Abstract:

Aim: Influenza, also known as flu, is a viral disease with high mortality and morbidity. Although every age group is at risk, people aged six months to 18 years are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications. This descriptive study had two objectives: 1) determining primary school student’s level of knowledge about the flu, and 2) examining the factors affecting their decision to get flu shots. Material and Method: The sample consisted of 670 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students from three public and three private schools. Data were presented as percentiles, ratios, chisquares, and means (± standard deviation). The data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Less than a quarter of the participants defined the flu as a viral disease (23.7%). More than half the participants stated that the flu was contagious (65.5%). More than a quarter of the participants noted that the flu was transmitted through aerosols containing the virus, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces (35.5%). More than half the participants said it was necessary to get flu shots (71.3%). Eight in ten of those participants had flu shots (82.8%). More than half of mothers with high school or higher degrees had their children vaccinated against the flu (56.7%). Most fathers with high school or higher degrees had their children vaccinated against the flu (78.4%) (p=0.030). Almost all parents with health insurance had their children vaccinated against the flu (p<0.001). Conclusion: Students do not know much about the flu and flu shot. Therefore, children and parents should be informed about the effects of the flu, how to avoid getting it, and what the flu vaccine is.

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