Determinants of pneumococcal vaccination among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Spain

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended to persons suffering COPD. This study aimed at describing pneumococcal vaccination coverages in patients with COPD and analyzing the factors associated with such vaccination. Methods: This was designed as a descriptive study conducted in the primary-care setting. Each of the 2422 medical practitioners included in the study had to enroll five COPD patients. As the dependent variable, we took the answer to the question, "Have you ever been given a pneumococcal vaccine shot at some time in your life?". As independent variables, we analyzed sociodemographic, health-status and lifestyle variables, along with history of influenza vaccination. Results: A total of 10,711 patients were enrolled and, 32.5% (95% CI 31.6-33.4) of participants reported receiving pneumococcal vaccination. Female gender, higher age and more advanced COPD stage were the variables associated with a higher likelihood of being vaccinated. History of influenza vaccination in the most recent campaign was also associated with pneumococcal vaccination. Conclusion: Pneumococcal vaccination coverages among Spanish COPD patients are low and strategies to improve them must be implemented as a matter of urgency. ©2006 Landes Bioscience.