Difficulties of recruitment for a randomized controlled trial involving influenza vaccination in healthy older people.
BACKGROUND
In a randomized controlled trial to determine the cost benefits of influenza vaccination in fit healthy individuals aged 65-74 years, recruiting individuals to the study was more difficult than anticipated.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate reasons for poor recruitment.


METHODS
6,058 people were initially identified as eligible for the study but only 729 (12%) were subsequently randomized. Individuals (n = 2,583) who returned cards indicating that they did not wish to participate were sent a postal questionnaire asking for reasons why they felt unable to consent for the study.


RESULTS
1,173/2,583 (45.4%) questionnaires were returned. A total of 2,621 reasons were given for nonparticipation, i.e. a mean of 2.2 reasons per questionnaire returned. Reasons given for noninvolvement were: reluctance to participate in a research project (53%); concerned about side effects (34%); self-perceived view of not requiring influenza vaccination (31.7%); preference for own doctor to give the vaccine (29.1%); objection to name "Geriatric Medicine" on the letter of invitation (25.2%); already been vaccinated (17.3%); illness requiring vaccination out of the study (13.8%); previous bad reaction to the vaccine (6.4%); unable to attend on day of vaccination (4.3%); unable to get to general practice surgery (4%); already involved in a clinical trial (2.5%); fear of needles/dislike of injections (1.6%); doubts about vaccine efficacy (0.3%); egg allergy (0.2%).


CONCLUSIONS
Inaccurate beliefs about influenza vaccination persist across a wide section of the community. Efforts should be made by all health professionals to correct these false beliefs and ensure that those at risk can be easily recognized and targeted for vaccination.
Allsup
Stephen J
SJ
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Clinical Department, University of Liverpool, Duncan Building, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK. flutrial@liv.ac.uk
Gosney
Margot A
MA
D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018579:Patient Selection; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016312:Treatment Refusal; D014611:Vaccination
D007252:Influenza Vaccines