Nursing knowledge, attitude, and practice to influenza vaccination at suburban hospital in West Java, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: High epidemiology of influenza in the world and Indonesia causes some groups to have high risk for getting infected with influenza, one of which is healthcare workers. The low rates of influenza vaccination among healthcare workers, especially in nurses, raise the need for an educational strategy to prevent influenza. This study aimed to measure the level of knowledge, attitude and practice among nurses in suburban hospital in West Java. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study with a random sampling method which started on July-August 2018 at Annisa Medical Center General Hospital. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of research subjects were measured using questionnaire containing 37 items. The questionnaire was the result of adaptation of several questionnaires and a validity test has been was conducted. The data obtained was then analyzed descriptively by the proportion of the score of knowledge, attitude, and practice. RESULTS: Of 104 respondents, 19% respondents had a low level, 74% respondents had a moderate level and 7% had a high level of knowledge toward influenza vaccination. For attitude, 67% of the respondents had a positive attitude and 33% respondents had a negative attitude. The study also showed that 58% of the respondents had a positive practice and 42% respondents had negative attitude. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses possess adequate knowledge and showed a positive attitude and practice toward influenza vaccination. A continous educational strategy was needed to improve nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practice about influenza vaccination.