title: Predicting intention to uptake H1N1 influenza vaccine in a university sample.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Global pandemic H1N1 was atypical of influenza in that it was associated with high symptom severity among young adults. Higher education institutions were therefore understandably concerned about the potential for high infection rates among students. This study examined intention to uptake H1N1 vaccine between November and December 2009, when the virus was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being in the pandemic phase.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred university students completed a questionnaire battery comprised of health, belief/attitudes, and behavioural intention measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings suggested that non-intention to vaccinate is associated with a strong disbelief in its efficacy, in negative attitudes towards vaccinations, and in lack of perceived threat, which is underscored by a disinterest in others' opinions, including authoritative bodies. Findings also suggested that there is resistance to the idea of vaccinations being mandatory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vaccination intent is in some way linked to a range of attitudes and beliefs. The implication for health practitioners is that behaviour intent may be open to influence where psycho-education can create pro-vaccine attitudes and beliefs.
authors: School of Psychology, NUI Galway, Republic of Ireland.
authors: Claire
authors: C
authors: Byrne
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Walsh
authors: Susanna
authors: S
authors: Kola
authors: Kiran M
authors: KM
authors: Sarma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D033182:Intention; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines