Understanding Chinese international students’ perception of flu vaccination on U.S. college campuses

Abstract

Objective: This study examines Chinese international students’ underlying beliefs and overall perception of the flu vaccination to inform effective health promotion efforts on U.S. college campuses. Participants: Data were collected in March 2020. Participants (N = 189) were recruited via email at a southeastern university in the U.S. Methods: Incorporating theory recommendations and recent vaccine-related research findings, this study designs a Four-Factor Measurement Model through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine Chinese international students’ perception of flu vaccination. Results: Chinese international students’ health beliefs, particularly their perceived susceptibility of the influenza virus, was the most important factor to explain their perception of flu vaccination. While normative beliefs were the least influential factor to account for Chinese international students’ perception of flu vaccination, these students valued healthcare providers’ opinions immensely. Conclusions: This study suggests the Four-Factor Measurement Model will help measure Chinese international students’ perception of flu vaccination and can be applied to future vaccine-related research.