Hejer Harrabi
ElManar University of Tunis,TUNISIA
Title: Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs related to seasonal Influenza vaccination among Tunisian physicians
Biography
Biography: Hejer Harrabi
Abstract
Statement of the problem: Despite the recommendations for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in both hospital and outpatient-care settings to be vaccinated annually against influenza, the influenza vaccination rate among Tunisian healthcare workers (HCW) remains low.
The purpose of this survey is to assess Influenza vaccination status and related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among a national sample of primary care physicians and specialists likely to see patients at high risk for complications from Influenza.
Methodology: We are conducting a prospective cross-sectional survey in Tunis (Tunisia) from February 2017 to April 2017. A self-administered questionnaire covering knowledge, attitudes and beliefs related to Influenza was mailed to a sample of physicians who likely to see patients at high risk for complications from Influenza. Herein, we present the first results of the study during February 2017.
Results: In a first mailing, during February 2017, 150 physicians were included. The overall response was 54.6% (n=82). Physicians reported a very low vaccination rate: 12% (n=10). Of the 72 unvaccinated, 33.3 % considered low risk of catching or spreading Influenza, 26.3% did not have access to vaccine on site, 16.6 % feared the side effects of the vaccine and 5.5% considered influenza to be a benign illness. All the physicians recommend vaccination for their patients at high risk for complications from Influenza. They were also asked about the HCWs vaccination status in their departments: 26.8% of the physicians estimated that HCWs were vaccinated.