https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2026.15767
16 | Empowerment and vaccine prevention among diabetic patients over 65 in charge of the integrated management clinics
M.B. Cirmi1, A. Giarratana2, M.G. Dipasquale3, T. Bella3, D. Incatasciato3, M. Romano4 | 1Geriatrics Division, Maggiore Hospital, Modica (RG); 2Primary Health Care Organization, Health District Vittoria (RG); 3Health District Vittoria (RG); 4Geriatrics Division, ARNAS Garibaldi, Catania.
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Published: 11 June 2026
Introduction. The prevalence of diabetes (5.9%) reaches 21% in those over 75 years of age. People affected by diabetes are characterized by an increased infectious risk (1:2 in 5th year) and mortality compared to the general population. The National-Vaccine-Plan’23-25 include this risk category to develop vaccination supply strategies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the empowerment of diabetic patients in charge of the AGI both in the prevention of diabetes complications and infectious risk.
Materials and Methods. An observational pilot study was conducted from February 2024 to May 2025. A total of 173 patients were recruited showing a mean age of 70, 52% male. An ad-hoc questionnaire was administered during the follow-up to evaluate HbA1c, vaccines history (anti-flu, anti-SARSCoV2, anti-pneumococcal, anti-HZV), Vaccine-Confidence-Index (VCI) adding "vaccines protect myself and others”, EQ-5D-3L+VAS for quality of life (QoL).
Results. The patients showed a mean HbA1c of 7.2% (max11.4; min5; mode7.2); 74% received the anti-flu, 20% anti-pneumococcal, 16% anti-HZV, 90% antiSARS-CoV2 until 2022, 8% weren’t vaccinated. The VCI was 70% indicating moderate confidence in vaccines. Specifically, 22 patients didn’t answer the VaxRel question considering it unrelated; 68.2% agreed with "vaccines protect myself and others"; 16% didn’t trust in vaccines. More than 65% declared physical/mental well-being for the 5Ds; most frequent EQ-VAS value was 70/100 (22%).
Conclusions. Data showed a low vaccination coverage, especially for the anti-HZV and anti-pneumococcal vaccine, which indicate a low propensity to vaccination, despite that the VCI was 70%. Otherwise, the QoL, compared to HbA1c values, gives an acceptable estimate of the empowerment of diabetic patients even if it can be improved. Therefore, it’s essential to elaborate more suitable strategies involving different healthcare professionals to increase diabetes' health literacy and vaccine confidence for patient-centred management.
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