Δημοσίευση

Predictors of influenza vaccination among elderly: a cross-sectional survey in Greece.

ΤίτλοςPredictors of influenza vaccination among elderly: a cross-sectional survey in Greece.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsDardalas, I., Pourzitaki C., Manomenidis G., Malliou F., Galanis P., Papazisis G., Kouvelas D., & Bellali T.
JournalAging Clin Exp Res
Volume32
Issue9
Pagination1821-1828
Date Published2020 Sep
ISSN1720-8319
Λέξεις κλειδιάAged, Cross-Sectional Studies, Greece, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Influenza Vaccines, Influenza, Human, Surveys and Questionnaires, Vaccination
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Senior individuals are particularly vulnerable to influenza. Research suggests that protection against the virus and its transmission in this high-risk group of the population can be achieved by active immunization against the pathogen.AIMS: To explore and analyze the attitudes, knowledge and behavior of people over the age of 60 on influenza vaccination.POPULATION AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey included people over the age of 60 who were eligible candidates for the influenza vaccine from 3 regions from Northern and 1 region from Southern Greece. A self-completed questionnaire based upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the Motivation for Vaccination (MoVac-flu) and the Vaccination Advocacy Scale (MovAd) was administered to the participants. Demographic characteristics and information about health status were also obtained.RESULTS: The final sample included 318 participants with mean age of 70.7 years. More than half of the participants (56.6%) had received a flu vaccine in 2018 while 50.8% received it annually in previous years. Behavioral (p < 0.001), normative (p < 0.001), and control beliefs (p < 0.001), promoted the uptake of the vaccine and the increased intention score (p < 0.001) was associated with increased probability of vaccination. Greater age (p = 0.001) and frequent visits to the doctors (p = 0.003) had a positive influence upon the uptake of the vaccine.CONCLUSIONS: Only a small proportion of those over the age of 60 had received the influenza vaccine. This finding is worrying, as it indicates the impact that a future outbreak of seasonal influenza could exert upon vulnerable groups. There is an urgent need for further, better and more evidence-based information from healthcare professionals to achieve greater vaccination coverage in the community.

DOI10.1007/s40520-019-01367-4
Alternate JournalAging Clin Exp Res
PubMed ID31606859

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