Do patterns of knowledge and attitudes exist among unvaccinated seniors?
OBJECTIVE
To examine patterns of knowledge and attitudes among adults aged > 65 years unvaccinated for influenza.


METHODS
Surveyed Medicare beneficiaries in 5 areas; clustered unvaccinated seniors by their immunization related knowledge and attitudes.


RESULTS
Identified 4 clusters: Potentials (45%) would receive influenza vaccine to prevent disease; Fearful Uninformeds (9%) were unsure if influenza vaccine causes illness; Doubters (27%) were unsure if vaccine is efficacious; Misinformeds (19%) believed influenza vaccine causes illness. More Potentials (75%) and Misinformeds (70%) ever received influenza vaccine than did Fearful Uninformeds (18%) and Doubters (29%).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that cluster analyses may be useful in identifying groups for targeted health messages.
Bardenheier
Barbara H
BH
Immunization Services Division, National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS E-52, Atlanta, GA, USA. bfb7@cdc.gov
Wortley
Pascale M
PM
Winston
Carla A
CA
Washington
Michael L
ML
Lindley
Megan C
MC
Sapsis
Karena
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D014481:United States