Determinants of influenza vaccination intention among Tunisian elderly

• Published in: European journal of public health 2020-09, Vol.30 (Supplement_5)
• Main Authors: Kharroubi, G, Cherif, I, Bouabid, L, Gharbi, A, Boukthir, A, McCarron, M, Ben Alaya, N, Ben Salah, A, Bettaieb, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chronic illnesses; Cross-sectional studies; Developed countries; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Health care; Health care facilities; Health care industry; Health services; Immunization; Influenza; Information; Lung diseases; Older people; Physicians; Public health; Regression analysis; Safety; Seasons; Vaccines
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1437

Abstract Background Influenza vaccination coverage among elderly remains unsatisfactory even in developed countries. Since attitudes are predictors of behavior, understanding factors influencing the intention to receive influenza vaccine (IV) among elderly may orientate interventions to increase vaccination rate. The aim of the current study was to identify factors associated to willingness to receive IV next season among Tunisian elderly. Methods During 2018 -2019 flu season a cross-sectional study was conducted among older persons aged 60 years and over with chronic disease attending primary and secondary health care facilities. The intention to get vaccinated against influenza was measured by means of a face to face questionnaire. Factors that affect willingness to receive IV were identified using a multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 1191 older persons included, 19.4% [17.1-21.9] participants received IV in 2018-2019 flu season, 64.7% [61.9-67.3] expressed willingness to be vaccinated next season. Willingness to receive IV was more likely among persons with chronic pulmonary disease (ORa=2.6), those suffering from diabetes (ORa=1.6), those who received IV in 2018-2019 flu season (ORa=16.5), those who feel that they get enough information about vaccines and their safety (ORa=2.9) and persons who trust the advice of their health care providers (ORa=4.5). Conclusions Vaccination status was the most determinant factor associated to willingness to receive the vaccine. Therefore, sustainable efforts to promote IV may lead to cumulative increase of influenza vaccination coverage year by year. Doctors should be involved more in advocating IV and providing elderly with the necessary information about IV, but that could not be effective without a climate of trust between patients and health care providers. Key messages Positive self-experience of older persons with IV may change their perception about it and encourage them to adhere to the vaccine in the future. Elderly should be provided with the necessary information about IV in terms of effectiveness and safety.