Abstract

Introduction: Data on knowledge, attitude, and practice on influenza vaccination among health care providers (HCPs) in Yemen remain limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers related to influenza vaccination among HCPs in Yemen.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional knowledge, attitudes and practice study was conducted among HCPs in public and private healthcare sectors located in the Southern-Eastern part of Yemen 2023-2024. Sample size was calculated using Raosoft software, and convenience sampling was employed. A self-structured questionnaire, adapted from earlier studies in Yemen and neighboring countries regarding influenza vaccines, was used. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Aden and World health organization ethical committee. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: A total of 415 HCPs participated in the study. The mean age ±standard deviation of participants was 37 ±10.7 years, with most participants being young adults aged 20-35 years (50.6%), out of them, 37.8% were females. Poor knowledge of influenza vaccines was found in 64.1%. Moreover, 373 (89.9%) of the respondents had never been vaccinated against influenza. The main reasons cited for non-vaccination were a lack of knowledge about the disease and the vaccine (205, 49.4%) and a lack of trust in the health system (128, 30.8%). HCPs were identified as the main source of information about influenza vaccination by 246(40.7%) of the respondents. The sentiment that influenza vaccine is important and should be administered annually was shown by 62.2% of participants. Additionally, the highest percentage of participants (279, 67%) expressed a positive attitude toward influenza vaccination.

Conclusion: This study shows favorable acceptance of influenza vaccination among HCPs in Yemen and stresses the urgent need for enhanced awareness initiatives. The results of this research can contribute to the formulation of an effective immunization policy for HCPs in Yemen.

Keywords: Influenza Vaccine, KAP study, Health Care Providers, Yemen

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