A Qualitative Analysis of Adults’ Awareness, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Influenza Vaccination in Istanbul

Abstract

Influenza is a contagious disease characterized by the sudden onset of fever, myalgia, fatigue, and varying degrees of respiratory involvement. It is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections worldwide and contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among risk groups. Although influenza vaccination is widely recognized as the most effective method of preventing outbreaks, studies highlight that public awareness remains insufficient. This study aims to qualitatively assess the awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of adult residents of Istanbul regarding the influenza vaccine. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 individuals aged 20 to 69 who were not healthcare workers, and the data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Most participants reported limited knowledge of the influenza vaccine and expressed uncertainty about where and how to access it. Reasons for not getting vaccinated varied: some believed they could protect themselves naturally or did not perceive influenza as a serious health threat, while others stated that being healthy reduced their need for vaccination. A few participants were either unaware of the vaccine’s existence or expressed personal concerns about it. The findings suggest that attitudes toward influenza and vaccination are shaped by limited knowledge, personal experiences, social factors, and distrust that emerged in the post-pandemic period. Strengthening health communication is essential to improving awareness and addressing negative perceptions surrounding influenza vaccination.

Keywords

• Vaccine
• Awareness
• Influenza
• Qualitative
• Adult

İstanbul’da Yetişkinlerin Grip Aşısına Yönelik Farkındalık, Tutum ve Algılarının Niteliksel Analizi

Öz

Grip (influenza), ani başlayan ateş, miyalji, halsizlik ve değişken şiddette solunum yolu tutulumu ile kendini gösteren, küresel ölçekte akut solunum yolu enfeksiyonlarına yol açan ve risk gruplarında yüksek mortalite ile morbiditeye neden olan bulaşıcı bir hastalıktır. Grip aşısının salgınların önlenmesinde en etkili yöntem olduğu, ancak toplumda aşı farkındalığının istenen seviyelere ulaşamadığı literatürde vurgulanmıştır. Bu araştırma, İstanbul'da yaşayan yetişkin bireylerin grip aşısına yönelik farkındalık, tutum ve algılarını niteliksel olarak değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Sağlık çalışanı olmayan 20-69 yaş arası 20 bireylerle derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiş, veriler tematik içerik analiziyle değerlendirilmiştir. Katılımcıların büyük kısmı grip aşısı hakkında sınırlı bilgiye sahip olduğunu belirtmiş, uygulama yerleri ve aşıya ulaşım konularında belirsizlik yaşandığı görülmüştür. Grip aşısı yaptırmama gerekçeleri çeşitlilik göstermektedir. Bazı katılımcılar kendilerini gripten koruyabildiklerini ya da grip hastalığını ciddi bir sağlık sorunu olarak görmediklerini belirtmiş, bir kısmı ise sağlıklı oldukları için aşıya ihtiyaç duymadıklarını ifade etmiştir. Doğal yollarla iyileşmenin mümkün olduğuna inanan katılımcılar da bulunurken, az sayıda katılımcı aşının varlığından haberdar olmadığını veya aşıya karşı kişisel kaygılar taşıdığını dile getirmiştir. Bu çalışma, grip ve grip aşısına yönelik tutumların bilgi eksikliği, bireysel deneyimler, sosyal etkiler ve pandemi sonrası oluşan güvensizlikten etkilendiğini göstermiştir. Aşıya dair farkındalığın artırılması ve olumsuz algıların giderilmesi için etkili sağlık iletişimi büyük önem taşımaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Aşı
• Farkındalık
• İnfluenza
• Niteliksel
• Yetişkin

Kaynakça

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