Influenza Vaccine: Immunization Rates, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Resident Physicians in an Urban Teaching Hospital

• DOI: 10.1086/502510
• Publication Date: 2006-04-18T14:52:10Z
• Authors: A. Patricia Wodi; Sawsan Samy; Echezona Ezeanolue; Rytza Lamour; Rakesh Patel; Lawrence D. Budnick; Barry Dashefsky
• Keywords: Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Primary Health Care; Attitude of Health Personnel; Internship and Residency; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Hospitals, Urban; 0302 clinical medicine; Influenza Vaccines; Surveys and Questionnaires; Influenza, Human; Humans; Immunization; Hospitals, Teaching; Attitude to Health

Abstract Background: Because resident physicians (RPs) frequently have direct patient contact, those who are unimmunized against influenza potentially subject patients to unnecessary risk of infection. Objective: To determine the rates of, knowledge regarding, and attitudes toward immunization among RPs. We hypothesized that about did not differ between primary care (PC) non-PC Methods: A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire distributed a convenience sample 300 RPs (150 PC 150 non-PC). The requested status in 2003-2004 previous seasons factors influencing respondents' decisions whether be immunized. It included 20-item test immunization. Results: Two hundred five (68.3%) questionnaires (196 were evaluable) returned. Response ( P = .79). overall rate was 38.3% (38.9%) (37.6%) most often cited “self-protection” as reason for electing (93.3%) “lack time” declining (47.1%) Their ability correctly answer questions varied; their mean score 13.7 (perfect 20). trainees by .48). However, “ever vaccinated” had higher than “never .01). Conclusion: low significant gaps regarding These problems should addressed during training education on importance, effectiveness, safety vaccine them patients.