Comparative Study of COVID-۱۹ Vaccination Frequency between Chronic Psychiatric Patients and the General Population

Background: COVID-۱۹ vaccination rates among individuals with mental illness have raised concerns due to these individuals' increased vulnerability to infection and complications. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the frequency of COVID-۱۹ vaccination between individuals with chronic psychiatric conditions and the general population. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted, including patients with psychiatric disorders and a comparison group without psychiatric problems. Data were collected between May ۲۰۲۳ and August ۲۰۲۳ using a simple random sampling method. Participants were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders according to DSM-۵ criteria and completed a questionnaire. Results: In a study of ۱۳۷ participants, including ۶۷ healthy individuals, ۳۸ with schizophrenia, and ۳۲ with affective disorders, psychiatric patients had lower full vaccination rates (P < ۰.۰۰۱). Patients with schizophrenia received fewer doses than healthy individuals and those with affective disorders (coefficient = -۰.۵۴, P = ۰.۰۰۷). Even after adjusting for demographics, the relationship between schizophrenia and vaccination rates remained significant. Conclusions: Chronic psychiatric patients have lower COVID-۱۹ vaccination rates compared to the general population. Targeted vaccination programs and improved access to psychiatric healthcare facilities are crucial for addressing the pandemic's disproportionate impact on this vulnerable group.

کلیدواژه ها:

COVID-۱۹ Vaccination ، Schizophrenia ، Vaccination Acceptance ، Psychiatric disorder