[Factors associated with influenza vaccination among elderly persons in Southeastern Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
Even though influenza vaccination is free and widely available in Brazil since 1999, coverage is still inadequate in several of the country's municipalities. The aim of the present study was to estimate vaccine coverage and to identify factors related to vaccination against influenza in the elderly population.


METHODS
A household survey was carried out using a systematic random sample (N=365) of the urban population older than 60 years from the city of Botucatu, Southeastern Brazil. A logistic regression model using vaccination in 2002 as the dependent variable was used. The following covariables were tested: sex, age, socioeconomic variables (per capita income, number of persons per dormitory, schooling, marital status, occupation, time living in the city), history of morbidity and hospital admission, smoking, respiratory symptoms in last 15 days, and community activities (voluntary work, neighborhood and church activities).


RESULTS
Vaccine coverage was 63.2% (95% CI: 58.3-68.2). We found a lower proportion of vaccination among the 60-64 years age group. Variables associated with vaccination in the final model were age (OR=1.09 per year; 95% CI: 1.06-1.13); arterial hypertension (OR=1.92; 95% CI: 1.18-3.13); and participation in community activities (OR=1.63; 95% CI: 1.01-2.65). With the exception of hypertension, vaccination among subjects with chronic diseases did not reach adequate levels, as expected for this high-risk group. Participation in social and community activities was associated with vaccination status.


CONCLUSIONS
Socioeconomic conditions, habits, and age did not restrict access to vaccination campaigns. On the other hand, specific campaigns aimed at the 60-64 years age group may increase vaccination coverage.
Donalisio
Maria Rita
MR
Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil. donalisi@fcm.unicamp.br
Ruiz
Tânia
T
Cordeiro
Ricardo
R
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population
D007252:Influenza Vaccines