P1712: CORONAVIRUS ANXIETY LEVEL AND COVID 19 VACCINE ATTITUDE AMONG HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCY PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine is the most essential tool for altering the pandemic’s trajectory. The pandemic’s control is complicated by society’s unwillingness to vaccination. Aims: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess patients with hematological malignancies’ attitudes regarding the COVID-19 immunization and to investigate COVID-19 anxiety in this susceptible population Methods: In this study, 165 patients with hematological malignancies were included. The COVID-19 anxiety situation was evaluated with the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). COVID- 19 vaccine attitude was evaluated with the Vaccine Attitudes Review (VAX) Scale. Results: The mean CAS score was 2.42 (0 - 17). There were 22 (13%) participants with a mean CAS score of ≥9. Half of the participants had a CAS score of 0. The CAS score was higher in females (p= 0.023). Similarly, it was significantly higher in patients who were not in remission for hematological malignancy and who received active chemotherapy (p= 0.010). The mean VAX score was 49.07 ± 8.76 (27-72). Most of the participants (64%) had a neutral attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. In a survey of 165 patients, 55% said that they were skeptical about vaccination safety, and 58% said that they were concerned about unintended side effects. In addition, 90% expressed moderate concerns about commercial profiteering. Natural immunity was preferred by 30% of the participants. There was no statistically significant correlation between CAS scores and Vaccine Attitudes Review (VAX) Scale. Summary/Conclusion: This study draws attention to the level of anxiety in patients with hematological malignancies of the COVID-19 pandemic. Negative attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine are worrisome for at-risk patient groups. We think that patients with hematological malignancies should be informed to eliminate their hesitations about COVID-19 vaccines.