Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Adebowale Awosika-Olumo

Abstract

AbstractOlder Hispanics in the United States are less likely to be vaccinated with the flu vaccine compared to older White Americans, despite being at higher risk of influenza-associated deaths and hospitalizations. A quantitative cross-sectional study based on the social ecological model was carried out to evaluate the influence of several sociodemographic and health factors on flu vaccination status among elderly Hispanic individuals in the United States. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using secondary data collected from 95,414 elderly Hispanic and White American 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System participants. Multivariate logistic regressions controlling for other variables revealed health care coverage and having at least one chronic condition were not significant predictors of flu vaccination within this population. Having at least one personal doctor or healthcare provider, having a self-reported fair health, and having the last routine checkup within the previous 12 months were positively associated with flu vaccination (p < 0.05). Being separated and not seeing a doctor within the previous 12 months due to the cost were negatively associated with flu vaccination (p < 0.05). Consequently, this research's findings will impact positive social change by stimulating further studies leading to quality improvement in the flu vaccination among this population. Moreover, the results could encourage public health professionals to design and implement effective flu vaccination programs among older Hispanic adults at individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels.

Download

Share

 
COinS