Cluster Analysis: Vaccination Attitudes and Beliefs of Healthcare Personnel

Am J Health Behav. 2020 May 1;44(3):302-312. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.44.3.3.

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to identify patterns of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KABs) about influenza and influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel (HCP) and define characteristics associated with these patterns. Methods: We used an Internet panel survey of HCP (N = 2265) during March 27-April 17, 2018; clustered HCP by their vaccination-related KABs. Results: Four clusters were identified: Immunization Champions (61.1% of the sample) received influenza vaccine to prevent disease; Unworried Vaccinators (15.4%) received the influenza vaccine but did not believe influenza is a serious threat to themselves; Fence Sitters (8.1%) believed the vaccine is safe and worth the time and expense but is not effective; Skeptics (15.4%) did not believe the vaccine is safe or effective. Influenza vaccination coverage was 78.4% overall and higher among Immunization Champions (90.2%) and Unworried Vaccinators (87.0%) than Fence Sitters (61.6%) or Skeptics (32.2%). Conclusions: Findings suggest that based on KABs, the 3 clusters comprising 85% of HCP might be vaccinated in the future. Using messages specific to each group may improve vaccination coverage among HCP.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Personnel / classification*
  • Health Personnel / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vaccination*

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines