Could university training and a proactive attitude of coworkers be associated with influenza vaccination compliance? A multicentre survey among Italian medical residents

BACKGROUND: Although influenza vaccination has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, vaccination coverage rates among health care workers and among medical residents appear generally low. Several investigations have been performed worldwide to analyze the healthcare workers’ educational deficiencies. This multicentre survey aimed to investigate at a nationwide level training quality and work environment associated with seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among Italian medical residents. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out from April 2012 to June 2012 on medical residents regularly attending the post-graduate medical schools of 18 Italian Universities via an anonymous, self administered, web-based questionnaire. Data have been analyzed by using the R statistical software package. RESULTS: A total of 2506 out of 10,854 medical residents (23.1 %) have been recruited. The quality of training on influenza and influenza vaccination was reported as “fair” or “poor” during both pre-graduate (40.7 % of respondents) and post-graduate medical school (59.6 % of respondents). Vaccination uptake was associated with adherence to seasonal 2011/2012 influenza vaccination of medical school tutors (adjusted OR = 4.4; 95 % CI = 1.35–14.26) and other medical residents (adjusted OR = 2.2; 95 % CI = 1.14–4.23). Moreover, influenza vaccination uptake was also associated with correct knowledge about the virus composition of 2011/2012 influenza vaccine (adjusted OR = 2.43; 95 % CI = 1.64–2.58) and consultation of scientific sources or Institutional recommendations on influenza vaccination (adjusted OR = 6.96; 95 % CI = 3.38–214.36). CONCLUSIONS: Medical residency represents an opportunity to implement educational and training interventions aiming to promote appropriate professional behaviors and skills. Our study suggest that appropriate training, adequate education and proactive coworkers feelings can improve influenza vaccination attitudes towards young doctor.