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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe factors related to the acceptance of influenza vaccination among community-dwelling elderly in non-metropolitan area.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe the influence of media on vaccination decision among community-dwelling elderly in non-metropolitan area.
Methods: A convenient sample of 279 elderly from outpatient departments of a major community hospital in southern Taiwan was surveyed. 140 of which had received influenza vaccines last year. Kwong’s health belief model scale and a self constructed questionnaire were used to collect data. Face to face interviews were conducted when the participants were illiterate. Data collected were compared between elders who received vaccination last year and those who did not receive vaccination last year.
Results: The average age of the sample was 75.8 years. The sample contained 166 male (59.5%) and 113 female (40.5%). 88.9% of the participants lived with their family or friends. Most elderly (78.5%) suffered from one or more chronic diseases. 87.5% participants were independent in daily living. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, perceived benefit of preventive action (OR=1.14, p<.01), cues to action (OR=1.12, p<.001), perceived seriousness of influenza (OR=1.10, p=0.02), and negative reports from media (OR=0.47, p<.001) explained 39% of influenza vaccination behavior among community elderly.
Conclusion: The study results indicated that health belief model significantly predicted vaccination behavior. Health care worker’s attitude toward influenza vaccination may influence community elders’ vaccination behavior. Therefore, promoting healthcare providers positive attitude toward influenza vaccination may promote vaccination rate. Utilizing radio broadcasts and providing health education activities to community elderly may increase their knowledge in influenza vaccination.
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