Patient Knowledge and Attitudes about Antiviral Medication and Vaccination for Influenza in an Internal Medicine Clinic

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Abstract
Background. Despite the introduction of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for their use, antiviral medications for influenza remain underutilized. Our objective in this study was to describe beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge regarding antiviral medication and vaccination for influenza among patients in an internal medicine clinic. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult patients in an internal medicine clinic from April through June 2006. Results. Two-hundred eighty patients completed the survey. Fifty-five percent received influenza vaccination for the most recent influenza season. Overall antiviral knowledge was poor. Of 8 antiviral knowledge questions, the mean percentage of correct answers was 40%; 1 ($20 for antiviral medication, although 205 (84%) were willing to pay something. Conclusions. Patients are ill-informed about antiviral medication and its benefits, and medication costs may present a barrier to treatment. Physicians should discuss antiviral medication with patients who are at high risk for complications from influenza before the influenza season, and education programs for physicians and patients should be developed.