scholarly journals Tweeting the #flushot: Beliefs, Barriers, and Threats During Different Periods of the 2018 to 2019 Flu Season

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272093272
Author(s):  
Jeanine P.D. Guidry ◽  
Lucinda L. Austin ◽  
Nicole H. O’Donnell ◽  
Ioana A. Coman ◽  
Alessandro Lovari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Health Organizations ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Quantitative Content ◽  
Public Health Organizations ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
Belief Model

Influenza epidemics happen every year, with more than 8 million severe cases in 2017. The most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza is vaccination. In recent years, misinformation regarding vaccines abounds on social media, but the flu vaccine is relatively understudied in this area, and the current study is the first 1 to explore the content and nature of influenza information that is shared on Twitter, comparing tweets published in the early flu season with those posted in peak flu season. Using a quantitative content analysis, 1000 tweets from both parts of the flu season were analyzed for use of Health Belief Model (HBM) variables, engagement, and flu vaccine specific variables. Findings show several promising opportunities for health organizations and professionals: HBM constructs were present more frequently than in previous, related studies, and fewer vaccine-hesitant tweets appear to be present. However, the presence of high barriers to flu vaccine uptake increased significantly from early to peak season, including an increase in the mention of conspiracy theories. Flu vaccine related tweets appear to vary in misinformation level and density throughout the flu season. While this should be confirmed by further studies over multiple flu seasons, this a finding that should be considered by public health organizations when developing flu vaccine campaigns on social media.

#TripleNegativeBreastCancer on Instagram

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812098545
Author(s):  
Alesha Henderson ◽  
Carrie A. Miller ◽  
Arnethea L. Sutton ◽  
Jeanine P. D. Guidry
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Triple Negative ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Cancer Genetic ◽  
Health Organizations ◽  
Quantitative Content ◽  
Brca 1 ◽  
Media Platform ◽  
Belief Model

Little is known about how triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is discussed on the visual social media platform, Instagram. A greater understanding of the experiences of TNBC survivors that are documented on this platform may inform us of how this group of survivors cope with this rare, but aggressive form of breast cancer. This study analyzed a random sample ( N = 501) of Instagram posts using the hashtag #triplenegativebreastcancer. Using a quantitative content analysis, posts were coded for the presence of health belief model constructs as well as the presence of treatment-related experiences, social support, and hereditary breast cancer genetic mutations (BRCA 1/2). Our findings suggest that health organizations and agencies are not utilizing Instagram as a conduit of health communications about TNBC to reach individuals worldwide. This article provides insights into potential strategies that can be used by these entities to promote user engagement with posts about TNBC, such as utilizing health messaging that is episodic in nature, uses supportive and encouraging words, and provides information about chemotherapy.

scholarly journals Does Seeing What Others Do Through Social Media Influence Vaccine Uptake and Help in the Herd Immunity Through Vaccination? A Cross-Sectional Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abrar Al-Hasan ◽  
Jiban Khuntia ◽  
Dobin Yim
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Probit Regression ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
The Health Belief Model

Widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination is the next major step in fighting the pandemic. However, significant variations are observed in the willingness to take the vaccination by citizens across different countries. Arguably, differences in vaccination intentions will be influenced by beliefs around vaccines to influence health. Often perceptions of what others are doing and the information available guide individuals' behaviors for vaccination. This is more so in the digital age with the influence of the internet and media. This study aims to determine the factors that impact willingness to vaccinate for COVID-19. We examined factors associated with acceptance of vaccine based on (1) constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM), (2) sources of information, (3) social media usage, (4) knowledge of COVID-19 treatment, and (5) perception of government's efforts for mitigation. Randomly sampled online survey data was collected by a global firm between December 2020 and January 2021 from 372 citizens (with a response rate of 96.6%) from multiple regions, including North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Ordered probit regression suggests that the health belief model constructs hold. Perceived severity of COVID-19 (P < 0.001) and action cues of others taking the vaccine positively influences a subject's vaccine intent (P < 0.001), perceived benefits and perceived efficacy of the vaccine positively influences a subject's vaccine intent (P < 0.001). Perceived barriers negatively influence vaccine intent (P < 0.001). Interestingly as for media usage, mainstream media (e.g., TV, newspaper) (P = 0.006) and social media (P = 0.013) both negatively influence a subject's vaccine intent. Social media platforms that are more entertainment and social-based, such as Whatsapp, Instagram, and YouTube, have a negative and significant influence on vaccine intent (P = 0.061), compared to other more information-based social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn). Knowledge of COVID-19 treatment positively influences vaccine intent (P = 0.023). Lastly, governmental efforts' perceived reliability in mitigation strategy (P = 0.028) and response efforts (P = 0.004) negatively influence vaccine intent. The study highlights the “wait-and-see” action cue from others and leaders in the community. It also informs the importance of shaping media information for vaccination through informative media and social media outlets to counteract any misinformation.

