AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightIn studies aiming to increase immunization rates, the awareness of physicians, especially family physicians, of old age immunization practices should be increased.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Özet
Introduction: This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the immunization status of individuals aged ≥65 years with chronic diseases. Materials and Methods: The population of the study consisted of 24,489 people aged 65 and over with a chronic disease registered to a family doctor in Burdur Province. In order to determine their immunization status, data were collected from 488 people after performing face-to-face interviews by calculating the sample size necessary for 50% prevalence, 5% margin of error, and 97% reliability. The dependent variable of the study was immunization, and socioeconomic status, immunization status, and sociodemographic features were independent variables. Results: Among those who participated in our study, immunization rates were determined to be 32.8%, 2.7%, and 0.8% for seasonal influenza, pneumococcus, and herpes zoster, respectively. Approximately 34% of subjects had undergone at least one immunization. Factors such as having chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, financial income, and visiting a family physician or receiving inpatient treatment within the last 3 months affect immunization status. Conclusion: Immunization levels are insufficient in people aged ≥65 years with chronic diseases. The “Lifelong Immunization Program,” which includes childhood immunizations as well as immunization of the elderly, should be developed and implemented by the Ministry of Health. In studies aiming to increase immunization rates, the awareness of physicians, especially family physicians, of old age immunization practices should be increased.