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Abstract
Healthcare students (HCSs) represent a target category for seasonal flu vaccination. This study aimed to examine adherence to flu vaccination campaigns from 2016 to 2019 among HCSs and to investigate knowledge and perception of and attitude toward influenza and flu vaccination. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the HCSs of a northern Italian university. Data on adherence, knowledge, perception, and attitude were investigated through an anonymous online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was filled out by 352 out of 392 third-year HCSs (response rate = 90%). The main reason for refusal was the perception of influenza as non-threatening (24.4%), while self-protection was the main reason for adherence (87.5%). A univariate logistic regression analysis revealed some statistically significant associations with the adherence to the 2018–2019 campaign: being a nursing/midwifery student (OR: 4.14; 95% CI: 1.77–9.71) and agreeing with (OR: 19.28; 95% CI: 2.47–146.85) or being undecided (OR: 10.81; 95% CI: 1.33–88.27) about the obligation of vaccination in health facilities. The associations were also evaluated with a multiple logistic regression model. Despite the low vaccine uptake, good knowledge of the risks for HCSs and patients related to flu has emerged. Improving promotion strategies will be necessary to increase the adhesion of future healthcare workers.
Highlights
IntroductionDuring traineeships in hospitals and other health facilities, healthcare students (HCSs) are at risk of contracting seasonal influenza and transmitting it to patients and healthcare workers (HCWs), playing an important role in nosocomial outbreaks
During traineeships in hospitals and other health facilities, healthcare students (HCSs) are at risk of contracting seasonal influenza and transmitting it to patients and healthcare workers (HCWs), playing an important role in nosocomial outbreaks.Influenza viruses can be transmitted via droplet spread, air, and direct contact
Low vaccination uptake was mainly due to the perception of influenza as a non-threatening disease and the weak promotion of vaccination campaigns, elements that need to be actively worked on in order to increase the coverage rate
Summary
During traineeships in hospitals and other health facilities, healthcare students (HCSs) are at risk of contracting seasonal influenza and transmitting it to patients and healthcare workers (HCWs), playing an important role in nosocomial outbreaks. Influenza viruses can be transmitted via droplet spread, air, and direct contact. They usually cause an acute respiratory and systemic illness, characterized by fever, asthenia, myalgia, arthralgia, and upper airway inflammation. Vaccination represents one of the most effective measures against seasonal influenza and it is highly recommended to HCWs and HCSs by the WHO [3], the CDC [4], and the Ministry of Health of Italy [5] in order to avoid nosocomial outbreaks. Seasonal influenza is one of the main causes of absenteeism and disruption of health services during the colder months, a period notoriously marked by an increase in demand for healthcare [6]
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