Knowledge, attitudes, and influenza vaccination of medical students in Warsaw, Strasbourg, and Teheran

OBJECTIVE: Influenza vaccinations are recommended for health professionals by the WHO and the CDC. Medical students are important health professionals not only as future physicians, but also due to their frequent contact with patients during their education. The aim of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitudes, motivations and influenza vaccinations of medicine students in three different countries: Poland, France, and Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1045 self-reported questionnaires were given to medical students of Warsaw Medical University (n = 502), the Faculty of Medicine of Strasbourg University (n = 371) and Teheran University of Medical Sciences (n = 172). In France, students working in a hospital can be vaccinated free of charge. In Poland and Iran students are required to pay for the vaccine and have to arrange the administration of the vaccine on their own. RESULTS: Vaccination of students during the year of the study time was generally infrequent: the highest was in Strasbourg 29.7%; it was lower in Warsaw 15.2%, and lowest in Teheran at 4.7%. Similarly, 60% of medical students in Strasbourg, 65% of students in Warsaw and 86% of students in Teheran have never been vaccinated. The percentage of students knowing that they belong to the group of people that have strong indications for being vaccinated was 78% in Strasbourg, 48% in Warsaw and 40% in Teheran. The main reasons for obtaining a shot, cited by students, were to protect from influenza and the fear of disease sequelae. The most important reasons for not being vaccinated were laziness, lack of time, and also lack of knowledge of the indications in favor of being vaccinated. Being vaccinated at least once in the past is the most important predictor of the vaccination in the current season. CONCLUSIONS: Few medical students in all of the examined countries are immunized against influenza. Data indicate that providing access to free vaccinations, although very important, cannot alone solve the problem. Strengthening educational efforts seems crucial, although no immediate effects should be expected due to remarkable inertia. Influencing attitudes at an earlier stage can be more advantageous.