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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Influenza Vaccination | Research article

Healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitude and acceptance of influenza vaccination in Saudi Arabia: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Authors: Thamir M. Alshammari, Kazeem B. Yusuff, Muhammad Majid Aziz, Gehad M. Subaie

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

All healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at high risk of influenza infection. Therefore, immunization is recommended for all HCPs. Due to safety and effectiveness concerns, HCPs have a low vaccination rate. This study was designed to explore the attitude, awareness and knowledge of HCPs toward vaccination for influenza.

Method

A cross-sectional study was performed during October–November 2016. A total of 405 questionnaires were distributed in 8 major hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire consisting of 31 questions and 5 sections was administered. Statistical Analysis Software (SAS®) version 9.2 was used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 364 HCPs responded to the study survey, which is a response rate of 90%. A large proportion (61.8%) of participants were female. The majority of the participants were nurses (60.4%). More than half of the respondents (57.7%) were working in government-run hospitals. Among all the participants, approximately 67.6% of HCPs were vaccinated. The majority (84.1%) of HCPs believed that influenza vaccine prevents the flu. Furthermore, approximately 75% of participants believed that HCPs can be more susceptible to influenza infections than other people. The majority of participants (89.6%) knew the proper signs and symptoms of influenza. HCPs’ belief that vaccination prevents influenza infection (OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 1.97–7.82), their awareness of the Scientific Committee for Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination (SCIPV)‘s guidelines (OR = 2. 13, 95% CI = 1.16–3.90) and the presence of the standing orders regarding influenza vaccine (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.01–3.21), were the predictors for receipt of influenza vaccine by HCPs.
Many (58.0%) respondents believed that vaccine safety concerns is a major barrier to the vaccination of HCPs. Some misconceptions, such as influenza infection due to vaccination (42.3%) and incorrect perceptions about the symptoms of influenza in adults (50.5%), were found.

Conclusion

The acceptance of and participation in influenza vaccination by HCPs in Saudi Arabia appears to have markedly increased in the 2016 season. Continuing evaluation of vaccination practices is necessary, and more training programs are needed in the future.
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Metadata
Title
Healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitude and acceptance of influenza vaccination in Saudi Arabia: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors
Thamir M. Alshammari
Kazeem B. Yusuff
Muhammad Majid Aziz
Gehad M. Subaie
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4054-9

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