Flu Vaccine: Why do College Students Use It or Not? A Joint Study by the Nursing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Departments at Selkirk College Background: Each year the flu virus disrupts many students’ studies and family lives. The virus commonly lasts 4-10 days (BCCDC, 2013). A review of the literature focused on health care (HCW) and daycare workers (DCW), but there is scant research about college/university students (CDC, 2013; Moore, 2009). Our purpose was to identify key reasons why Selkirk College students abstain from or choose to receive the flu vaccine.
Gomez, L., Harvey, T., MacLeod, B., Fordyce, S., & Mori, C.
or with paper/pencil. GIS students input the data and analyzed it for themes and patterns; BSN students compared themes and patterns to current research. Results: 361 people responded. Of those, 68% Do Not get vaccinated and 32% do. Of those who do not obtain vaccine, 35% practice other forms of staying healthy, but we do not know what that means. The next six reasons were very close in % and require further questioning and possible explanation.
Methods: Partnering with the GIS Department, we obtained ethics approval; one member spent time with the GIS students in the fall informing them about common reasons HCW and DCW did not obtain flu vaccine. GIS and Nursing students developed a survey to explore reasons why students do or do not obtain flu vaccine. It was distributed at three campuses: Nelson, Trail & Castlegar. The survey was done on-line during class time
Knowledge Translation: Many students do not realize the effects influenza may have on their academic term if they are infected with the virus, let alone if family members require care. It is crucial that nurses provide accurate and timely information so
they can make informed choices. We suggest a social marketing approach prior to flu season. It must address potential effects of the flu; the effects to the academic term as well misconceptions about the vaccine and the virus, & health promotion measures. We would use a multi-faceted approach including: the College TV system, posters, tweeting, Snack for the Day’, Facebook, & Snapchats, traditional approaches. We also plan to integrate flu prevention into several Year 4 BSN courses and ideally, offer a flu clinic at the College. City
Did Not
Did
Nelson
74%
26%
Castlegar
65% 41%
35% 59%
Trail