FACTORS INFLUENCING THE UPTAKE OF INFLUENZA VACCINE

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the sociodemographic factors influencing flu vaccine use within the Saudi population.

Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia in December 2020, with 1,650 people who completed the survey. Data were gathered electronically through a standardized questionnaire. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between vaccine uptake behavior and the sociodemographic variables of the study participants.

Results: Of the 1650 participants, 31.5% indicated they had received the influenza vaccine in the 2019-2020 flu season. The logistic regression analysis indicated that age exceeding 45 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.15-3.05], p=0.002), marital status (aOR=1.75, 95% CI: [1.28-3.51], p=0.001), and possession of a postgraduate degree (aOR=1.51, 95% CI: [1.05-2.23], p=0.044) were significant determinants linked to increased vaccine uptake. The research indicated that the perceived risk of contracting influenza (aOR=2.15, 95% CI: [1.30-5.72], p=0.001) and knowledge about the vaccination (aOR=1.71, 95% CI: [1.08-4.22], p=0.001) were important determinants of vaccine uptake.

Conclusion: The results indicate that initiatives to enhance flu vaccine uptake should prioritize raising awareness and educating persons about the advantages of immunization, especially among the youth