Improving Preventative Health Outcomes by Providing Influenza Education to Patients with Chronic Mental Health Disorders

by Renai A. Allen

The objective of this eight-week study was to examine reasons for influenza non-vaccination in populations with chronic mental illness and assess if education aids in immunization acceptance. Study design consisted of a mixed method intervention, with two self-reporting surveys, one utilizing a Likert rating scale for responses. The intent was to investigate perceptions for vaccine hesitancy and assess if immunization education utilizing a mobile application, ReadyVax changed opinions of vaccine acceptance. Statistical significance was based on a level of p = <0.05. Results: Of the 9 participants, 88% were female, 11.1% male, Mdn age 40.5. There were two statistically significant findings: 1) the statement “vaccines will make my mental illness worse” was significantly different (p = .03) between those that did not vaccinate and those that did. In addition, 2) 100% of participants who planned to accept the flu vaccine, did receive the immunization. Conclusions: Perceptions of flu vaccination and lack of knowledge hinder immunization acceptance. Improved strategies in education for populations with chronic mental illness are necessary for vaccine adherence. Methods for reimbursement for influenza immunization within mental healthcare settings, increases opportunity to improve preventative health outcomes.

Keywords: chronic mental illness; immunization; vaccine hesitancy; influenza education