The role of social networks in influenza vaccine attitudes and intentions among college students in the Southeastern United States

J Adolesc Health. 2012 Sep;51(3):302-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.02.014. Epub 2012 May 14.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate whether support for vaccines among one's health discussants is associated with beliefs in vaccine safety and intention to vaccinate among college students.

Methods: Ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted of data collected from 1,019 undergraduates at a large public university in 2009 and 2010.

Results: Having health discussion networks that support vaccination is a significant predictor of beliefs of H1N1 vaccine safety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.32) and intention (aOR = 1.78) in 2009 and of influenza vaccine safety (aOR = 1.85) and intention (aOR = 1.74) in 2010. These relationships are strongest among parents, friends, and spouses.

Conclusions: Perceptions of flu vaccine attitudes among health discussants were strongly related to vaccination intent and beliefs about flu vaccine safety among survey respondents.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype
  • Influenza Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • Influenza Vaccines* / therapeutic use
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Influenza, Human / psychology
  • Intention
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Support*
  • Southeastern United States / epidemiology
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Universities / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines