Examination of Primary School Students’ Knowledge of the Flu and the Factors Affecting Their Decision to Get Flu Vaccines

Abstract

Aim: Influenza, also known as flu, is a viral disease with high mortality and morbidity. Although every age group is at risk, people aged six months to 18 years are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications. This descriptive study had two objectives: 1) determining primary school student’s level of knowledge about the flu, and 2) examining the factors affecting their decision to get flu shots. Material and Method: The sample consisted of 670 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students from three public and three private schools. Data were presented as percentiles, ratios, chisquares, and means (± standard deviation). The data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Less than a quarter of the participants defined the flu as a viral disease (23.7%). More than half the participants stated that the flu was contagious (65.5%). More than a quarter of the participants noted that the flu was transmitted through aerosols containing the virus, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces (35.5%). More than half the participants said it was necessary to get flu shots (71.3%). Eight in ten of those participants had flu shots (82.8%). More than half of mothers with high school or higher degrees had their children vaccinated against the flu (56.7%). Most fathers with high school or higher degrees had their children vaccinated against the flu (78.4%) (p=0.030). Almost all parents with health insurance had their children vaccinated against the flu (p