Decision on influenza vaccination among the elderly. A questionnaire study based on the Health Belief Model and the Multidimensional Locus of Control Theory.

OBJECTIVE

To create an empirical model, describing factors of importance to the elderly in accepting influenza vaccinations.

DESIGN

Epidemiologic study with two coupled questionnaires. In September 1996 a 46-item questionnaire was sent to 2147 elderly people (> or = 65 years). The questionnaire comprised questions about general health, and questions based on the Health Belief Model and the Multidimensional Locus of Control Theory. In February 1997 a postcard questionnaire was sent to the same elderly people asking whether they had been vaccinated against influenza in the past season.

SETTING

All Danish counties.

SUBJECTS

2147 persons randomly sampled from the The Civil Registration System.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Factors influencing the rate of influenza vaccine uptake in the elderly. Influenza vaccination rates.

RESULTS

In the high-risk group 51% (95% confidence interval: 46-55%) were vaccinated compared to 29% (26-32%) in the low-risk group as regards influenza. By logistic regression the Health Belief Model dimensions "perceived barriers", "perceived benefits" and "perceived severity" were found to be significant predictors of acceptance of influenza vaccinations.

CONCLUSIONS

An empirical model based on the Health Belief Model predicting acceptance of influenza vaccinations with a positive predictive value of 91% (87-94%) and a negative predictive value of 86% (83-88%) was obtained.