Impact of corona-phobia on attitudes and acceptance towards COVID-19 vaccine among cancer patients: a single-center study

Abstract

Lay abstract Cancer patients are considered among the privileged group for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. The investigators conducted a survey assessing the relationship between coronaphobia and related factors and vaccine acceptance among patients with cancer. A total of 300 patients completed a questionnaire assessing the factors affecting vaccine acceptance. Most (86.7%) patients accepted vaccination and have higher levels of fear against COVID-19, while 7% refused vaccination. Patients who have increased age, are retired and married had a higher tendency to accept vaccination against COVID-19. The main reason for acceptance was the willingness to get protection, whereas the main reason for refusal was the fear of adverse effects. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) phobia and related factors on attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine in cancer patients. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 300 adult patients using a validated COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and related survey to determine the factors affecting vaccine acceptance between May-June 2021. Results: Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine willingness, 86.7% accepted vaccination, 6.3% were hesitant and 7% refused vaccination. Patients that accepted vaccination had significantly higher C19P-S scores in general, and in psychological and psychosomatic subdivisions. Univariate analysis revealed that increased age, being retired, and being married were significantly associated with willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Conclusion: The majority of patients had high coronophobia levels which were associated with increased willingness for the COVID-19 vaccines. Minimizing negative attitudes towards vaccines will most likely be achieved by raising awareness in the cancer population about COVID-19 vaccine.