Analysis of factors influencing the readiness for coronavirus vaccination: results of a survey of HIV-infected patients

Objective. To investigate the factors influencing the readiness of HIV-infected patients to be vaccinated against coronavirus infection in order to clarify measures aimed at preventing COVID-19 infection. Subjects and methods. The investigation conducted in the period February 9 to March 26, 2021, which involved 113 HlV-infected patients registered in the Specialized Research Department of AIDS Epidemiology and Prevention, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being. The questionnaire method was used. Results. 32.7% of the respondents expressed more likely a positive attitude to vaccination. A total of 23.9% of the respondents rated their coronavirus vaccination awareness as high as possible. Their readiness for vaccination was higher than that in respondents with low awareness (40.7 and 12.5%, respectively; p = 0.017). The information obtained from the attending physician (63.7%) was the most trusted when making a decision on vaccination in the surveyed group. 24.3% of the survey participants showed the maximum interest in obtaining information. 47.1% of them displayed their readiness for vaccination; 23.5% were unready for the latter. Conclusion. The results of the study could identify the factors influencing the patient’s decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19, which should be taken into account when advising on vaccination issues.

HIV infection, coronavirus infection, vaccination