Knowledge Levels and Attitudes of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Regarding Influenza, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, and Herpes Zoster Vaccines

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels, attitudes, and vaccination status regarding influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and herpes zoster vaccines among patients with diabetes mellitus, and to investigate the relationship between vaccination behavior and sociodemographic characteristics, clinical variables, and history of infections. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 251 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Sociodemographic characteristics, duration of diabetes, comorbidities, HbA1c levels, vaccination status, knowledge and attitudes toward vaccines, and infection history were assessed using a structured questionnaire. A subgroup analysis was performed according to post-survey vaccination intention. Results: After the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, 38.2% of the participants had received at least one vaccine, while 61.8% had not received any vaccination. The influenza vaccine was the most frequently administered (34.3%), whereas pneumococcal (8.8%) and hepatitis B (5.6%) vaccination rates were low; none of the participants had received the herpes zoster vaccine. Only 9.6% of the participants were aware of the recommended vaccines for individuals with diabetes. Participants who intended to receive vaccination after the survey had significantly higher levels of vaccine-related knowledge, confidence in vaccine effectiveness, prior vaccination history, and history of serious infections (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Adult vaccination coverage among individuals with diabetes mellitus is insufficient. Vaccination behavior is closely associated with knowledge level, attitudes toward vaccines, and previous infection experiences. Strengthening systematic vaccine counseling and awareness-based interventions during diabetes follow-up may improve adult immunization rates.