Immunologische Störungen und Immuntherapie
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Abstrakt

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Diabetic People Regarding Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Amman, Jordan

Sireen Alkhaldi

Abstract:-
Background: Seasonal Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza among diabetics. Worldwide flu vaccination remains far below the target. 
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices among diabetic patients in Jordan regarding seasonal influenza vaccine. 
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 342 diabetics at the diabetes and endocrinology outpatient clinics at the Jordan University Hospital, from January 23rd to February 24th 2019. A validated structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analyzed using Minitab software, version 18. 
Results: The proportion of vaccinated diabetics was only 19%. Almost one third of the participants believed that influenza is the same as common cold (32%). While 44% were aware that they were at higher risk of complications of influenza, only 42% considered vaccination as an effective means for preventing serious influenza-related complication. More than eighty percent of the participants knew about the existence of the influenza vaccine. Logistic regression analysis showed that participants with good knowledge score were 12.9 times more likely to be vaccinated compared to those with poor knowledge score (OR = 12.9, 95%CI. 1.4061, 118.7637, p < .005). Furthermore, participants with positive attitude score for influenza vaccination were 3.9 times more likely to be vaccinated compared to those with negative attitude score (OR = 3.9, 95%CI. 1.4295, 10.7641, p < .004). The strongest motivator for taking the vaccine was recommendation by their physician (48%), and the most common reasons given by participants who had never been vaccinated before was having no bad experience with influenza (32%). 
Conclusions and Recommendations: Vaccination uptake was low in this sample. Physicians need to encourage diabetics to receive influenza vaccination yearly. This will help to prevent serious complications of influenza especially among elderly diabetics. 

Biography:-
Sireen Alkhaldi is an Associate Professor of Public Health in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Jordan. She has a BDS and MSc in Public Health from Jordan University of Science and Technology. She also has a DrPH from the School of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas, USA.