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LaVela SL, Legro MW, Weaver FM, Goldstein B, Smith B. Do Patient Intentions Predict Vaccination Behavior Over Time. Paper presented at: AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting; 2004 Jun 1; San Diego, CA.
Objectives: · To determine if the proportion of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCIandD) who received an influenza vaccine and/or a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) increased over time.· To examine whether intention to receive influenza vaccine was related to subsequent behavior. Methods: Questionnaires to assess self-reported rates of annual influenza vaccination and PPV (ever received), attitudes, intentions and behaviors were conducted following each of two vaccination seasons. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics for a national cohort of veterans who completed questionnaires for both years (n = 1200). Results: Respondents' mean age was 58, 98% were male, 76% were white. Influenza vaccination rates increased significantly in the second year compared to the first year (68% vs. 65%; p < 0.0001). Rates for ever having received a PPV were 67% in year 1 and 75% in year 2; p < 0.0001. Of respondents who indicated in year 1 intention to get an influenza shot during the following season, 86% did. Of those planning not to receive an influenza vaccine, 84% did not. Of respondents who were unsure of their intentions, 40% received the influenza vaccine during the following year. Conclusions: Vaccination rates increased over time for influenza and PPV. Intention to receive influenza vaccine is related to actual behavior in veterans with SCIandD. Implications/potential impact for future research and veterans health:Respiratory complications, the leading cause of death in the SCIandD population, can be reduced using inexpensive vaccines. A focus on individuals who are unsure and those who have no intention of being vaccinated using methods aimed at altering intentions may be warranted.
