The association of sociodemographic factors and patient attitudes on influenza vaccination rates in older persons.
BACKGROUND
To determine how patient attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and sociodemographic characteristics relate to influenza vaccine acceptance in an older patient population.


METHODS
We conducted a mail survey of patients enrolled in a geriatrics clinic at a university-affiliated county hospital in Seattle, WA. We surveyed senior citizens' demographic background, health status, previous experiences, and beliefs about influenza and influenza vaccine. We determined the vaccination rates for influenza season 2001-2002 stratified by race, other sociodemographic factors, and attitudes toward influenza vaccination.


RESULTS
Surveys were mailed to 572 enrollees in SeniorCare Clinic. Three hundred twenty-four (57%) responded to the survey, 256 (79%) of whom reported receipt of influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination rates did not vary significantly by race in this patient population: 80% for white persons, 70% for black persons, and 84% for Asians. Receipt of vaccination was associated with survey responses that indicated a discussion about the influenza shot with a health care provider and a positive attitude toward the influenza shot. History of side effects and negative attitude toward the influenza shot were associated with failure to receive the vaccine.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients served by a university-affiliated geriatrics clinic, we found no statistically significant difference in influenza vaccination rate between white persons and other racial groups. Attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and prior experiences toward the influenza shot were predictors of influenza vaccination. Physician recommendation and patient participation strongly correlated with vaccination acceptance.
Chi
Ru-Chien
RC
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA. rchi@u.washington.edu
Neuzil
Kathleen M
KM
D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D019359:Knowledge; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D007252:Influenza Vaccines