Cultural Health Beliefs and Influenza Vaccination Among Caribbean-Born Students

Cultural Health Beliefs and Influenza Vaccination Among Caribbean–Born Students by Dona S. Walcott MPH, Florida International University, 1997 BA, University of South Florida, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2019 Abstract This purpose of this quantitative study was to examine health beliefs among Caribbeanborn university students regarding acceptance or rejection of influenza vaccination among populations at institutions of higher education. In addition, acculturation was addressed as a factor affecting cultural health beliefs. A survey was completed by 98 students enrolled at Florida International University during the spring 2018 semester. Linear regression was used to analyze whether cultural health beliefs and acculturation were predictive of beliefs about influenza vaccination and beliefs about perceived barriers to influenza vaccination. The study findings showed cultural health beliefs of the students were statistically significant predictors of their beliefs about influenza vaccination and perceived barriers to influenza vaccination. Also, the levels of acculturation were a statistically significant predictor of students’ cultural health beliefs and beliefs about perceived barriers to influenza vaccination. After 5+ years of acculturation in the United States, the students surveyed still held cultural beliefs and perceived barriers to influenza vaccination that contributed to their lack of acceptance of the vaccination. The information gained from this study gives credence to the need for designing health interventions and health messages on influenza vaccination that are culture specific for a college-age population if influenza vaccination acceptance is to be promoted.This purpose of this quantitative study was to examine health beliefs among Caribbeanborn university students regarding acceptance or rejection of influenza vaccination among populations at institutions of higher education. In addition, acculturation was addressed as a factor affecting cultural health beliefs. A survey was completed by 98 students enrolled at Florida International University during the spring 2018 semester. Linear regression was used to analyze whether cultural health beliefs and acculturation were predictive of beliefs about influenza vaccination and beliefs about perceived barriers to influenza vaccination. The study findings showed cultural health beliefs of the students were statistically significant predictors of their beliefs about influenza vaccination and perceived barriers to influenza vaccination. Also, the levels of acculturation were a statistically significant predictor of students’ cultural health beliefs and beliefs about perceived barriers to influenza vaccination. After 5+ years of acculturation in the United States, the students surveyed still held cultural beliefs and perceived barriers to influenza vaccination that contributed to their lack of acceptance of the vaccination. The information gained from this study gives credence to the need for designing health interventions and health messages on influenza vaccination that are culture specific for a college-age population if influenza vaccination acceptance is to be promoted. Cultural Health Beliefs and Influenza Vaccination Among Caribbean–Born University Students by Dona S. Walcott MPH, Florida International University, 1997 BA, University of South Florida, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University February 2019 Dedication I dedicate my dissertation to my parents for instilling in me the value of an education and the persistence to pursue one, with special dedication to my dad, Elmer Walcott, who has been my biggest champion. I dedicate my dissertation to my children, Khemaron and Breana for understanding why their mom spent so many nights and years of their lives studying, but they never stopped supporting me. Finally, I dedicate my dissertation to myself for investing my mind, heart and soul for 12 long years. Acknowledgments To my family, my children, a few friends, and my loved one for their neverending support throughout my dissertation journey. Thank you. To my Chairperson, Dr. Jessica Tischner, for being that one guiding light that has successfully mentored me through this process. Thank you to her is not enough. Thank you to my second committee member, Dr. William Tetu and my URR for their effective reviews. To my assistant, staff members, colleagues , FIU ISSS Department and others, too numerous to mention, who have assisted me along the way. Thank you all.