Evaluation of Knowledge and Attitudes Concerning Adult Immunization in University Students Enrolled in Health-Related Departments: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: Immunization is the most effective and reliable protection method from infectious diseases in both children and adults. As the issue of adult immunization is not given enough emphasis, this research aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes concerning adult immunization of students in health-related fields at Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Turkey.
 Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all final-year students studying health at the Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University using a questionnaire including sociodemographic data as well as knowledge and attitudes about adult vaccination. The statistical data were analyzed by number and percentage using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 21.0. 
 Results: A total of 379 students took part in the study, and only 19% of the students reported having sufficient knowledge about adult immunization. It was observed that for the participants, among the vaccines administered in adulthood, the hepatitis B and the meningococcus vaccines were the most and least familiar, respectively. When asked about knowledge and attitudes concerning vaccines administered in adulthood, the respondents proved uninformed about many vaccination practices.
 Conclusion: In this study, the students lacked sufficient knowledge and awareness on adult immunization; therefore, it is of great importance to educate students on immunization prior to their graduation to increase adult immunization rates in the general public.