Abstract
BackgroundOlder adults represent 70–90% of seasonal influenza-related deaths and 50–70% of influenza-related hospitalizations. Vaccination is the most efficient means of preventing influenza and reducing influenza-related illnesses. We aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of seasonal influenza vaccination among older adults in Honduras.MethodsFrom August 29–October 26, 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional KAP survey regarding seasonal influenza vaccinations to samples of older adults 1) admitted to nursing homes and 2) attending daycare centers. We used the Minimental State Examination (MMSE) psychometric tool to assess the cognitive status of older adults and included participants with scores of ≥23 points in the survey. We reported frequency distributions for demographics, KAP of influenza virus and vaccination, and vaccination coverage. We used logistic regression to analyze associations between demographics and verified influenza vaccination.ResultsOf 511 MMSE participants, 341 completed the survey (95 adults in 12 nursing homes and 246 older adults in ten daycare centers). Almost all participants knew that influenza causes severe illness and may be transmitted from person to person, vaccination is safe and protects against disease, and older adults have greater risk of complications. Of 284 participants with verified vaccinations, 81.3% were vaccinated for influenza: 87.9% attending daycare centers and 61.4% in nursing homes. Among all participants, verified current influenza vaccination was associated with self-reported influenza vaccination in previous year (aOR: 14.05; 95% CI: 5.36–36.81); no formal education (aOR: 4.83; 95% CI: 1.63–14.37) or primary school education (aOR: 4.51; 95% CI: 1.79–11.37) having ≥secondary as reference; and indigenous (aOR: 4.55; 95% CI: 1.18–17.49) having Mestizo as reference. Reasons for vaccination were perceived self-benefits, protection against influenza complications, favorable vaccination hours, and healthcare provider recommendations.ConclusionFour-fifths of older adults were vaccinated for seasonal influenza. Educational efforts provided in conjunction with vaccination campaigns resulted in high knowledge of influenza virus, transmission, and vaccination. Further outreach regarding disease risks and vaccine safety needs to be directed towards older adults in nursing homes who had lower knowledge and coverage than older adults in daycare centers.
Highlights
Influenza is an acute infectious disease that affects 5–10% of the world’s adult population and is responsible for 3–5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000–650,000 deaths worldwide annually [1, 2]
Of 284 participants with verified vaccinations, 81.3% were vaccinated for influenza: 87.9% attending daycare centers and 61.4% in nursing homes
Educational efforts provided in conjunction with vaccination campaigns resulted in high knowledge of influenza virus, transmission, and vaccination
Summary
Influenza is an acute infectious disease that affects 5–10% of the world’s adult population and is responsible for 3–5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000–650,000 deaths worldwide annually [1, 2]. Half of influenza infections are asymptomatic or mild, but influenza may cause severe complications including acute upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, and cerebrovascular events, among adults 65 years of age [3]. Older adults ( 65 years) are at increased risk of influenza-related complications, hospitalization, and mortality, those with underlying chronic diseases [4]. They represent 70–90% of seasonal influenza-related deaths and 50–70% of influenza-related hospitalizations from complications including pneumonia, myocarditis and encephalitis [2]. Older adults represent 70–90% of seasonal influenza-related deaths and 50–70% of influenza-related hospitalizations. We aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of seasonal influenza vaccination among older adults in Honduras.
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