scholarly journals Comparison of Vaccine Acceptance Between COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Among Women in China: A National Online Survey Based on Health Belief Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liyuan Tao ◽  
Ruitong Wang ◽  
Jue Liu
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Acceptance Rate ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
High Level

Background: Influenza could circulate in parallel with COVID-19. Studies focusing on the comparison of vaccine acceptance between COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are lacking. The aim of the study was to assess and compare vaccine acceptance of COVID-19 and influenza among reproductive women in China, in order to better understand and address factors associated with vaccine acceptance and to provide guidance for targeted measures to promote vaccination.Methods: A national anonymous cross-sectional survey on COVID-19 and influenza vaccine acceptance among reproductive women aged 18–49 years in China was conducted online based on health belief model, a model widely used to evaluate health beliefs. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, knowledge, attitude, and health beliefs related to COVID-19 and influenza infection and vaccination were retrieved. Pearson's χ2 test was used to compare the vaccine acceptance by the factors mentioned above. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted associations of factors related to vaccine acceptance. Paired t-test was used to compare scores of health beliefs between influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.Results: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate among reproductive women was 90.3% (95% CI 89.2–91.3%), which was significantly higher than influenza vaccine acceptance rate (85.5%, 95% CI: 84.2–86.7%). Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance both had the trends to decrease with age (all p < 0.05). Living in the western region, young age, a high level of knowledge scores on disease and vaccines, a high level of perceived susceptibility, a high level of cues to action, and a low level of perceived barriers were positively associated with both COVID-19 and influenza vaccine acceptance (all p < 0.05), while influenza vaccination history was additionally associated with influenza vaccine acceptance (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that tailored public health measures are needed to improve reproductive women's knowledge of COVID-19, influenza, and vaccines to alleviate women's vaccine hesitancy and expand vaccine uptake.

scholarly journals Using the health belief model to identify barriers to seasonal influenza vaccination among Australian adults in 2019

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallory Trent ◽  
Daniel Salmon ◽  
C. Raina MacIntyre
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
The Health Belief Model

Background: Tens of thousands of Australians become ill with influenza annually, causing thousands of severe infections that require hospitalisation. However, only 40% of adults receive the annual influenza vaccine. We surveyed Australian adults to provide up-to-date data on the predictors and barriers of seasonal influenza vaccination. Methods: We administered an online survey to a nationally representative sample of Australian adults. We designed survey questions using the constructs of the health belief model. Using simple and multivariable Poisson regression, we identified attitudes and beliefs associated with influenza vaccination in 2019. Results: Among 1,444 respondents, 51.7% self-reported influenza vaccination in 2019. We estimated vaccine coverage to be 44% for adults under 45, 46% for adults aged 45 to 64, and 77% for adults aged 65 and over. The strongest individual predictors of self-reported vaccination were believing the vaccine is effective at preventing influenza (APR = 3.71; 95% CI = 2.87-4.80), followed by recalling their doctor recommending the vaccine (APR = 2.70; 95%CI = 2.31-3.16). Common perceived barriers that predicted self-reported vaccination included believing the vaccine could give you influenza (APR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.52-0.67), believing the vaccine can make you ill afterwards (APR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.62-0.74), and preferring to develop immunity “naturally” (APR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.32-0.45). Conclusion: Although vaccine uptake in 2019 appears to be higher than previous years, there are perceived barriers which may limit uptake among Australians. Tailored interventions are needed to combat widespread influenza vaccine hesitancy, particularly among high risk grou

scholarly journals Perceptions of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Among U.S. Army Civilians and Dependents in the Kaiserslautern Military Community: A Mixed-Methods Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica M Burns ◽  
Fritz M Castillo ◽  
Rodney L Coldren ◽  
Trisha Prosser ◽  
Renee L Howell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Military Health ◽  
Influenza Outbreak ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Flu Vaccine

