Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to influenza and the influenza vaccine in US-Mexico border communities

J Immigr Minor Health. 2013 Aug;15(4):741-6. doi: 10.1007/s10903-012-9652-0.

Abstract

Hispanics are less likely to receive the influenza vaccine compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the US. Hispanic residents of the US-Mexico border region may have differing health beliefs and behaviors, and their cross-border mobility impacts disease control. To assess beliefs and behaviors regarding influenza prevention and control among border populations, surveys were conducted at border clinics. Of 197 respondents, 34 % reported conditions for which vaccination is indicated, and travel to Mexico was common. Few (35 %) believed influenza could make them 'very sick', and 76 % believed they should take antibiotics to treat influenza. Influenza vaccine awareness was high, and considered important, but only 36 % reported recent vaccination. The belief that influenza vaccination is 'very important' was strongly associated with recent vaccination; "Didn't think about it" was the most common reason for being un-vaccinated. Misconceptions about influenza risk, prevention and treatment were common in this Hispanic border population; improved educational efforts and reminder systems could impact vaccination behaviors.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza, Human / ethnology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Middle Aged
  • United States
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines