The Perception of COVID-19 Disease and Attitudes Toward the COVID-19 Vaccine Among Individuals Presenting to the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic

Abstract

Objective: Vaccination rates among individuals with mental disorders are lower than in the general population. It is important to understand attitudes towards vaccination among groups with pre-existing mental disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the perception of COVID-19 disease and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination among individuals who applied to the psychiatry outpatient clinic of a district state hospital in Eastern Türkiye. Methods: The study sample consisted of 222 participants. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, the COVID-19 Disease Perception Scale, and the COVID-19 Vaccine Attitudes Scale. Descriptive statistical methods were employed alongside Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis H, and Spearman\'s Rho Correlation Analyses. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.45±18.01 years, with 72.5% being female. Anxiety disorders were diagnosed in 70.7% of participants, depressive disorders in 16.2%, psychotic disorders in 5.9%, obsessive-compulsive disorders in 3.2%, and other diagnoses (including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, and substance use disorders) in 4.1%. %. A statistically significant positive correlation was identified between the subscales of perceived "Dangerousness" and "Contagiousness" and "Positive- Negative" attitudes toward vaccination (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Individuals with mental disorders who perceive COVID-19 as contagious and dangerous are more likely to have a positive attitude toward vaccination. The healthcare professionals should prioritize individuals with mental disorders when educating the public on the importance of vaccination during pandemics.