Purpose of ProjectThis project aimed to measure the effectiveness of an innovative peer-facilitated education model in improving vaccine confidence, intention to receive the flu vaccine, and reasons for participants' continued refusal of the flu vaccine among older Black adults in Newark, NJ.MethodsSeven peer facilitators were recruited from older adult housing and senior centers and trained to deliver flu vaccine education sessions to their communities. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were administered to participants to assess changes in vaccine intention and refusal. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis.ResultsAmong all participants, the intent to receive the flu vaccine in the upcoming flu season decreased after the peer-facilitated education intervention, but this was not statistically significant. Differences were noted between the sites that provided technology and were more conducive to learning. The most frequent reason for continued refusal of the flu vaccine was complacency. A ceiling effect may have skewed pre-survey results. A new line of inquiry was identified regarding gaps between intentions and actions regarding flu vaccination.Implications for PracticePotential revisions that may improve the peer-facilitated education model include enhanced visual aids, modified training, support for peer facilitators, addressing equipment needs, and enhanced participant support. Using a Likert scale in surveys may reduce the ceiling effect. Collaboration with healthcare providers may increase the number of recommendations for annual flu vaccination and allow for measuring the gap between intention and action.
Rita C. Truex (Thu,) studied this question.