Abstract
BackgroundWe sought to determine the knowledge of, perception, attitudes, and behaviors toward inflenza virus and immunization, and the determinants of vaccination among students, patients, and Healthcare Workers (HCWs) at the American University of Beirut and its affiliated Medical Center.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study between October 2016 and January 2017 utilizing a self-administered questionnaire that was provided to 247 randomly selected adult participants. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, prior vaccination against influenza, knowledge, perception, attitudes, and behaviors toward influenza and influenza immunization. A multivariable regression model was used to evaluate for independent associations between the different variables and regular or yearly vaccination as a primary outcome.ResultsThe overall survey response rate was 77%. A substantial proportion of respondents (47.4%) had never received the influenza vaccine. Only 10.2% of students, 19.1% of patients, and 35.6% of HCWs reported regular or yearly influenza vaccine uptake. HCWs had the lowest knowledge score about influenza and its vaccine despite high self-reported levels of knowledge. Barriers to vaccinations included lack of information (31%), fear of adverse effects (29%), and a perception of not being at risk (23%). Several factors were independently associated with regular or yearly vaccination uptake including having children (adjusted OR = 3.8; 95% CI 1.2–12.5), a “very good” self-reported level of knowledge (OR = 16.3; 95% CI 1.4–194.2) and being afraid of the consequences of influenza (OR = 0.2; 95% CI 0.1–0.6).ConclusionAdherence rates with regular or yearly vaccination against influenza remain low across all study groups. We were able to identify predictors as well as barriers to vaccination. Future awareness and vaccination campaigns should specifically aim at correcting misconceptions about vaccination, particularly among HCWs, along with addressing the barriers to vaccination. Predictors of vaccination should be integrated in the design of future campaigns.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza epidemics result in 250,000 to 500,000 deaths annually worldwide [1]
We developed a paper-based self-administered questionnaire that consisted of 32 items divided into four parts: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) knowledge, (3) perceptions and (4) attitudes and behaviors of participants using both open- and close-ended questions
The final sample consisted of 247 subjects (100 students, 95 patients, and 52 Healthcare Workers (HCWs)) with the response rates for each group being 100%, 95%, and 41%, respectively
Summary
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza epidemics result in 250,000 to 500,000 deaths annually worldwide [1]. In 2009, the H1N1 influenza pandemic posed a worldwide public health threat [2]. The WHO International Health Regulations Emergency Committee declared an end to the global pandemic in 2010, the virus itself continues to be transmitted during seasonal outbreaks [3]. Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of occupational acquisition and spreading to healthy staff and vulnerable patients [4,5]. We sought to determine the knowledge of, perception, attitudes, and behaviors toward influenza virus and immunization, and the determinants of vaccination among students, patients, and Healthcare Workers (HCWs) at the American University of Beirut and its affiliated Medical Center
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
