Behavioural and Cognitive Attitudes of Paediatricians towards Influenza Self-Vaccination—Partial Mediation Model

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aims to analyse the attitudinal components influencing paediatricians’ self-vaccination. (2) Methods: The national-cross survey was conducted among paediatricians involved in childhood vaccination within the immunisation program. (3) Results: A hypothetical model indicating the influence of cognitive and behavioural factors on influenza vaccination among paediatricians was verified based on a survey of Polish paediatricians. A simple mediation model, based on Triandis’ Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour, reflects a relationship in which knowledge and beliefs about outcomes contribute to whether paediatricians vaccinate against influenza. (4) Conclusions: The presented research shows that the pro-vaccination behaviours of paediatricians are not only influenced by cognitive factors but also the behavioural components of attitudes, which are equally important. The conclusions point to the pivotal role of shaping both knowledge and understanding of the effectiveness of immunisation programmes in building the pro-vaccination attitudes of paediatricians. (5) Practical Implications: This is the first representative study of Polish paediatricians to demonstrate how their attitudes and behaviour are related to self-vaccination. Its conclusions allow policymakers to develop programmes to support effective measures against the spread of infectious diseases through the self-vaccination of medical professionals.

Trust in Physicians in the Context of HPV Vaccination of Children from the Perspective of Social Exchange Theory: A Representative Study of Polish Parents

“…The studies show that the attitudes of healthcare providers toward the HPV vaccine can be influenced by their trust in the stakeholders involved in designing and implementing the HPV vaccination strategy [70]. Therefore, pediatricians should be reinforced by the health system with training to increase their knowledge of immunization, which influences their cognitive attitudes and recommendations of vaccination to parents of children [71]. This has already been shown with COVID-19 vaccines, where healthcare workers who underwent dedicated, specifically designed workshops on vaccine communication were more confident in recommending them to their patients; therefore, they should receive similar support regarding HPV vaccinations [72,73].…”

Vaccine or Garlic–Is It a Choice? Awareness of Medical Personnel on Prevention of Influenza Infections

“…It is a significant problem because, as the analysis shows, reluctance to vaccinate against influenza translates into the advice nurses give patients. As studies in behavioral health care workers indicate, self-vaccination increases the chance they will recommend vaccination to patients [ 39 ].…”

Influenza vaccination from the perspective of health care workers at university hospitals

“…This contrasts sharply with studies from both Poland and other countries. In another study conducted among Polish pediatricians, a greater willingness to vaccinate annually was reported by older physicians, though over 90% of the study group was >40 years old, which reflects the fact that the average age of pediatricians in Poland is close to 60 years old [25]. The older age also positively correlated with attitudes toward influenza vaccination in a general Polish population [21].…”

“…However, our study group was not representative of all Polish HWs-we recruited only people from university hospitals, and over half of them worked in a pediatric hospital. Similarly, in another Polish study including a group of pediatricians and general practitioners administering vaccines to children, influenza vaccination acceptance was high [25]. In Poland, vaccine education and administration are the domain of pediatricians and family doctors.…”