Determinants of adherence to influenza vaccination among inner-city adults with persistent asthma.
OBJECTIVE
Despite guideline recommendation, influenza vaccination rates among asthmatic patients remain low. The objective of this study was to identify health beliefs associated with vaccination adherence in asthmatic patients.


METHODS
We surveyed 167 adults with persistent asthma undergoing follow-up at a hospital-based clinic. Vaccination beliefs questions were based on the Health Belief Model. Patients who reported receiving influenza immunisation most or every year were considered adherent to vaccination.


RESULTS
Overall, 71% of patients were adherent to influenza vaccination. In multivariate analyses, doctor or nurse recommendation (odds ratio [OR]: 14.71, 95% CI 5.40-40.05), the belief that the vaccine protects against influenza (OR: 7.21, 95% CI 2.25-23.10), and the belief that the vaccine could cause a cold (OR: 0.46, 95% CI 0.19-1.13) were independent predictors of adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaccination beliefs and physician recommendation were associated with influenza vaccination adherence among inner-city asthmatics. Future interventions should target these potentially modifiable factors.
Lyn-Cook
Richard
R
Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, NY, USA.
Halm
Ethan A
EA
Wisnivesky
Juan P
JP
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014505:Urban Population
D007252:Influenza Vaccines