Understanding influenza immunization uptake rates among the Hispanic LGBTQIA community

Abstract

Objectives: Most national-level data regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and allies (LGBTQIA) immunizations are limited. The primary objective of this study was to identify factors that influence behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions toward the uptake of the influenza vaccine within the Hispanic LGBTQIA community.

Methods: This was a prospective survey that assessed vaccine acceptability and practices regarding the influenza vaccine within the LGBTQIA community. Collection of data occurred through the use of social media platforms from July 2016 to May 2018. A total of 126 participants (mean age 32.03 ± 11.68 years) completed a 15-minute, 26-item, English/Spanish survey. A number of outcome measures assessed perceptions of vaccine effectiveness and safety. In addition, perceived severity of influenza symptoms and perceived susceptibility to contract influenza was assessed.

Results: A logistic regression model assessed the impact of several factors on influenza vaccine uptake. Perceived susceptibility of contracting influenza from the vaccine (P = 0.015) and perceived ease of receiving the influenza vaccine (P = 0.005) were the strongest predictors of vaccine uptake. Results showed no association between disclosure of sexual orientation and influenza immunization uptake (χ²= 3.55; P = 0.17). Exploratory analyses revealed that non-Hispanic patients were more likely to perceive that their health care providers were aware of their sexual orientation compared with Hispanic patients (χ²= 8.66; P = 0.013).

Conclusion: Several factors emerged as predictors of influenza vaccine uptake in the LGBTQIA population. Further studies are needed to explore additional factors such as disclosure of sexual orientation and variation of uptake based on vaccine type (STD vs. non-STD vaccines).