Factors Affecting Influenza Vaccination Rates among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rize, Turkey

Özet

OBJECTIVES: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are major components of COPD-related socioeconomicburden. Upper or lower respiratory tract infections, usually caused by respiratory viruses or bacteria, are common causesof AECOPD. Vaccination aganist influenza virus and Streptoccus pneumoniae, the most prevalent agents, is recommended by COPDguidelines. The aims of this study were to determine the factors affecting vaccination among patients with COPD and to assess the effectof vaccination status on AECOPD.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with COPD were recruited from the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital between December2014 and January 2015. Demographic data, vaccination status, and COPD-related hospital admissions triggered by tracheobronchialinfections were evaluated.RESULTS: In total, 108 patients were enrolled; 102 (94%) subjects were male, and 6 (6%) subjects were female; the mean age was 65.6years. The number of patients who had received pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations were 8 (0.07%) and 36 (33.3%), respectively.There was no significant correlation between the level of education and vaccination status. No significant difference was found betweentwo groups in terms of exacerbation frequency, hospitalization rates, mMRC scores, and COPD stages.CONCLUSION: More efforts by both physicians and patients are needed to reach the ideal rates of vaccination for COPD.