Using the Health Belief Model to Understand Caregiver Factors Influencing Childhood Influenza Vaccinations

Objective: This study applied the Health Belief Model to investigate factors in the decision by caregivers to vaccinate their children for influenza. Design: Cross-sectional study. Sample and Measurements: Purposive sampling obtained 2,778 useable responses to surveys of 33 public health centers and 40 medical institutions participating in vaccination programs in southern Taiwan. Data were collected using the Caregiver Demographics and Children's Health History Questionnaire, Children's Influenza Vaccination History Questionnaire, and a Health Belief Model Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of influenza vaccinations in children. Results: Predictors of vaccination revealed by logistic regression analysis included age, current employment, and residence of the caregiver as well as chronic disease, hospitalization, and influenza histories of the child. Other predictors revealed by the Health Belief Model were perceived susceptibility of the children to influenza, perceived benefits of vaccinations to children, perceived barriers to vaccinations, and cues to action. Eleven items in the model were also significant predictors of vaccination. Conclusions: The survey results can be used to develop strategies for increasing influenza vaccination rates.