Prevalence and correlates of influenza vaccination among non-institutionalized elderly people: an exploratory cross-sectional survey.
BACKGROUND
Worldwide pandemics of influenza virus caused extensive morbidity and mortality around the world and influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infection and its potentially severe complications. A large proportion of the Hong Kong elderly population has not undergone influenza vaccination. An exploration of the correlates will provide significant information to help identify ways of improving vaccination uptake among Chinese elderly people.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the prevalence and correlates of influenza vaccination Hong Kong Chinese elderly people aged 65 or above. To investigate any differences in attitudes toward influenza vaccination among Hong Kong elderly people with different levels of cognitive and physical functioning.


METHODS
An exploratory cross-sectional survey with two objective assessments was employed.


METHODS
Fifteen elderly centers in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.


METHODS
A total of 816 Hong Kong Chinese elderly participants were recruited.


METHODS
Face-to-face interviews were adopted to explore the demographic characteristics, perceptions, health status, knowledge, and resources of, and the influence of disease outbreaks on, influenza vaccination. Two objective validated instruments, the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (CMMSE) and the Barthel Index-Modified Chinese Version (MCBI) were used to assess the cognitive status and physical functioning of the participants.


RESULTS
Approximately two in three individuals (62.4%) had undergone influenza vaccination. Lower cognitive and physical functioning scores were found among the non-vaccinated participants. Multivariate logistic regression analyzes revealed the significant correlates associated with influenza vaccination to be consideration of vaccination in the subsequent years (aOR=7.877; p<0.001); consideration of vaccination if all people aged 65 or above were eligible to receive free vaccination (aOR=3.024; p=0.002); the belief that there is a need to receive influenza vaccination following the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and avian influenza (aOR=2.413; p=0.001); receiving advice from nursing staff of elderly centers (aOR=7.161; p<0.001); the medical staff of elderly centers (aOR=3.771; p<0.001) or family members or friends (aOR=3.023; p=0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of elderly Chinese people undergoing influenza vaccination remains suboptimal. The government can promote vaccination by educating the public about the advantages, by publicizing locations where vaccinations are available, and having nursing, other medical staff, family and friends encourage elderly people to be vaccinated. A high vaccination coverage rate must be ensured to achieve international goals.
Lau
Lam
L
Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
Lau
Ying
Y
Lau
Ying Hon
YH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence
D007252:Influenza Vaccines