Influenza vaccination uptake and associated factors among elderly population in Hong Kong: the application of the Health Belief Model.
The impact of influenza on elderly can be severe and fatal. Influenza vaccination (IV) has been shown to be effective in reducing influenza-related complications, but the IV uptake among elderly in Hong Kong remains low. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with IV among Chinese elderly in Hong Kong using the Health Belief Model (HBM). A total of 1101 Chinese elderly aged over 65 was randomly selected and completed a phone interview. Background information, experience of and intention to receive IV and IV-related knowledge and perceptions based on the HBM were measured. Results showed that 48.5 and 49.5% of the participants have ever been vaccinated and intended to receive IV, respectively. Female gender, having chronic disease, and participating in community activities were significantly associated with previous IV. Knowledge of the fact that IV is required every year, lower perceived side effect, IV price lower than HK$150, and recommendations from health care providers was associated with both previous IV and intention to be vaccinated in the next year. Interventions promoting IV among elderly should disseminate knowledge regarding the necessity of IV and correct misconceptions about the side effects of IV.
Centre for Health Behaviours Research, The School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China and.
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Centre for Health Behaviours Research, The School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China and Centre for Medical Anthropology and Behavioral Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China jlau@cuhk.edu.hk.
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Lau
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors
D007252:Influenza Vaccines