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Parental Education and Influenza Vaccination among Children with Asthma

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers in the United States conducted a study to identify factors influencing receipt of influenza vaccination among children with asthma. The investigators found that parental education, particularly about the vaccine's availability, effectiveness, and adverse effects, and physician recommendations significantly increased the likelihood of vaccination. The study also discovered a correlation between heightened media attention and increased vaccination rates among children with asthma.

Key Takeaways:

  • Parental education and physician recommendations are crucial factors in influenza vaccination among children with asthma (Gnanasekaran et al., 2006).
  • The study found that children were more likely to be vaccinated if their parents recalled a physician recommendation (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5, 4.5).
  • Beliefs about the vaccine's effectiveness and low worry about adverse effects also increased vaccination rates (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4, 2.8, and OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0, 1.6, respectively).
  • The influenza vaccination rate for children with asthma was 43% in 2003-04 compared to 27% in 2002-03, suggesting an association between media attention and increased vaccination rates.
  • Physician recommendations and parental education about influenza vaccine availability, effectiveness, and adverse effects are potentially important influences on influenza vaccination.
  • Media coverage of the risks of influenza was associated with a significant increase in vaccination rates among children with asthma.

Statistics:

  • 2,140 children with asthma were identified in a managed care organization in Massachusetts.
  • 500 children were randomly selected for the study.
  • 43% of children with asthma were vaccinated in 2003-04, compared to 27% in 2002-03.
  • The odds ratio (OR) for vaccination among children with asthma if their parents recalled a physician recommendation was 2.6 (95% CI 1.5, 4.5).
  • The odds ratio (OR) for vaccination among children with asthma if their parents believed the vaccine worked well was 2.0 (95% CI 1.4, 2.8).
  • The odds ratio (OR) for vaccination among children with asthma if their parents expressed little worry about vaccine adverse effects was 1.3 (95% CI 1.0, 1.6).

Sources:

  • Gnanasekaran, S. K., et al. (2006). Parental perspectives on influenza vaccination among children with asthma. Public Health Reports, 121(2), 181-188.
  • World Disease Weekly editors. (2006). Parental education can promote influenza vaccination among children with asthma. World Disease Weekly via NewsRx.com.

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