The Impact of Patient’s Socio-Demographic Characterictics, Comorbidities and Attitudes on Flu Vaccination Uptake in Family Practice Settings / Vpliv Bolnikovih Psihosocialnih Značilnosti, Komorbidnosti In Stališč Na Odločitev O Cepljenju Proti Gripi V Ambulantah Družinske Medicine

Abstract

ObjectivesIn Slovenia, the role of family physicians in primary care and preventive procedures is very important. Influenza vaccination rates in Slovenia are low. The reasons for low vaccination rates in Slovenia were not clear. We suppose that patient’s beliefs and attitudes are important factors. We assessed patients’ opinions regarding the acceptance of flu vaccination by their family physicians and their beliefs and attitudes about flu and vaccination. The aim was to check out factors that influence the decision to take the vaccine in family physician offices.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study in the Styria region in Slovenia. We included patients from seven family physicians during regular office visits. They filled in a questionnaire about their general demographic data and attitudes regarding influenza and vaccination. The main outcome was the decision to be vaccinated.ResultsThe logistic regression model identified five predictors for influenza vaccination, namely: heart disease, previous vaccination, an agreement with the beliefs ‘the vaccination is an efficient measure to prevent influenza’, ‘after the vaccination there are usually no important side effects’ and ‘the vaccination is also recommended for a healthy adult person’. The belief that vaccinations harm the immune system is negatively associated with vaccination.ConclusionsPatients’ beliefs are an important factor to decide for vaccination or not. Family physician teams should discuss with patients their beliefs and concerns about vaccination.

Beliefs, attitudes and barriers associated with the uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccine among patients visiting primary healthcare clinics

“…In fact, poor uptake of the influenza vaccine is a problem around the world, as reported in studies conducted in Lebanon, 8 Jordan, 9 , 10 and European countries. 5 , 6 , 14 In our study, the rate of vaccination is insufficient to achieve a coverage that offers community-wide protection from the disease and its complications. This indicates a need for greater efforts to educate people about the vaccination, and to provide the necessary health facilitation and involvement of multidisciplinary teams to promote the seasonal influenza vaccination.…”

“…In comparison, in the Lebanese study, participants most frequently reported that their physician was their main source of information about the influenza vaccine. 5 Similarly, in the Slovenian study, 5 most participants said they received their information about the influenza vaccine from their family physician. It is interesting that most participants in our study said they were concerned about influenza infection and believe that the vaccine is useful to prevent it, yet the majority never get vaccinated.…”

“… 4 There are marked differences in seasonal influenza vaccination rates between different countries, and between different times of the year. 5 - 7 In Arab countries, the vaccination rates are variable. For example, according to a study carried out in Lebanon in 2015, the overall vaccination rate was 27.6%, 8 while in Jordan, 2 studies reported a low vaccination rate between 9.9 and 20% of adults.…”

“…12 A person’s decision to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine depends on several factors, including beliefs and attitudes about influenza and the influenza vaccine. 5 , 13 In Slovenia, unvaccinated people cited 2 main reasons for not getting the seasonal influenza vaccine: the perception that they were in good health and therefore did not need the vaccine, and a fear of side effects. Many of those who did get the vaccine said they felt it was important to be vaccinated by their family physicians since they had confidence in them.…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Barriers Influencing Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake

“…In addition, a study in Makkah conducted on adults visiting a primary health care center reported a vaccination rate of only 18.5% [ 10 ]. Various studies reported multiple factors influencing vaccination uptake including knowledge and attitude contributed to the individual's opinions [ 11 ]. In a study in Lebanon, “thinking that the vaccine was not needed” was the only factor associated with lack of receiving the annual influenza vaccine [ 8 ].…”