Insufficient knowledge of korean gastroenterologists regarding the vaccination of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
OBJECTIVE
There is an increased risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to develop infections due to the use of immunomodulators and biologics. Several infections are preventable by immunizations. This study investigated the knowledge and awareness of Korean gastroenterologists regarding the vaccination of patients with IBD.


METHODS
A self-reported questionnaire was sent by e-mail to the faculty members of tertiary hospitals. Gastroenterologists were asked ten questions regarding the immunization of patients with IBD. A total of 56 gastroenterologists completed the questionnaire.


RESULTS
A majority of gastroenterologists (>60%) had rarely or never recorded an immunization history from their patients with IBD. Moreover, 50% to 70% of the gastroenterologists did not know that live vaccines should be avoided in immunosuppressed patients. The most commonly mentioned resistance to vaccinations was "the lack of concern and knowledge regarding vaccination." Gastroenterologists more frequently asked about the immunization history of influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines and recommended these vaccines more often than others.


CONCLUSIONS
Korean gastroenterologists' awareness and knowledge regarding the vaccination of patients with IBD were very poor. Intensive educational programs on immunization guidelines directed toward gastroenterologists who care for patients with IBD are required to ensure that these patients receive the necessary vaccinations.
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Yoon Suk
YS
Jung
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Jung Ho
JH
Park
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Hong Joo
HJ
Kim
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Yong Kyun
YK
Cho
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Chong Il
CI
Sohn
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Woo Kyu
WK
Jeon
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Byung Ik
BI
Kim
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Dong Il
DI
Park
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000592:standards*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence / Q000502:physiology; D016867:Immunocompromised Host / Q000502:physiology; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000592:standards; D056910:Republic of Korea; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000592:standards*
Immunization; Immunosuppression; Inflammatory bowel disease; Vaccine