal policies for vaccine delivery for vulnerable populations(29). The high rates of vaccination found in our study are compatible with favorable vaccine uptake among those with ID reported by Hatton et al (83.5% vaccination rate) and Iadorala et al (87.0% of the participants willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine) (30,31).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Special Olympics global report on COVID-19 vaccination and reasons not to vaccinate among adults with intellectual disabilities

Lincoln

Dixon-Ibarra

Hanley

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. The objective of this study was to identify global rates of COVID-19 vaccination and reasons not to vaccinate among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) associated with country economic income levels. Methods The Special Olympics COVID-19 online survey was administered in January-February 2022 to adults with ID from 138 countries. Descriptive analyses of survey responses include 95% margins of error. Logistic regression and Pearson Chi-squared tests were calculated to assess associations with predictive variables for vaccination using R 4.1.2 software. Results Participants (n=3560) represented 18 low (n=410), 35 lower-middle (n=1182), 41 upper-middle (n=837), and 44 high (n=1131) income countries. Globally, 76% (74.8-77.6%) received a COVID-19 vaccination while 49.5% (47.9-51.2%) received a COVID-19 booster. Upper-middle (93% (91.2-94.7%)) and high-income country (94% (92.1-95.0%)) participants had the highest rates of vaccination while low-income countries had the lowest rates (38% (33.3-42.7%)). In multivariate regression models, country economic income level (OR = 3.12, 95% CI [2.81, 3.48]), age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.03, 1.05]), and living with family (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.53, 0.92]) were associated with vaccination. Among LLMICs, the major reason for not vaccinating was lack of access (41.2% (29.5-52.9%)). Globally, concerns about side effects (42%, (36.5-48.1%)) and parent/guardian not wanting the adult with ID to vaccinate (32% (26.1-37.0%)) were the most common reasons for not vaccinating. Conclusion Adults with ID from low and low-middle income countries reported fewer COVID-19 vaccinations, suggesting reduced access and availability of resources in these countries. Globally, COVID-19 vaccination levels among adults with ID were higher than the general population. Interventions should address the increased risk of infection for those in congregate living situations and family caregiver apprehension to vaccinate this high-risk population.

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“…10 Due to the health disparities experienced by this population, countries like the UK have prioritised individuals with intellectual disabilities for vaccination. 11 Concerns regarding side-effects following COVID-19 vaccination have been identified as one of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. 12 However, a study conducted by Hatton et al in 2021 indicated that 87% of surveyed individuals with intellectual disabilities and 81.7% of surveyed caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities in the UK expressed their willingness to accept the vaccine.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy and ID after COVID vaccine

Rathinasamy,

Adetoki,

Hewitt

2024

Prog Neurol Psychiatry

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Observing the relationship between COVID‐19 vaccination and the neurological side‐effect of worsening seizure frequency, this case series offers insight into the impact of vaccine administration on seizure frequency in three individuals with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. With questions still remaining with regard to vaccine safety, this article provides an example of the unique challenges faced by this patient population. It is hoped that the publication will stimulate further investigation into related issues and will also help to further inform vaccination strategies.

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The willingness of UK adults with intellectual disabilities to take COVID‐19 vaccines

Cited by 12 publications

References 18 publications

The long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on people with intellectual disability and their carers

The long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on people with intellectual disability and their carers

Special Olympics global report on COVID-19 vaccination and reasons not to vaccinate among adults with intellectual disabilities

Seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy and ID after COVID vaccine

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