Investigation of COVID-19 vaccination among maintenance hemodialysis patients in Sichuan, China

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the current status of COVID-19 vaccination in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and its influencing factors. Methods: In total, 585 patients undergoing regular hemodialysis in Sichuan Province of China from January to March 2022 were selected to complete a questionnaire survey on their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Independent t tests and logistic multivariate analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of COVID-19 vaccination in hemodialysis patients. Results: The survey showed that 37.44% of MHD patients had been vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Being married was associated with COVID-19 vaccination in patients with MHD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.969 95% CI 0.870 ~ 4.453). MHD patients living in county areas have higher rates of COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 0.572 95% CI 0.301 ~ 1.087). Family /relatives/friends who are healthcare workers are associated with COVID-19 vaccination for MHD patients (OR = 1.840 95% CI 1.140 ~ 2.970). Other vaccination history within 5 years was a factor in COVID-19 vaccination for MHD patients (OR = 5.592 95% CI 2.997 ~ 10.434). Attitude (OR = 0.885 95% CI 0.808 ~ 0.905), and practice (OR = 0.756 95% CI 0.697 ~ 0.819) scores on the COVID-19 vaccination knowledge and practice questionnaire were related to the vaccination status of MHD patients. Conclusions: MHD patients had lower rates of COVID-19 vaccination. Marital status, living environment, whether family/relatives/friends were medical workers, and the score of the COVID-19 vaccine knowledge and practice questionnaire were the factors influencing their vaccination status. Clinical attention should be given to the adverse reactions of COVID-19 vaccination in MHD patients to improve the awareness of primary medical staff on hemodialysis, and families and society should pay more attention to COVID-19 vaccination in MHD patients.