Predictors of Influenza Vaccination among Chinese Middle School Students Based on the Health Belief Model: A Mixed-Methods Study

Influenza vaccination rates among Chinese middle school students are low. This study aims to explore the influencing factors of vaccination among middle school students and promote vaccination. We conducted a mixed-methods study, integrating a questionnaire survey among 9145 middle school students in four cities in China and semi-structured interviews with 35 middle school students to understand their attitudes and perceptions toward vaccination based on the Health Belief Model. We found the overall vaccination rate was 38.2% (3493/9145), with students in Beijing, boarding at school, or senior high school showing higher values than their counterparts (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression results showed that non-boarding (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.42–0.51) and perceived barriers (OR = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.96–0.98) were unfavorable factors for influenza vaccination, whereas perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.05–1.08), perceived benefits (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01–1.04), cues to action (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.05–1.11), and self-efficacy (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02–1.07) were facilitators. Qualitative results indicated that positive health beliefs, school, and the home environment contribute to vaccination. In conclusion, the influenza vaccination rate among middle school students remains low. The concerns about the safety and potential side effects of vaccines are the main barriers to vaccination, underscoring the need for strengthening communication, education, and information among students and their teachers/parents.