scholarly journals Patients’ attitudes toward seasonal influenza immunization

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 271-276
Author(s):  
Mirjana Kolundzic ◽  
Veselin Bojat ◽  
Rastislava Krasnik ◽  
Jelena Zvekic-Svorcan ◽  
Jarmila Lacokova-Krasnikova ◽  
...  

Introduction. Immunization is an important measure in the prevention of diseases that can seriously endanger health of the population. The aim of the study was to determine the attitudes of the adult population toward seasonal influenza immunization. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional prospective study including 160 adult subjects of both sexes was conducted from November 15, 2019 to December 15, 2019 at the General Medicine Department of the ?Liman? Health Center, Novi Sad, Serbia. The respondents filled out a questionnaire, specifically designed for this purpose. The collected data were used to analyze the influence of gender, age and employment status on personal attitudes toward seasonal influenza immunization. Results. The study included 160 examinees, 74 (46.2%) men and 86 (53.8%) women, average age of 63 years. There were 88 (55%) employed and 72 (45%) unemployed participants. Of 160 participants, 113 (72.4%) had a positive attitude toward vaccination, 20 (12.8%) had a negative attitude, while 23 (14.7%) respondents were undecided. No statistically significant difference was established between the sexes in attitudes toward immunization. Vaccination coverage was higher in unemployed compared to employed subjects (75% vs. 59.1%; p < .05). Unemployed respondents were more regularly vaccinated than the employed examinees (66.1% vs. 46.7%; p < .05). Conclusion. Higher vaccination coverage rates for planned immunizations against seasonal influenza can be achieved through better promotion strategies and health education of the population.

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Tognetto ◽  
A Abbondanzieri ◽  
G Cerone ◽  
M Di Pumpo ◽  
A Nardi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) of health care workers (HCWs) is well recognized as a public health measure that can protect both HCWs from infection and patients from the risk of influenza complications. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage rates among this specific population result generally lower than the recommended target. With our study, we aimed to describe the activities and the outcomes of four different SIV campaigns targeted at HCWs and organized during the season 2018/2019 in four hospitals in Rome. Methods A cross-sectional study involving four teaching hospitals was performed. The collected data were synthetized into a set of descriptors and indicators, validated through a previous study that had involved the same Centers. Results The Medical Directorates, in collaboration with the University Hygiene and Public Health Units of the four hospitals organized different strategies: Hospital 1, 3 and 4 realized educational courses for HCWs and actively promoted the campaigns through e-mail invitations to all HCWs. As for the access to vaccination, all the hospitals provided a dedicated unit for SIV; Hospital 1 and Hospital 4 organized also on-site vaccination sessions in the hospital wards, that required a large number of staff. The vaccination coverage rates resulted: 22.37% in Hospital 1, 18.10% in Hospital 4, 9.28% in Hospital 2 and 8,51% in Hospital 3. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that multi-activity campaigns, involving education, promotion and easy access to vaccination constitute an effective approach to reinforce the value of SIV. Our findings suggest that on-site vaccination may play a key role in determining a higher vaccination coverage. Key messages Multi-activity vaccination campaigns, involving education, promotion and easy access to vaccination constitute an effective approach to reinforce the value of seasonal influenza vaccination for HCWs. On-site vaccination may play a key role in determining a higher vaccination coverage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Dombrádi ◽  
Tamás Joó ◽  
Gergely Palla ◽  
Péter Pollner ◽  
Éva Belicza

