Does Flu Shot Use Differ by Gender in Young Adult Parents with Children?

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2020

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Zetterberg, Sydney
Bowen, Meghan
Katz, Brent
Buehler, Emily

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Purpose: With mixed findings for flu shot use by gender and none for parents, the purpose of our study was to assess whether flu shot use differs by gender among young adult parents ages 18 to 44 with children. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used BRFSS 2017 data for parents ages 18 to 44 from Colorado (N=1367), Maryland (N=1402), Nebraska (N=2550), New York (N=1639), and Utah (N=2620). Multiple logistic regression analysis by state was used to assess the relationship between flu shot use and gender, controlling for health-related, demographic, and socioeconomic status factors. Results: Across states, around one-third of participants reported receiving seasonal flu shots in the past 12 months (34-42%), and approximately half were male (40-46%). Overall, flu shot use did not significantly differ by gender. However, flu shot use was significantly related to health conditions and routine checkup. Conclusions: Overall, flu shot use did not differ by gender among young adult parents ages 18 to 44 with children and only 1 out of 3 in this target population received flu shots. Across states, flu shot use was significantly related to number of health conditions and routine checkups. Based on these results, health care providers should screen for flu shot use among male and female young adult parents and their families. Moreover, with a concerningly low proportion of parents receiving the flu shot, it is imperative that providers educate on its importance for all family members, especially as related to annual checkups and health conditions.

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