Influenza and Intentions to Vaccinate in an Underserved Hispanic Population: The Role of Theoretically Derived Constructs

Abstract

Background:

Past research has focused on understanding influenza vaccine acceptance in non-Hispanic white populations; however, research on the social causes of influenza vaccine acceptance rates in Hispanic populations is slowly developing.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess theoretically driven predictors (i.e. attitudes, perceptions, behaviors, etc.) on influenza and the intention to vaccinate.

Methods:

A survey was administered to assess predictors of intentions to receive the influenza vaccine. The survey included items adapted from the National Flu Survey.

Results:

Key constructs common in models of health behaviors emerged as predictors of behavioral intentions to receive the flu vaccine. Recent vaccination within the past year (P < 0.001), perceived effectiveness of the flu vaccine (P < 0.004), and perceived safety of the flu vaccine (P = 0.009) were predictors of intentions to vaccinate. Exploratory analyses revealed that government distrust was a statistically significant predictor of intentions to vaccinate (P = 0.044).

Conclusion:

The above results have important implications for health-care providers and public health educators. The better we understand the relationship between theoretically driven predictors and vaccine behaviors, the more educators and health-care providers can focus on meaningful, culturally sensitive, targeted-vaccine education.