COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Among the Diabetic Population in the Northwestern Region of Romania: Insights From an Autofill Survey

Introduction The global experience of COVID-19 has highlighted the underestimated importance of vaccination as a preventive measure. Vaccine acceptance can be influenced by multiple factors, which can be significantly reduced through improved vaccination promotion strategies. This study aims to identify these factors and explore potential strategies to enhance vaccine uptake among the diabetic population. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 189 patients diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The selected patients were from the northwestern region of Romania, the largest and most significant area for diabetes treatment. We used an adapted, pretested, self-administered questionnaire developed by the authors in collaboration with other medical professionals. Participants completed a 27-item survey covering personal sociodemographics, medical history related to diabetes, comorbidities and COVID-19, level of education, religion, ethnicity, type of COVID-19 vaccine administered, and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination, including acceptance and hesitancy. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, with results presented as percentages and associations. The difference between groups that accepted or refused vaccination was examined using the Chi-square test, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. If the results were statistically significant, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval. Results The participants were 96 (50.8%) females and 93 (49.2%) males. Most patients, 116 (61.4%), were between 51 and 70 years old. Moreover, 56 (29.6%) had only completed high school in terms of education level. From the medical history, 186 (98.4%) had type 2 diabetes, 162 (85.7%) were taking oral antidiabetics, 94 (49.7%) had cardiovascular diseases, and 161 (85.2%) had at least one COVID-19 infection. One hundred seventy-three patients were vaccinated against COVID-19. The most common vaccine, 143 (82.7%), was Pfizer. The principal determinant for vaccine acceptance, identified by 109 (63%) participants, was individual health and the well-being of others. For those who did not choose to get vaccinated, fear of side effects (7; 43.8%) was the main reason. Regarding the administration of a third dose, the main reason for vaccine hesitancy is overcome by personal perception (22; 20.6%), while that for vaccine acceptance remains the same, i.e., individual health and the well-being of others (56; 84.8%). Vaccine acceptance had a statistically significant relationship with variables like marital status, age, orthodox religion, ethnicity, occupation, and education. Conclusions Variables such as marital status, religion, and age can positively influence vaccination uptake. Comprehensive education on preventive medicine, starting from an early age and integrated within the healthcare system, is essential for fostering understanding and acceptance of vaccination.