Quality of Life and Healthcare Utilization in Senior Citizens Before and After COVID-19 Vaccination: Findings from a Qualitative Study in Dental Patient Cohort.

OBJECTIVES

The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the quality of life (QoL) and healthcare-seeking behavior of senior citizens. Vaccination emerged as a protective strategy, but its wider impact on everyday living among the elderly remains underexplored. This study explored changes in the QoL of senior citizens before and after COVID-19 vaccination and examined shifts in their attitudes toward availing medical and dental care.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted among senior citizens until data saturation was achieved. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. The study was conducted from July 2022 to March 2024 in the Department of Periodontology. Participants were recruited from patients visiting the department until data saturation was achieved. In-depth interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and anonymized. Data were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's approach with qualitative data analysis Miner Lite software.

RESULTS

Five themes with 15 sub-themes emerged. The themes were the effect of vaccination on disease burden, fears regarding vaccine administration, impact on QoL, changes in healthcare-seeking attitudes, and perceptions regarding COVID-19 re-emergence.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 vaccination enhanced the QoL of senior citizens by reducing fear, restoring confidence, and enabling a safe return to social and healthcare settings, underscoring its broader psychosocial benefits.