Abstract Background The willingness to get COVID-19 or seasonal influenza vaccines has not yet been thoroughly investigated together, thus, this study aims to explore this notion within the general adult population. Methods The responses of 840 Hungarian participants were analysed who took part in a nationwide computer-assisted telephone interviewing. During the survey questions concerning various demographic characteristics, perceived financial status, and willingness to get the two types of vaccines were asked. Descriptive statistics, comparative statistics and word co-occurrence network analysis were conducted. Results 48.2% of participants were willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine, while this ratio for the seasonal influenza was only 25.7%. The difference was significant. Regardless of how the participants were grouped, based on demographic data or perceived financial status, the significant difference always persisted. Being older than 59 years significantly increased the willingness to get both vaccines when compared to the middle-aged groups, but not when compared to the younger ones. Having higher education significantly elevated the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in comparison to secondary education. The willingness of getting any type of COVID-19 vaccine correlated with the willingness to get both influenza and COVID-19. Finally, those who were willing to get either vaccine coupled similar words together to describe their thoughts about a COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion The overall results show a clear preference for a COVID-19 vaccine and there are several similarities between the nature of willingness to get either type of vaccine.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Miskulin ◽  
A Vcev ◽  
M Matic Licanin ◽  
I Vcev ◽  
I Vukoja ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Influenza vaccination (IV) is recommended for elderly but vaccination coverage in this group remains unsatisfactory in Croatia. The aim of this study was to explore IV uptake among elderly from Eastern Croatia and predictors that influence this uptake. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted during 2018/2019 influenza season in convenient sample of older adults aged 65 years or more from Eastern Croatia at the primary health care setting. Results The study sample consisted of 816 subjects (48.0% males and 52.0% females). The median age of all subjects was 73.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) 69.5 - 79.0 years). The overall prevalence of IV uptake was 33.3%. The IV uptake was statistically more frequent among females (P &lt; 0.001) and old-old subgroup (85 years and older) (P &lt; 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in IV uptake considering marital status of subjects (P &gt; 0.999). The median number of positive attitudes towards IV was 4.0 (IQR 2.0 - 4.0) and the median number of correct answers was 6.0 (IQR 4.0 - 8.0). The study revealed fair positive correlation between attitudes and IV uptake (rho=0.477; P &lt; 0.001) and poor positive correlation between knowledge and IV uptake (rho=0.242; P &lt; 0.001). The study further showed poor positive correlation between presence of comorbidities and IV uptake (rho=0.187; P &lt; 0.001) and moderate positive correlation between previous year vaccination history and IV uptake (rho=0.669; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions The study showed that observed IV uptake is far below EU target influenza vaccination coverage among elderly of 75%. The study revealed that fairly good predictors of IV uptake in study population were gender, older age group, and previous year vaccination history while attitudes, knowledge and presence of comorbidities were fairly poor predictors. The good predictors of IV uptake among elderly should be taken into account during influenza vaccination popularization strategies development. Key messages Understanding the factors that could improve the acceptance of vaccination is crucial to design effective public health interventions. The structured communication campaigns on influenza and influenza vaccines should be developed and directed specifically to elderly as one of target groups for vaccination.


2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (02) ◽  
pp. 187-192
Author(s):  
EJAZ HUSSAIN SIDDIQUI ◽  
SAAD SIDDIQUI ◽  
NOREEN SHAH

Objectives: To assess common presenting features and the role of Ultrasound in evaluation of Hepatobiliary diseases in ourpopulation. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Khyber X rays, Khyber Medical Centre, Peshawar. Period: August 2010 to December2010. Material and Methods: Data from patients presenting for evaluation of Hepatobiliary diseases was analyzed for presenting complaintsand ultrasound findings according to objectives of the study. Results: In total 197 cases were included in the study. The age wise categorizationincluded pediatric population (6.1%) adult population (87.3%) and geriatric population (6.6%). Upper abdominal pain was the most commonpresenting feature in all age groups as well as in both genders. Cholelithiasis with or without cholecystitis was the most common ultrasoundfinding in all age groups. No statistically significant difference was found between presenting features or ultrasound findings in different agegroups as well as across gender. Conclusions: Hepatobiliary diseases are among major illnesses in our region. Ultrasound is a sensitive anduseful tool for screening and evaluation of Hepatobiliary disorders.


Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 661
Author(s):  
Salah T. Al Awaidy ◽  
Zayid K. Al Mayahi ◽  
Malak Kaddoura ◽  
Ozayr Mahomed ◽  
Nathalie Lahoud ◽  
...  

