Evaluation of knowledge and behaviors of healthcare professionals workers about influenza vaccine

Evaluation of Knowledge and Behaviors of Healthcare Professional Workers About Influenza Vaccine Introduction and Aim: Influenza infection is a common infectious respiratory tract disease caused by influenza viruses, which continues to be a leading public health problem worldwide. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of healthcare professionals about influenza vaccine and to determine the factors affecting the negative approach towards vaccination. Material and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between 16.07.2020-30.09.2020 by directing a 36-question data form prepared to 328 healthcare professionals working at Dicle University Medical Faculty Hospital. A questionnaire form consisting of 36 questions, which was created as a result of the literature review to obtain the data, and which includes the socio-demographic characteristics of the healthcare professionals participating in this study and their knowledge and attitudes about influenza vaccine, was used. Results: Data of 328 healthcare workers were evaluated in this study. The average age of the employees was 31,8±5,6 (20-56) years; 47,9% (n=157) were women and 52,1% (n=171) were men. Totally 66,5% (n=218) of the healthcare workers participating in the study stated that they never had the seasonal influenza vaccine, only 4% (n=13) had regular vaccines every year. While 93,9% of the participants (n=308) stated that they were not vaccinated in the 2019-2020 influenza season, the rate of those who had it was 6,1% (n=20). The most common reason for vaccination (61,7%) was the belief that the vaccine was beneficial, protective and effective. The most common reason for not getting vaccinated (31,2%) was stated to be the inability to spare time for vaccination. The total score average of the knowledge of the individuals who had influenza vaccine was found to be 8,82±2,72, and the total knowledge level of the individuals who did not have the vaccine was found to be 7,81±3,32. It was observed that there was a statistically significant difference in terms of total knowledge score between the healthcare professionals who had and did not vaccinate (p<0,05). Conclusion: In order to increase the vaccination rates, the main goal should be to correct the misunderstandings. Education is an important approach to inform healthcare professionals about the side effects of the vaccine and the severity of the disease. KEYWORDS: Influenza vaccine, healthcare workers, knowledge, attitude