engleski

»Grandma’s Old Tricks« – A Qualitative Study of Lay Persons' Experiences in Treatment and Prevention of Common Cold and Influenza

The paper explores lay persons’ perception of common cold and influenza as well as their experience in treatment and prevention of those conditions, with emphasis on the reasons impacting their decision towards influenza vaccination. 24 semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted, then transcribed and analysed to find emerging themes and sub-themes. Textual data were explored inductively using content analysis to generate categories and explanations. Five major themes and explanatory models of lay persons’ perspective emerged from the data. The participants expressed satisfying knowledge regarding influenza and common cold symptoms, length, transfer and treatment options describing a clear distinction between the two diseases. On the other hand, they mentioned the same general preventive measures for both common cold and influenza, considering influenza vaccination primarily an option for chronic, old or bedridden patients and health workers. Factors facilitating the vaccination decision making process included the recommendation by health professionals (mostly general practitioners), anxiety about influenza and possible complications, existence of chronic diseases and a positive vaccination experience. The main reasons against vaccination stated by participants were the perception of being at low risk for influenza, opinion that vaccination is necessary only for bedridden and old people, chronic patients or health workers, and questionable effectiveness of the vaccine. Participants’ influenza vaccination knowledge was insufficient, which should inform further interventions, especially having in mind low vaccination rates. Since participants perceived a general practitioner’s recommendation as a crucial factor in forming their positive attitude towards vaccination, practitioners are invited to assess and, when needed, modify inappropriate perception towards influenza prevention during person centred consultations.

qualitative study ; influenza ; common cold ; lay persons ; experience

nije evidentirano