Background: Seasonal influenza infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important target group for vaccination against influenza due to their increased risk of infection and their potential to transmit the infection to their patients, families and communities. The aim of this study was to assess the potential hesitancy and its associated factors towards influenza vaccination amongst HCWs in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 390 HCWs with direct or indirect patient contact was conducted in May and June 2019 using a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between HCW characteristics and vaccination status were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify the likelihood of vaccination against seasonal influenza among HCWs. Results: Overall, 60% of HCWs were vaccinated in the 2018/2019 season; vaccine uptake among nurses was 52% and uptake was higher among women. Self-protection and protection of the community were the most cited reasons for vaccine acceptance, with side effects being the main reason for hesitancy. Vaccinated respondents had a higher mean knowledge score (7.18; standard deviation SD: 2.14) than unvaccinated respondents (6.30; SD: 2.2). Odds of vaccination were highest among respondents who believed influenza vaccine should be mandatory for HCWs (Odds ratio (OR): 2.04 [1.30–3.18]), those working in the general medicine, emergency medicine, or intensive care units (OR: 1.92 [1.20–3.10]), nurses and doctors (OR: 1.75 [1.09–2.79]) and those who believe that HCWs should receive an influenza vaccine (OR: 1.35 [1.07–2.77]). Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights into the enablers and barriers of influenza vaccination practices among HCWs and may inform interventions to increase acceptance of vaccination.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Xiaoming Lou ◽  
Xiaofeng Wang ◽  
Zhifang Wang ◽  
Guangming Mao ◽  
Wenming Zhu ◽  
...  

Objective. The aim of this study was to explore whether iodine nutrition is associated with the risk of thyroid nodules among adult population in Zhejiang Province, China. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the general population aged 18 years or older. A total of 2,710 subjects received physical examination, questionnaires, and thyroid ultrasonography. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid hormone levels were measured and documented for each subject. 4 multiple logistic regression models adjusted for other risk factors were applied to analyze the association between iodine nutrition and thyroid nodules. Results. The prevalence of thyroid nodules was 15.5% among all adults. As indicated by all 4 models, subjects with UIC varying from 200 μg l−1 to 399 μg l−1 had lower risk of thyroid nodules compared with those with relatively low UIC (<100 μg l−1), with approximately 37–57 percent reduction in risk. Moreover, subjects with UIC between 100 and 199 μg l−1 had a decreased risk of thyroid nodules in model 1 and 2 (OR = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.58–0.97; OR = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.58–0.97, respectively). However, there was no significant difference of risk in thyroid nodules between subjects with high UIC (≥400 μg l−1) and low UIC (<100 μg l−1). Furthermore, intake of iodized salt was inversely associated with risk of thyroid nodules, with approximately 69–77 percent reduction in risk. Conclusion. The relationship between UIC and the risk of thyroid nodules is U-shaped. Consumption of noniodized salt is an independent risk factor of thyroid nodules.


QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M F Zakaria ◽  
T A Abdo ◽  
A A Abdelaziz ◽  
D A Zamzam ◽  
Y A Abdullah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Approximately half of all patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive impairment, most commonly with regard to new learning and memory. Cognitive dysfunction is a leading cause of disability in MS and it can have profound social and economic consequences for patients and their families. Objective This study was conducted to discover the early cognitive domains affected in multiple sclerosis patients concomitant with the postulated brain atrophy in an Egyptian sample of multiple sclerosis patients. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional observational case-control study conducted on seventy (60) patients who came for follow-up in Ain Shams University hospitals. 40 patients were taken as cases that followed up in MS unit in Ain-Shams university hospitals. 20 participants were taken as controls taken from the general medicine clinics age and sex matched to our patient group. An informed written consent was taken from parents of each person included in the study. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in brain volumetric changes and in the parameters of cognitive assessment Conclusion Early detection and examination of cognitive functions is important for patient evaluation, follow up and treatment regimen used.


2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manish Jain ◽  
Suhas Kulkarni ◽  
Rushabh J Dagli ◽  
Santhosh Kumar ◽  
Anmol Mathur ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Aims & Objective The aim of the present study was to assess current status of knowledge and attitude among the dental students of Udaipur, India towards HIV/AIDS. Material and Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 282 dental students of Darshan Dental College. The interview questionnaire comprised of 27close ended questions. One way ANOVA was applied by using SPSS (11.0) to compare mean level of knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Results Shows dental students have satisfactory knowledge, but certain misconception was prevalent. It also shows that around 30.20% of the dental students held an over all negative attitude. Mean level of knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS had a statistically significant difference in results among sex and academic periods. Conclusion Over all knowledge and attitude among dental students was found to be satisfactory. Most of the Dental Students, near about 69.80% have a positive attitude regarding HIV/AIDS education.


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