Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The mortality from COVID-19 is higher in DM patients compared to the general population. Hence, it is highly desirable that diabetic patients are vaccinated against COVID-19 infection in order to reduce their risk of contracting the disease and having devasting consequences from the infection.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the willingness of type 2 DM patients to accept COVID-19 vaccine and the factors that influence their decision and to provide useful information to address their concerns about COVID-19 vaccines and improve its uptake

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between February and May 2022 in which consecutive diabetes patients were administered questionaire after an informed consent. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed for categorical and continuous variables and multivariable logistic regression was used assessed willingness to receive vaccine and its determinants.

Results: Of the 302 diabetes patients that participated in the study. (65.9%) were 60 years and above and majority were male (68.9%) and married (67.9%). Though majority perceived COVID-19 to be a serious disease; 33.5% considered themselves to be at risk of contracting COVID-19 despite being diabetic. Acceptances of the COVID-19 vaccination was high in the study participants (70.2%). Factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated include, perceived seriousness of the disease, previous vaccination and level of education (P< 0.001). Age (P=0.367), marital status (P=0.292), religion (P=0.3570 and participants occupation (P=0.468) were not significantly associated with the willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusion: Despite the perceived seriousness of Covid 19 infection in diabetes patients, 30% of the study participants were not willing to receive COVID-19 vaccination, education and awareness campaign are necessary to bridge this gap so that all diabetes patients can be vaccinated to reduce mortality associated with COVID-19.

Keywords: Covid 19, Vaccine, acceptance type 2 diabetes, Nigeria