COVID-19 vaccination predictors among people with mental disorders

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Higher rates of morbidity and mortality from the infection of COVID-19 have been recorded among people with mental disorders, especially among those suffering from severe forms, so they should be prioritized during vaccination campaigns. The aim of this study was to examine possible predictors of acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with mental disorders. Methods This retrospective study was conducted from January 2021 until January 2022 and included 458 patients with mental disorders treated at the Dr Laza Lazarević Clinic for Mental Disorders in Belgrade, Serbia. Patients were segregated into the vaccinated and the unvaccinated group depending on their vaccination status. A questionnaire developed specifically for the present study was administered to gather the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, while data related to their mental disorders, COVID-19 infection, and comorbidities was obtained from their medical records. Results Eighty percent of the vaccinated group opted for the Sinopharm vaccine. Significantly higher percentage of vaccinated patients was hospitalized during the study period and had comorbidities compared to the unvaccinated group (51.4% vs. 32.6% and 52.8% vs. 37.5%, respectively). Education level, employment status, marital status, diagnostic category, and comorbidities were statistically significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccination uptake among people with mental disorders. Conclusion Our findings show that higher level of education, greater trust in the healthcare system, and knowledge of the available vaccination points significantly contribute to the vaccination uptake in this vulnerable population group. © 2024, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.