Jae Seong Baek1,2, Mi Ah Han3, Jong Park3, Na-Ra Yun4
1Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Health Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 2Department of Management Planning, Gochang General Hospital, Gochang, 3Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Management Planning, Gochang General Hospital, Gochang, 3Department of Preventive Medicine, College University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
Background: Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The
purpose of this study was to investigate the HAV vaccination status and related factors among college students.
Methods: The study subjects were 503 students conveniently sampled from C university located in one district
of Jeollanamdo. General characteristics and HAV vaccination related factors were collected by a self-reported
questionnaire in October 2013. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate
related factors with HAV vaccination.
Results: Of the 503 subjects without a history of HAV infection, 65 subjects (12.9%) reported that they were
vaccinated. In multiple analyses, subjects who have had health screening (adjusted odds ratio, aOR=2.44 and
95% confidence interval, 95% CI=1.26-4.73) and those who were aware of HAV infection (aOR=6.00, 95%
CI=1.81-19.91) or who perceived the benefits of HAV vaccine (aOR=2.05, 95% CI=1.07-3.93) were more likely
to be vaccinated than those not involved in these factors. With regard to intention for HAV vaccine, 314 subjects
(71.9%) reported that they have the intention to be vaccinated against HAV. In multiple analyses, higher grade
level, high monthly allowance, awareness of HAV vaccine, perceived susceptibility of HAV, perceived seriousness
of HAV and perceived benefits of HAV vaccine were significantly associated with the intention for HAV
vaccination.
Conclusions: The vaccination rate for HAV was found to be low in our sample of college students. To reduce
health risks related with HAV, prevention efforts should consider these results.
Korean J Health Promot 2014;14(3):103-111
Keywords: Hepatitis A, Risk factors, Vaccination |