Factores asociados a la predisposición a vacunarse contra la gripe pandémica A/H1N1 en población adulta del departamento de salud de elche (España). influencia de las fuentes de información

Abstract

Background. To assess, in the general population, the infor- mation sources, attitudes and willingness to be vaccinated against pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in 2009. Methods. We carried out a cross sectional study between 25th November and 30th December 2009, through face to face interviews with a random sample (826) of adults resi- dent in the Health Department of Elche (Spain). results. Respondents reported that television (57%) and the family doctor (47.9%) were their main sources of infor- mation about vaccinations. Eighty-two point two percent had a good opinion of vaccinations, 30.5% perceived A/ H1N1 to be more severe than seasonal flu, with a higher rate among older and less educated people. Twenty-five point four percent of respondents were concerned about con- tracting it, especially among the less educated. Forty-two point one percent expressed their willingness to be vacci- nated against seasonal flu. Eighteen point four percent in- tended to be vaccinated against A/H1N1. The bias towards vaccination increases with age and in the case of A/H1N1 decreases among more educated people. The family doctor was the main source of information when people wanted to be immunized against seasonal flu (OR = 1.43) and A/ H1N1 (OR = 2.47). conclusions. Low acceptance of the pandemic vaccination and low perceived severity of influenza A/H1N1. Previous vaccination experience with seasonal flu creates a predispo- sition to immunization against A/H1N1. Although the media were the leading source of information during this period, the family doctor's influence on their decision to be vacci- nated was significant.