WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT INFLUENZA 2009 A/H1N1 VACCINE AMONG HEALTH-CARE WORKERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

The 2009 pandemic of influenza A/H1N1 (2009 A/H1N1) infection has alerted many governments to make preparedness plan to control the spread of 2009 A/H1N1 infection. Vaccination for 2009 A/HlNl is one of the most important primary preventive measures to reduce the disease burden. This study aimed to assess the willingness of Healthcare workers (HCW) to accept 2009 NH1N1 vaccine and to analyse the factors association with willingness of HCWs who work in health facilities in Ibadan. Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Stratified simple random sampling of doctors and nurses in health facilities was done. HCWs answered structured questionnaire on mode of transmission and management of swine flu. A total of 304 questionnaires were distributed to HCWs with 84% response rate. Result of the 255 respondents on their willingness to accept 2009 NHlNl vaccine were analysed using SPSS version 15. The mean age of the respondents was 35(SD 9.7) years. Majority (79.2%) were females. Most (55.3%) had tertiary education. Majority (61.2%) were married. Television (78.3%), radio (75.3%), newspaper (63.8%) and other health workers (61.1 %) constituted the main sources of information about swine flu. Large proportion (75.3%) felt that they need more information about swine flu. Large proportion (75.3%) felt that they needed more information about 2009 NHlNl. High proportions of the participants (88.2%) were willing to accept the 2009 A/HlNl vaccine. Reasons like being at risk of contracting influenza (49.3%), vaccine been effective for the prevention of the 2009 A/HlNl (21.3%) and swine been a fatal disease (10.6%) were influential factors in HCWs' willingness to get vaccinated. Nearly all of the participants 219(85.9%) thought that 2009 NH1N1 vaccine should be given free. Conclusion: Efficacy and safety data about the 2009 A/H1N1 vaccine is important to enhance uptake. This study also suggest that most HCWs will likely take up vaccination for free.