The influence of health beliefs upon immunization with influenza vaccine by selected elderly

Abstract

Persons age 65 and older are one group considered to be at high risk for fatal complications of influenza illness. Influenza illness can be prevented, or the severity of illness reduced, by immunizing persons annually with influenza vaccine. Despite the potential to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality, less than 30 percent of high-risk individuals receive flu vaccine yearly (CDC, 5/24/91). The literature has identified a number of factors that have demonstrated a relationship with the decision to obtain or decline influenza immunization. This study used a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design to examine the relationship between attitudes and beliefs about influenza illness and influenza vaccine and the influenza immunization status of a selected group of older adults. The sample group was 120 men and women age 65 and older who attended two senior citizen activity programs in Wicomico County, Maryland. Findings from this study were to be used to plan an influenza immunization program that would address the beliefs and concerns of older adults regarding influenza immunization with the goal of increasing acceptance of flu shots. The PRECEDE model developed by Green, Kreuter, Deeds, and Partridge (1980) was the conceptual framework for this study.