Examination of Attitudes Towards Vaccinations Among the Hungarian Population
Author(s)
Eszter Fóris, .1, Mónika Ferenczy, BSc, MSc2, József Betlehem, BSc, MSc, PhD1, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD3, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD2.
1Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: According to the WHO, seasonal influenza causes 3-5 million cases of illness with secondary complications annually, primarily affecting children aged 0-5 years and the elderly. The WHO’s 2019 report listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 global health threats. The aim of our study was to explore parents’ attitudes, fears, and vaccination status regarding the influenza vaccine.
METHODS: Using a non-random, targeted expert sampling method, we surveyed 110 Hungarian-speaking parents aged between 18 and 75, each raising at least one child. Incomplete responses to mandatory questions were grounds for exclusion. Data collection was conducted anonymously via both online and paper-based questionnaires. In addition to sociodemographic data, the questionnaire included questions on attitudes and knowledge related to vaccinations, as well as a knowledge test specifically on influenza vaccination. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, frequency) and inferential statistical tests (χ² -test, t-test), with Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS 24 software (p<0.05).
RESULTS: Parents who were vaccinated against influenza themselves were significantly more likely to have their children vaccinated as well (p<0.001). Concerns about side effects and previous negative experiences influenced the decision to get vaccinated (p=0.02), whereas the level of knowledge alone did not have a demonstrable effect on decision-making (p=0.23).
CONCLUSIONS: Our research highlighted that parents have a low rate of opting for the influenza vaccine. Nurses can play a key role in education, whether in medical offices, through public health nurse consultations, or during school-based health promotion programs.
METHODS: Using a non-random, targeted expert sampling method, we surveyed 110 Hungarian-speaking parents aged between 18 and 75, each raising at least one child. Incomplete responses to mandatory questions were grounds for exclusion. Data collection was conducted anonymously via both online and paper-based questionnaires. In addition to sociodemographic data, the questionnaire included questions on attitudes and knowledge related to vaccinations, as well as a knowledge test specifically on influenza vaccination. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, frequency) and inferential statistical tests (χ² -test, t-test), with Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS 24 software (p<0.05).
RESULTS: Parents who were vaccinated against influenza themselves were significantly more likely to have their children vaccinated as well (p<0.001). Concerns about side effects and previous negative experiences influenced the decision to get vaccinated (p=0.02), whereas the level of knowledge alone did not have a demonstrable effect on decision-making (p=0.23).
CONCLUSIONS: Our research highlighted that parents have a low rate of opting for the influenza vaccine. Nurses can play a key role in education, whether in medical offices, through public health nurse consultations, or during school-based health promotion programs.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH98
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Vaccines