Evaluation of pediatric rheumatologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding vaccination in pediatric rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Aim: Developments in diagnostic methods and advances in the treatment of pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) have improved the quality of life in this patient group. However, vaccine-preventable infectious diseases are still outstanding causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients more than in healthy population. Pediatric rheumatologists play a critical role in increasing vaccination rates since they have ample opportunity to administer vaccinations. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of pediatric rheumatologists about vaccination in rheumatic diseases. Material and Method: Between March 2022-May 2022, an online questionnaire of 20 items was used to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of pediatric rheumatologists in Turkey with respect to vaccination. Results: A total of 81 participants answered all survey questions completely. The ages of the study group ranged from 30 to 48 years, at a mean of 37.5±3.8 years. Most of the pediatric rheumatologists (n:76, 93.8%) were working in a tertiary pediatric hospital; 27.2% did not consider themselves primarily responsible for the vaccination of children with PRDs, and 30.9% did not refer their patients to the department that administers the vaccine either before or during immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, it was found that only 14.8% regularly questioned the vaccination history of patients at each outpatient visit. One-third of study group recommended the implementation of non-scheduled vaccines and the most recommended non-scheduled vaccine was seasonal influenza (n:48, 59.3%). The comparative analysis between pediatric rheumatology residents and staff physicians showed no statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge except in the question concerning live vaccines. Conclusion: This study revealed that there are still serious problems in clinical practice about the vaccination of PRDs patients. For this purpose, pediatric rhematologists’ awareness and knowledge about vaccination should be increased with a special education program.