Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Cheryl Cullen

Abstract

Even though influenza vaccinations were provided free to all healthcare workers in the United States, healthcare workers were not 100% compliant. The non-compliance with influenza vaccinations may expose their patients, their families, and the public at large to a high-risk source of influenza infection. This study's research questions included how registered nurses perceived influenza and influenza vaccination; registered nurses' self-reported incidents with influenza vaccination; and factors that contributed to registered nurses' non-compliance with influenza vaccination. Guided by the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the factors that contributed to the non-compliance of registered nurses with receiving the influenza vaccination. Twenty participants from a healthcare facility in Florida were interviewed using an interview guide. Audio data was transcribed to text data; text data was coded and thematically analyzed by using ATLAS.ti software. Results revealed that 70% of registered nurses were afraid of influenza vaccination, while 80% of them saw influenza vaccination as ineffective; 90% of them had bad experiences or have seen colleagues/friends who have had bad experiences after influenza vaccination. In addition, 40% of registered nurses claimed that they already had good immunity, while 20% of them declined influenza vaccination because of personal choices. Research findings from this study may be utilized to bring positive social change to society at large. The findings may be utilized to enhance existing strategies or policies or even help formulate new policies and strategies that would address the concerns of HCWs, especially registered nurses.

Download

Share

 
COinS