Dissertations and Theses
Date of Degree
6-27-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Community Health and Social Sciences
Advisor(s)
Dr. CHRISTOPHER PALMEDO
Committee Members
Dr. SCOTT RATZAN
Dr. JOSÉ A. PAGÁN
Subject Categories
Public Health
Keywords
Influenza Vaccine Rates, Hispanic Population, Vaccine hesitancy, Covid, Uptake Factors
Abstract
The health burden caused by seasonal flu is substantial in the general population and each season targeted efforts are needed to decrease the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death. Flu risks and the disease burden are disproportionately higher among Hispanic adults, yet little is known about the factors influencing flu vaccine hesitancy and uptake among this marginalized population. This cross-sectional quantitative study used national survey data from the Understanding America Study (UAS) and logistic regression to address three research aims. Aim 1 was to examine the most significant demographic factors associated with flu vaccine uptake among the Hispanic community. Aim 2 was to examine the relationship between Hispanic ethnicity and flu vaccine uptake before and during the pandemic. Aim 3 was to examine the demographic factors contributing to complacency, confidence, and convenience within the Hispanic communities that influence flu vaccine uptake or vaccination behavior. The findings indicated that education was a key factor influencing vaccine uptake among Hispanics before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, vaccine hesitancy increased among Hispanics during the pandemic. Finally, complacency and confidence were significant factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among Hispanics. These findings are new and can inform the development of more effective strategies to improve flu vaccine uptake among marginalized Hispanic populations.
Recommended Citation
Arteaga, HELEN J., "Understanding Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy And Uptake Among U.S. Hispanic Adults During The Covid-19 Pandemic" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/sph_etds/103