Kl. Nichol et al., FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INFLUENZA AND PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION BEHAVIOR AMONG HIGH-RISK ADULTS, Journal of general internal medicine, 11(11), 1996, pp. 673-677
OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional survey assessed factors associated wit
h influenza and pneumococcal vaccination behaviors among high-risk pat
ients exposed to highly organized vaccination programs. INTERVENTIONS:
Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 700 patients randomly
selected from the outpatient roster of the medical center. Questions
were asked about patient demographic and health characteristics in add
ition to their knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza and pneumoc
occal diseases and vaccines. MAIN RESULTS: After three mailings, the r
esponse rate was 68%, and 80% of these respondents were in a high-risk
roup. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates for high-risk resp
ondents were 74.4% and 62.5%, respectively. Factors independently asso
ciated with both influenza and pneumococcal vaccination behaviors incl
uded health care providers' recommendations and having positive attitu
des toward immunization. In addition, for influenza vaccination, willi
ngness to comply with the provider's recommendation was also associate
d with receipt of the vaccine while cigarette smoking was associated w
ith failure to receive the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Emphasis on provider
recommendations and the knowledge and attitudes of patients may enhanc
e influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates, even in the context of
organized vaccination programs.