Association between knowledge of influenza vaccine and vaccination status among general population attending primary health care centers in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background:Influenza vaccination is essential for population health. However, despite its strong recommendation, studies indicated a low rate of vaccine uptake. This study aimed to explore knowledge and attitudes towards influenza vaccinations among the general population attending primary health care centers in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among 381 participants from four health care centers in Al-Madinah city. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. It includes questions on sociodemographic variables, knowledge, attitude, and vaccine uptake. Chi square test and simple logistic regression test were used to assess association between vaccination status and study variables.Results:Mean (SD) age of participant was 37 (12.5) and age ranged from 18 to 65 years. The majority were male (64.6%). Three out of seven items were answered correctly by most of the participants. The majority were classified as not knowledgeable (53.5%). More than half have been vaccinated with influenza vaccine (58.3%). Factors associated with vaccination uptake were Age group (P < 0.05), Marital status (P < 0.05), education level (P < 0.05) and Knowledge (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The study showed poor knowledge and attitude toward influenza vaccination among general population but a relatively accepted rate of vaccine uptake. Vaccination uptake was associated with knowledge, marital status, education, and age. This study recommends implementation of educational programs to increase the awareness among the general population.

Beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination among the general population in Saudi Arabia

“…A recently published review [ 10 ] demonstrated that vaccine acceptance and hesitancy vary at the global context. In Saudi Arabia, a COVID-19 vaccine is expected to face significant public hesitancy given the current public hesitancy toward seasonal influenza vaccination [ 11 , 12 ]. Thus, the study aimed to assess the beliefs of Saudi residents toward eventual COVID-19 vaccination and to uncover the barriers associated with vaccination among the general population in Saudi Arabia.…”

Predictors of healthcare workers' intention to vaccinate against COVID-19: A cross sectional study from Saudi Arabia

“…A recently published review indicates varying levels of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy globally ( Xiao and Wong, 2020 ). Most surveys of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance report low rates of acceptance in the Middle East, Russia, Africa, and several European countries ( Almotairy et al, 2019 , Alqahtani et al, 2017 ). Further studies are needed to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Middle and South America.…”

“…In Saudi Arabia, a COVID-19 vaccine is expected to face significant public hesitancy given the current public hesitancy toward seasonal influenza vaccination ( Almotairy et al, 2019 , Alqahtani et al, 2017 ). Although few studies have explored hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination, existing studies have found that acceptance and hesitancy rates towards any vaccine vary around the world ( Xiao and Wong, 2020 ).…”

Beliefs and Barriers Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia

“…A recently published review [10] demonstrated that vaccine acceptance and hesitancy vary at the global context. In Saudi Arabia, a COVID-19 vaccine is expected to face signi cant public hesitancy given the current public hesitancy toward seasonal in uenza vaccination [11,12]. Thus, the study aimed to assess the beliefs of Saudi Arabians toward eventual COVID-19 vaccination and to uncover the barriers associated with vaccination among the general population in Saudi Arabia.…”