Autores: Khazaeipour Zahra, Ranjbarnovin Neda, Hoseini Najmesadat
Introduction: This study aimed to determine influenza vaccine coverage and evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice about influenza and vaccine of health care workers in Tehran, Iran. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey involved 144 health care workers (HCWs) at the Tehran University of Medical Science between October 2008 and February 2009. Participants received a self-administered questionnaire directed at 35 items of knowledge and every correct response was scored one point. Results: Influenza vaccination coverage for the 2008–2009 season was 66.9 % (range, 45% to 62%). Most HCWs (80.6%) had received an influenza vaccination in the past, and 65.4% intended to receive vaccination in the coming year. The main reason given for being immunized was the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine (51.4%). The main reason given for not being immunized was concern about adverse effects (23.1%). The knowledge score for the 35 items ranged from 0 to 34 (mean 17.37). Mean knowledge scores differed between educational levels. There was no significant difference in mean knowledge scores between females and males (P > 0.05). Independent variables (age, sex, marital status, having children aged ≤ 16 years, educational level) were not significant predictors of taking influenza immunization. Conclusion: Despite the high coverage rate of influenza vaccination in our study, we would expect a higher rate because of free vaccine availability. The results indicate the need for on-going education of influenza disease among HCWs to increase vaccination rates.
Palabras clave: Health care worker influenza influenza vaccination.
2011-04-19 | 323 visitas | Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones
Vol. 4 Núm.10. Octubre 2010 Pags. 636-644. J Infect Developing Countries 2010; 4(10)