KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR OF PHYSICIANS TOWARDS INFLUENZA INFECTION AND VACCINATION DURING PREGNANCY

Abstract

Objectives: In our study, we aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Family Physicians (FP) and obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) physicians about influenza infection during pregnancy and the influenza vaccine administered during pregnancy, as well as the factors that influence them. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 419 OB-GYN and FP practicing in Istanbul between November 15, 2017, and March 15, 2018. A 14-item survey was administered face-to-face to assess sociodemographic factors, influenza vaccination recommendation status, and knowledge level regarding influenza infection and vaccination. Results: A total of 11.48% of the participants themselves had been vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy, and 48.68% of the participants recommended influenza vaccination during pregnancy. There was a statistically significant difference between vaccination recommendation status (p=0.014) and age (p=0.014), the institution of employment (p=0.002), specialty (p=0.008), having received the influenza vaccine during pregnancy (p