Influenza vaccination in emergency department workers : Knowledge, attitudes, and practices

Abstract: Aim: Thisstudy aimedto investigatethe knowledge and attitudes of healthcareworkers regardinginfluenza, influenza vaccination,and vaccination practicesin emergency departments in Gothenburg, Sweden. Method: This cross-sectional studyuseda self-administered questionnaire distributed tonurses, assistant nurses,and physiciansin three emergency departments atThe Sahlgrenska University Hospital in January–February2014. Results: Among214 participants, 56% were nurses, 27% assistant nurses,and 17% physicians. The response ratewas 77%. A total of 66 participants (31%)werevaccinated against influenza during the previous12 months.The highest vaccination coverage occurredin the oldestage group(56%;P<0.05).Past vaccinationstrongly predicted future vaccinationbehavior (P<0.001). Ourdata revealed nosignificant difference invaccination coverage betweenprofession, work experience, hospital,or gender. The mean knowledge score was higher among vaccinated vs. unvaccinated health care workers (17.9 ± 2.7vs.16.8 ± 2.6, respectively; P< 0.05). Moreover, influenza risk perception was higher among participants who were vaccinated during the previous12 months compared to unvaccinated participants (P< 0.001). Interestingly, more un vaccinated health care workers believed that personal behavior determines health (higher internal locus of control) compared to vaccinated workers(P< 0.05). More than half of vaccinated health care workers stated that they got vaccinated to avoid influenza. Almost half of the unvaccinated workers voiced concern about vaccine side effects. Fourteen percent of all respondents mentioned patient protection as an important factor in their decision to receive influenza vaccination. Conclusion:This study demonstrates a need for improved knowledge about influenza and influenza vaccinationin health care workers. Increased risk perception of influenza can increase vaccination coverage in emergency department personnel,and may reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated influenza.