Awareness, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Adults About Vaccination in the North Cyprus

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Epidemics of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) are a growing concern worldwide; they have a significant and pervasive impact on individuals, as well as on public health and healthcare systems and the economy. People of all ages are affected by VPDs. Despite awareness and relatively good vaccination rates (VCR) in childhood, adult VCR are insufficient in our country, as in many countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this manner, we conducted a comprehensive population-level cohort study to evaluate the awareness, attitudes, and behaviors of a population aged over 18 years of age about adulthood vaccination. This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study that was conducted between July 2023 and September 2023 using a structured questionnaire and was carried out in Nicosia, the North Cyprus. A total of 960 surveys were analyzed, of which 67.92% were female and 32.08% were male. RESULTS: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the rates of adulthood vaccination according to the participants' age groups, gender, place of birth, professions, marital status, health status, and continued medication use (p<0.05). Adulthood VCRs of those aged =25, females, high-school graduates, and single were low, whereas those of Turkish citizens, healthcare workers, people with comorbidities, and who constantly use medication were high. Furthermore, it was statistically significant that knowledge about recommended adulthood vaccination and the protection provided by those vaccinations was high among those working in healthcare services (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The awareness level regarding adulthood vaccinations is insufficient. With vaccination, the incidence and mortality of VPDs in adults can be reduced and even reached the point of elimination, as observed for some childhood diseases. Reasons for non-vaccination should be addressed, and effective measures should be determined and taken to overcome these obstacles.