Effect of Educational Program on Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice About Influenza Vaccines

Abstract

Background: Influenza poses a substantial risk to healthcare workers, yet vaccination rates among nurses remain suboptimal due to persistent knowledge gaps and behavioral barriers. Addressing these deficits through focused educational programs is essential to enhance infection control and patient safety. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured educational intervention in improving nurses’ knowledge and practices related to influenza vaccination, with the expectation of measurable gains in both domains. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among nurses at a tertiary hospital in Lahore, Pakistan (n = 40). Eligible participants included registered nurses and nursing students directly involved in patient care; physicians and allied staff were excluded. Data were collected before and two weeks after the intervention using a validated questionnaire assessing knowledge and practice. The program comprised interactive sessions covering vaccine efficacy, guidelines, and misconceptions. The study protocol was approved by the Green International University IRB, adhering to the Helsinki Declaration. Paired t-tests and descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 27 to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes. Results: Post-intervention, knowledge scores increased by a mean of 5.13 points (95% CI: 4.29–5.96, p < 0.001), and practice scores improved by 21.93 points (95% CI: 20.02–23.83, p < 0.001). The proportion of nurses demonstrating correct knowledge and optimal vaccination practices rose from less than one-third to over 75%, representing significant clinical and behavioral improvement. Conclusion: A brief, structured educational intervention substantially enhanced nurses’ knowledge and preventive practices regarding influenza vaccination. Incorporating such programs into routine professional development can drive higher vaccine uptake and bolster infection prevention in healthcare settings.