Coverage of Influenza Vaccination among Elderly in South Korea: A Population Based Cross Sectional Analysis of the Season 2004-2005.
10.4235/jkgs.2009.13.4.215
- Author:
Juwon LIM
1
;
Chun Sick EOM
;
Kyae Hyung KIM
;
Sunmi KIM
;
Belong CHO
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. belong@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Influenza vaccines;
Vaccination;
Coverage;
Life style;
Aged
- MeSH:
Aged;
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.);
Chronic Disease;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Demography;
Europe;
Female;
Health Behavior;
Humans;
Influenza Vaccines;
Influenza, Human;
Korea;
Life Style;
Logistic Models;
Nutrition Surveys;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Republic of Korea;
Risk Factors;
Seasons;
Smoke;
Smoking;
Vaccination
- From:Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
2009;13(4):215-221
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccine coverage among the elderly is important for informed vaccination policies and programs. There are few studies that define influenza coverage in the elderly in South Korea. The aim of this study is to examine influenza vaccination coverage among those 65 years old and older in South Korea over the 2004-2005 influenza season and to identify the socioeconomic and clinical factors associated with vaccination. METHODS: We analyzed data retrieved from The Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES III) 2005 conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Subjects included in this study were older than 65 years. We used questionnaires to obtain information regarding demographics, chronic diseases, and individual health behavioral risk factors. Univariate analysis, logistic regression, and trend test were performed. RESULTS: There were 1,097 persons included in this study. Influenza vaccination among those 65 years old and older was 77.2 %. There was no difference of coverage by sex, education level, and income status. For elderly females, the moreunheal thy lifestyle (currently smoking, heavy alcohol use, and no exercise) that was practiced, the less likely they wereto be vaccinated (p for trend=0.007). CONCLUSION: The influenza vaccination coverage rate among the elderly in South Korea during the 2004-2005 flu season was relatively high compared to that of Europe (19.3-26.5 %) during the same season. Nevertheless, the coverage rate in elderly women with unhealthy lifestyle was not satisfactory causing them to be more vulnerable to related illnesses than those who practiced a healthy lifestyle. To prevent influenza related illnesses, clinicians should, in particular, encourage vaccination in those with an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as, lifestyle modification.
