A cross sectional survey to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding seasonal influenza and influenza vaccination among diabetics in Pretoria, South Africa
Date
2017-11-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Background: In South Africa, influenza vaccination is recommended to all diabetics. However, vaccinationcoverage among diabetics remains low. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes,and practices among peoplewith diabetes in Pretoria regardingseasonalinfluenza and influenza vaccination.Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus patients whoattended diabetic clinics in two major tertiary hospitals in Pretoria, South Africa from October toDecember 2015. The pilot-tested questionnaire consists of 32 quantitative questions that covered seasonalinfluenza and influenza vaccination in terms of the patient’s demographics, medical history and knowledge,attitudes and practices.Results: A total of 292 completed questionnaires were received with a response rate of 70.0%. Of these, 162participants (55.5%) believed that influenza is the same as common cold. While 96 (32.9%) participants wereawarethatthey were at higherrisk of complicationsof influenza,only 86 (29.5%) participantsconsidered vac-cination as an effective means in preventing seriousinfluenza-relatedcomplication.Even though 167 (57.2%)participants had heard of the vaccine to prevent influenza, only 84 (28.8%) participants were previously vac-cinated. Multivariate analysis shows that participants with good attitude score for influenza vaccinationwere 18.4 times more likely to be vaccinated compared with those with poor attitude score (OR =18.4,95%CI. 5.28–64.10, p = .001). Among those previously vaccinated, advice from their doctors (82/84, 97.6%)was the main factor encouraging vaccination. Top reasons given by participants who had never been vacci-nated before (208/292, 71.2%) include use of alternative protection (107/208, 51.4%) and that vaccination isnot necessary because flu is just a minor illness (93/208, 44.7%).Conclusion: Uptake of seasonal vaccination among diabetics in Pretoria is low. Level of knowledge and per-ception are the main barriers to vaccination. Health care provider’s advice may be an important key predictorof previous influenza vaccination and they should continue to educate and encourage all diabetics to get vac-cinated for influenza at least once yearly.
Description
CITATION: Olatunbosun, O. D., Esterhuizen, T. M. & Wiysonge, C. S. 2017. A cross sectional survey to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding seasonal influenza and influenza vaccination among diabetics in Pretoria, South Africa. Vaccine, 35(47):6375-6386, doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.10.006.
The original publication is available at https://www.journals.elsevier.com/vaccine
The original publication is available at https://www.journals.elsevier.com/vaccine
Keywords
Influenza -- Vaccination -- Pretoria (South Africa), Diabetics -- Pretoria (South Africa) -- Attitudes, Non-insulin-dependent diabetes
Citation
Olatunbosun, O. D., Esterhuizen, T. M. & Wiysonge, C. S. 2017. A cross sectional survey to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding seasonal influenza and influenza vaccination among diabetics in Pretoria, South Africa. Vaccine, 35(47):6375-6386, doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.10.006.