Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practice toward Seasonal Influenza Vaccine among Adults with Chronic Conditions in Riyadh

Abstract

Aims: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, beliefs, practices, and associated factors (educational level, gender, age, and socioeconomic status) that influence the decision to receive the influenza vaccine and determine whether health-care recommendations affect its acceptance among adults with chronic conditions in Riyadh from 2020 to 2021. Settings and Design: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling technique in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: An electronic questionnaire was distributed through social media, shopping centers, home care unit patients, and outpatient clinics at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to describe quantitative and categorical variables. Bivariate statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The total number of participants was 518, and 66.4% of those who had received the vaccine (n = 211) had high knowledge. Of the 210 male participants, 68.1% had received the vaccine, and of the 308 female participants, 56.8% had received the vaccine. The main motives for vaccine uptake were worry about contracting influenza (48.1%) and health-care professionals’ recommendations (44.6%). Conclusions: Influenza vaccination in adults with chronic diseases in Riyadh is suboptimal. Physician recommendations are the main motivator, whereas the fear of side effects is the main barrier. Educational campaigns should be conducted to promote knowledge and address misconceptions, fears, and false beliefs about the influenza vaccine, along with increasing physicians’ recommendations.