Assessment of adulthood immunization knowledge, attitudes, and behavior

TL;DR

This study explores vaccination knowledge and behavior among adults in Turkey, finding inadequate vaccination rates and suggesting public education to improve them.

Contribution

The study identifies key factors influencing adult vaccination behavior and proposes targeted public health interventions.

Findings

72.4% of participants had at least one vaccination in adulthood.

Tetanus was the most common vaccination (55.1%), followed by influenza (26.8%).

Public education tools like brochures and media are recommended to improve vaccination rates.

Abstract

Adulthood vaccination has not reached adequate levels, both in Turkey and around the world. The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of vaccination in those aged 18 years.

This is a cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were applied to 686 participants attending Family Health Centers. For the analysis of data, the statistical significance used was p<0.05.

Notably, 72.4% of people had at least one vaccination in adulthood. The most frequent vaccinations were tetanus (55.1%), influenza (26.8%), and hepatitis B (8.2%). PATH analysis found that the effect of variables with direct effects on vaccination (apart from the situation of thinking that vaccinations are necessary in adulthood) disappeared in the model in which adult vaccine recommendations were used as mediators.

The adult vaccination situation is inadequate. It is necessary to inform society about adult vaccinations and recommend vaccination. Tools such as information given during health services and implementations such as social education and brochures, posters, media, and public information spots may be used with this aim.

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