Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of healthcare workers regarding influenza and vaccination in Salerno, Italy

Abstract

Background: Influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare workers (HCWs) is unacceptably low despitethe recommendations of health authorities.Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge base of healthcare workers in Local HealthServices (LHS) regarding influenza vaccination and to identify the factors that inhibit or motivate vaccinationamong HCWs.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out between July and October 2003 within the five Hospitals ofthe LHS “Azienda Sanitaria Salerno2”, Salerno, Italy. In July 2003, we prepared a standardized anonymousquestionnaire for a sample of 280 healthcare workers aimed at surveying their knowledge base and attitudestowards influenza and vaccination. The HCWs were recruited by random selection using the stratifiedlayered sampling method. On the basis of the results of our survey, a hospital vaccination campaign wasundertaken. Statistical analysis was carried out using the EpiInfo 6.06 program. Data were analyzed throughfrequency distribution. Statistical comparison was performed using the Chi-square tests and a p-value <0,05was considered statistically significant*.Results: During the 2003-2004 influenza season, 230 (81%) out of 280 employees answered thequestionnaire. 31 respondents (13.5%) were physicians, 94 (40.9%) were nurses and 105 (45.6%) wereworkers employed in supporting services. The vaccination rate among Health Care workers of this LocalHealth Service (LHS) unit was about 15.0%. The reasons most frequently cited by HCWs for noncompliancewith vaccination were confidence in their own personal health, the fear of adverse reactions to the vaccineand the doubt they had about vaccine efficacy.Conclusions: We conclude that those responsible for influenza vaccination programs might consider aspecifically tailored intervention strategy aimed at improving coverage. The answers collected can be usedto refine the following season’s campaign.