Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this project was to provide influenza vaccine education and improve vaccine uptake among Eastern Arizona College dormitory residents. College students living in dormitories are considered a high-risk population for influenza, and the current vaccination rate for this age group is reported as 41.1% nationally, compared to Healthy People 2020’s goal for influenza vaccination of 80%.

Participants: The population comprised 300 Eastern Arizona College dormitory residents aged 18 and older.

Methods: During back-to-school week, students participated in an influenza education intervention. At 4 weeks post-intervention, a 10-item follow-up survey was administered electronically to measure the impact of the education intervention, ask about vaccine uptake during the previous influenza season, determine current-year vaccination status, and identify barriers to vaccination. Quantitative data analysis used cross-tabulation and chi-square.

Results: Three hundred students were offered the education intervention, and 187 students responded to the post-intervention survey. The results did not show a statistically significant improvement in vaccination over the previous year. Influenza vaccine uptake in the respondents was unknown prior to the survey. Barriers to vaccination included students not thinking the vaccine was necessary and not believing they would get influenza.

Comments: This population-based, brief video–based educational intervention did not impact the students’ decisions to receive the influenza vaccination. Further assessment and education are needed to improve vaccination rates and decrease the risk of influenza among this high-risk population.

Shelley Vaughn

Author Details

Shelley Vaughn, RN, FNP-C, DNP; email: shelleyavaughn@gmail.com

Sigma Membership

Unknown

Lead Author Affiliation

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Literature Review

Research Approach

Quantitative Research

Keywords:

Influenza, College Student Education, College Students, Health Education

Advisor

Gould, Kimberly

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Northern Arizona University

Degree Year

2014

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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