Karen L Pielak1, Ann Hilton. 1. Epidemiology Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC. karen.pielak@bccdc.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare students who were immunized or not immunized during the 1997 Simon Fraser University measles outbreak in British Columbia. METHODS: Descriptive comparative study using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a stratified random sample of 400 immunized and 400 non-immunized SFU students. RESULTS: Perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, cues to action, threat and student age were significantly related to being immunized. Logistic regression analysis achieved an overall correct prediction rate of 84.7% by including the contribution of the four variables of susceptibility, barriers, cues to action, and health motivation. Content analysis of the non-immunized students' descriptions of what it would have taken for them to be immunized indicated the influence of these four variables. DISCUSSION: The Immunization Health Belief Model Scale is a valuable tool for ascertaining attitudes and beliefs relating to immunization decision-making. Interventions targeted to significant beliefs may increase immunization coverage levels and result in improved disease prevention.
OBJECTIVE: To compare students who were immunized or not immunized during the 1997 Simon Fraser University measles outbreak in British Columbia. METHODS: Descriptive comparative study using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a stratified random sample of 400 immunized and 400 non-immunized SFU students. RESULTS: Perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, cues to action, threat and student age were significantly related to being immunized. Logistic regression analysis achieved an overall correct prediction rate of 84.7% by including the contribution of the four variables of susceptibility, barriers, cues to action, and health motivation. Content analysis of the non-immunized students' descriptions of what it would have taken for them to be immunized indicated the influence of these four variables. DISCUSSION: The Immunization Health Belief Model Scale is a valuable tool for ascertaining attitudes and beliefs relating to immunization decision-making. Interventions targeted to significant beliefs may increase immunization coverage levels and result in improved disease prevention.