Knowledge and Practice of Physicians towards the use of Influenza Vaccine in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in UAE
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Keywords
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Influenza vaccine, Exacerbations, Physicians
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammation in airway that limits airflow to lungs. According to the GOLD guidelines based on the severity of airflow obstruction, it classified as mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. People at higher risk of developing flu complications like COPD patients. Flu vaccine was one of treatment to reduce severe exacerbation of COPD. Studies were conducted to express physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practices used to reduce the severity of COPD exacerbations. No studies have been conducted in UAE. This study will increase the awareness of recommending influenza vaccine in COPD patients by physicians. Aim: To determine the knowledge and practice of healthcare providers regarding the use of influenza (flu) vaccine in patients having COPD with severe exacerbations in UAE. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted in two hospitals, thirteen primary healthcare centers, and one preventive medicine center in the northern area of the UAE. The study covered 200 physicians. SPSS statistical software version 27 was used to analyze the data. Results: The study showed that 95.5% of physicians agreed there was a relationship between influenza infection and the severity of exacerbation in COPD patients (p-value=0.00). Around 70% of the physicians prescribe flu vaccines to COPD patients with severe exacerbation (P-value=0.00) and 61% of physicians reported that COPD patients do take the influenza vaccine annually (P-value=0.00). Many factors greatly impacted the practitioner’s practices in recommending influenza vaccine to COPD patients. 79% of physicians considered patients risk for respiratory failure and severe exacerbations, following the GOLD guideline and information from experts (72% and 61% respectively) and reduction in the cost and burden of hospitalization (77.5%) directed them to prescribe influenza vaccine. Conclusion: This research is considered the first study conducted in Northern region of UAE regarding the use of influenza vaccine in COPD patients. The physicians agreed on the importance of prescribing influenza vaccines to COPD patients. Still, they recommended that policies should be established (following the GOLD guidelines) to mandate the use of influenza vaccine in COPD patients with severe exacerbations.
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Eiman Shamseldin Al Gailani Ali, Faculty in Pharmacy Practice Department, Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls, Dubai Medical University
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