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Attitudes of Nursing Home Staff towards Influenza Vaccination: Opinions and Factors Influencing Hesitancy

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  • Francesca Moretti

    (Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Donatella Visentin

    (Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Elena Bovolenta

    (Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Michela Rimondini

    (Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Silvia Majori

    (Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Mariangela Mazzi

    (Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Albino Poli

    (Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Stefano Tardivo

    (Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Emanuele Torri

    (Department of Health and Social Policy, Autonomous Province of Trento, 38121 Trent, Italy)

Abstract

Seasonal influenza is recognized to be a significant public health problem and a cause of death, especially in fragile persons. In nursing homes (NHs), vaccination for both residents and staff is the best preventive strategy. However, professionals’ immunization rates are far from reaching the international recommended values. This study aims to describe the adherence and attitudes of NH staff towards flu vaccination and to explore staff hesitancy. A questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and on the 3Cs (confidence, complacency, convenience) of the WHO framework and administered among the staff of four NHs of a province in the northeast of Italy. Results demonstrated a low adherence towards annual vaccination (i.e., only 3% declared getting the flu vaccination each year). Complacency, confidence and convenience all showed a significant impact on the attitude towards vaccination both in univariate and multivariable analysis, with complacency being the most strongly associated area. The area of confidence resulted in strongly challenging factors. Only 24.8% of interviewees appeared trustful towards the efficacy of receiving immunization and 34% declared safety issues. Insights from the study can support the implementation of effective interventions to improve vaccination adherence in NHs. Specifically, increasing complacency by raising awareness related to the risks of influenza appears to be an essential strategy to effectively promote vaccination uptake.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Moretti & Donatella Visentin & Elena Bovolenta & Michela Rimondini & Silvia Majori & Mariangela Mazzi & Albino Poli & Stefano Tardivo & Emanuele Torri, 2020. "Attitudes of Nursing Home Staff towards Influenza Vaccination: Opinions and Factors Influencing Hesitancy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:6:p:1851-:d:331792
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kimura, A.C. & Nguyen, C.N. & Higa, J.I. & Hurwitz, E.L. & Vugia, D.J., 2007. "The effectiveness of vaccine day and educational interventions on influenza vaccine coverage among health care workers at long-term care facilities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(4), pages 684-690.
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Susło & Piotr Pobrotyn & Lidia Brydak & Łukasz Rypicz & Urszula Grata-Borkowska & Jarosław Drobnik, 2021. "Seasonal Influenza and Low Flu Vaccination Coverage as Important Factors Modifying the Costs and Availability of Hospital Services in Poland: A Retrospective Comparative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-15, May.

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