ABSTRACT Introduction Influenza is a globally occurring viral respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalizations and death. An influenza outbreak can interfere with combat readiness in a military setting, as the infection can incapacitate soldiers. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent and mitigate seasonal influenza. Although influenza vaccinations for U.S. Army soldiers can be monitored through military health systems, those systems cannot capture DoD civilians and Army dependents who may not use military health services. This study aims to gauge flu vaccine uptake and perceptions in U.S. Army civilians and dependents. Materials and Methods An online survey was e-mailed to civilian and dependent enrollees of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The survey contained 24 questions pertaining to demographics, vaccine history, history of the flu, and beliefs toward vaccines. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regressions were performed to investigate the association between demographic, behavior, and belief factors with vaccine uptake. Free-text answers were coded and categorized by themes. Results Over 70% of respondents were vaccinated for the flu. There were differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated respondents regarding their perceptions of barriers to vaccination, benefits of the flu vaccine, severity of flu symptoms, and personal risk of getting ill with the flu. After controlling for confounders, flu vaccination in the previous season and healthcare worker status were associated with increased vaccine uptake, while perceived barriers to influenza vaccination were associated with decreased vaccine uptake. Conclusions Flu vaccine uptake may be increased by increasing access to vaccination, promoting vaccination and addressing concerns at the provider level, and engaging positively framed public messaging. Increasing flu vaccine uptake is of particular importance as the flu season approaches during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.

scholarly journals The Acceptability of HPV Vaccines and Perceptions of Vaccination against HPV among Physicians and Nurses in Hong Kong

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teris Cheung ◽  
Joseph T.F. Lau ◽  
Johnson Z. Wang ◽  
Phoenix Mo ◽  
C.K. Siu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Background Variable ◽  
Hpv Vaccines ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Belief Model

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections nationwide. Methods: This is the first cross-sectional survey assessing physicians’ and nurses’ knowledge of HPV and recording their attitudes to HPV vaccination in Hong Kong. Survey questions were derived from the Health Belief Model. Results: 1152 clinicians (170 physicians and 982 nurses) aged 21 and 60 participated in this study. A multiple stepwise regression model was used to examine associations between cognitive factors (clinicians’ attitudes) and subjects’ intention to HPV vaccine uptake. Results showed that only 30.2% of physicians and 21.2% nurses found vaccinating for HPV acceptable. Conclusions: Perceived self-efficacy was the only significant background and cognitive variable associated with physicians’ and nurses’ accepting HPV vaccines. Further, when nurses found HPV vaccination acceptable, cues to action was featured as a significant background variable in their choice.

Freshman Flu Vaccination Behavior and Intention During a Nonpandemic Season

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 662-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendra L. Ratnapradipa ◽  
Ryan Norrenberns ◽  
J. Austin Turner ◽  
Allison Kunerth
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
College Freshmen ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Past Behavior ◽  
Vaccination Behavior ◽  
Vaccination History ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
Belief Model

Objective. To examine predictors of flu vaccination and vaccination intention among college freshmen during a nonpandemic influenza season using the health belief model (HBM). Participants. A total of 184 college freshmen at a single institution participated in a mixed-mode (paper or online) survey in October-November 2015. Method. Flu vaccination and intention to vaccinate were predicted using binomial logistic regression on HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and availability), prior flu vaccination history, family and peer reference behaviors, and demographics. Results. Overall, 31.5% of participants received the seasonal flu vaccine by mid-November, and 25% intended to receive it. In full models, history of past flu vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.55-24.49) was significant for vaccination while availability (aOR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.32-3.01) and family intention (aOR = 250.59; 95% CI = 3.77 to >999) were positively associated with intent to vaccinate. Significant confounding by past behavior and family intentions existed for both outcomes. Conclusions. Past flu vaccination behavior and family member intentions to vaccinate were better predictors of annual flu vaccination behavior and intention than HBM constructs among college freshmen. College campuses may enhance flu vaccine coverage by highlighting benefits and availability to students and families.

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