Abstract

TUELLS, J.; CABALLERO, P.; NOLASCO, A.  and  MONTAGUD, E.. Factors associated with willingness to be vaccinated against pandemic flu A/H1N1 in the adult population of the Health Department of Elche (Spain): The influence of sources of information. Anales Sis San Navarra [online]. 2012, vol.35, n.2, pp.251-260. ISSN 1137-6627.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1137-66272012000200007.

Background. To assess, in the general population, the information sources, attitudes and willingness to be vaccinated against pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in 2009. Methods. We carried out a cross sectional study between 25th November and 30th December 2009, through face to face interviews with a random sample (826) of adults resident in the Health Department of Elche (Spain). Results. Respondents reported that television (57%) and the family doctor (47.9%) were their main sources of information about vaccinations. Eighty-two point two percent had a good opinion of vaccinations, 30.5% perceived A/H1N1 to be more severe than seasonal flu, with a higher rate among older and less educated people. Twenty-five point four percent of respondents were concerned about contracting it, especially among the less educated. Forty-two point one percent expressed their willingness to be vaccinated against seasonal flu. Eighteen point four percent intended to be vaccinated against A/H1N1. The bias towards vaccination increases with age and in the case of A/H1N1 decreases among more educated people. The family doctor was the main source of information when people wanted to be immunized against seasonal flu (OR = 1.43) and A/H1N1 (OR = 2.47). Conclusions. Low acceptance of the pandemic vaccination and low perceived severity of influenza A/H1N1. Previous vaccination experience with seasonal flu creates a predisposition to immunization against A/H1N1. Although the media were the leading source of information during this period, the family doctor´s influence on their decision to be vaccinated was significant.

Keywords : Vaccines; Influenza A virus; H1N1 subtype; Health behaviour; Attitude to health.

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