Predictors of hepatitis A vaccine coverage among university students in Korea

Abstract

AimTo investigate the status of hepatitis A vaccination, knowledge, and health beliefs among university students in Korea and identify factors influencing their hepatitis A vaccination rate. MethodsA self-reporting survey was conducted with 367 university students in Korea via descriptive survey. Data were collected on demographics, status of hepatitis A vaccination, knowledge, and health beliefs. ResultsThe hepatitis A vaccination rate was 23.4%. The hepatitis A vaccination rate was significantly higher in those who had a general awareness about the hepatitis A (odds ratio [OR]=3.56, P=0.003), those with some overseas travel experience (OR=2.64, P=0.025), those perceiving the benefits of hepatitis A vaccination (OR=1.66, P=0.023), and those perceiving barriers (inversed) to hepatitis A vaccination (OR=1.95, P=0.011). ConclusionTo promote hepatitis A vaccination among university students, information and education should be provided to improve their health beliefs. In addition, this demographic should be a major target population for hepatitis A vaccination. This study's results suggest that the development of national promotional campaigns and hepatitis A vaccination programs based on predictors of the vaccination rate are needed.