[Factors associated with influenza vaccination information--a cross-sectional study in elderly primary care patients]

General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in influenza vaccination. However, reliable data on the influenza immunisation coverage rate in primary care patients are quite rare. Due to a lack of personal and time resources general practitioners cannot afford to collect such data by themselves. Hence fifth-year students have been involved in the scientific data collection during their practical placement in 118 GP practices. Using logistic regression analysis of a representative sample (n = 541) plausible factors associated with the influenza immunisation coverage rate have been identified. These factors were found to be both patient- and practice-specific. This practice-oriented study was conducted to improve the available data base on the influenza immunisation coverage rate among elderly patients in primary care settings.