Determinants of adherence to influenza vaccination among inner-city adults with persistent asthma

Aims: Despite guideline recommendation, influenza vaccination rates among asthmatic patients remain low. The objective of this study was to identify health beliefs associated with vaccination adherence in asthmatic patients. Methods: We surveyed 167 adults with persistent asthma undergoing follow-up at a hospital-based clinic. Vaccination beliefs questions were based on the Health Belief Model. Patients who reported receiving influenza immunisation most or every year were considered adherent to vaccination. Results: Overall, 71% of patients were adherent to influenza vaccination. In multivariate analyses, doctor or nurse recommendation (odds ratio [OR]: 14.71, 95% CI 5.40-40.05), the belief that the vaccine protects against influenza (OR: 7.21, 95% CI 2.25-23.10), and the belief that the vaccine could cause a cold (OR: 0.46, 95% CI 0.19-1.13) were independent predictors of adherence. Conclusions: Vaccination beliefs and physician recommendation were associated with influenza vaccination adherence among inner-city asthmatics. Future interventions should target these potentially modifiable factors.