Beliefs, knowledge and attitudes of community-dwelling Greek elders towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccination
Journal
The Internet Journal of Epidemiology
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Influenza is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the elderly.
Objective: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of community-dwelling Greek elders towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.
Method: Content analysis methodology was used to analyse three focus group interviews (n=22). The theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model was used.
Results: Two-thirds of the elderly participants have received flu vaccine last year. The main motives and barriers that explain elders' behaviour were: having routine access to medical care; the recommendation of health care professionals; beliefs about the benefits of influenza vaccination; having a relative who delivered the vaccine; being less than 75 years old; having unpleasant reactions in the past; lack of adequate information about the side effects of influenza vaccine; and vaccine shortages.
Conclusions: Availability of sufficient vaccines and health education programs are needed to increase the uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.
Objective: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of community-dwelling Greek elders towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.
Method: Content analysis methodology was used to analyse three focus group interviews (n=22). The theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model was used.
Results: Two-thirds of the elderly participants have received flu vaccine last year. The main motives and barriers that explain elders' behaviour were: having routine access to medical care; the recommendation of health care professionals; beliefs about the benefits of influenza vaccination; having a relative who delivered the vaccine; being less than 75 years old; having unpleasant reactions in the past; lack of adequate information about the side effects of influenza vaccine; and vaccine shortages.
Conclusions: Availability of sufficient vaccines and health education programs are needed to increase the uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.
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RAFTOPOULOS VASILIOS INFLUENZA GREECE-HONG KONG.pdf
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