fa International Journal of Kinesiology & Sports Science ISSN 2202-946X Vol. 4 No. 4; October 2016 Australian International Academic Centre, Australia Influenza a Vaccination Knowledge, Attitude, Practice of Athletes Competing in Canadian Interuniversity Sport in Calgary, Alberta Janell Lautermilch Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary 2500 University Drive, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada E-mail: jtlauter@gmail.com Tak Fung Research Consulting Services, Information Technologies, University of Calgary 2500 University Drive, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada E-mail: tfung@ucalgary.ca Andrew Stewart Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary 2500 University Drive, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada E-mail: stewaraj@ucalgary.ca Patricia K. Doyle-Baker (Corresponding Author) Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary 2500 University Drive, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada E-mail: pdoyleba@ucalgary.ca Received: 05-09- 2016 Accepted: 20-10- 2016 Published: 31-10- 2016 doi:10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.4n.4p.10 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.4n.4p.10 Abstract Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) athletes regarding influenza A vaccination. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: University of Calgary. Participants: The CIS athlete (N=450) population was sampled by convenience (n=177, mean age 20.4  2.2 years) and compared to non- athlete kinesiology students (n=34, 21.06  2.7 years of age). Independent variable: Vaccination history. Main outcome measures: A frequency analysis was employed to describe the KAP of each group. Groups were compared by  2 or Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Results: Over half of athletes were aware of influenza vaccination safety, effectiveness and side effects. Athletes were significantly more concerned about contracting the virus due to potential consequences, such as an interruption of training and infection of teammates, compared to non-athletes (p<0.05). Nearly one third (29.2%) of athletes reported vaccination participation. Conclusion: The vaccination participation of CIS athletes is low when requirements for herd immunity are considered. Keywords: Athletes, university students, influenza, influenza A, knowledge, attitude, practice 1. Introduction Influenza is a widespread acute respiratory ailment that affects the lives of millions of Canadians each year (Health Canada, 2013). The severity of the illness ranges from an asymptomatic infection to death in the most extreme cases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2011). However, most commonly, influenza infection results in an acute illness that persists for approximately one week, with malaise and cough lingering for an additional week (WHO, 2011). The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that people at any age with immunocompromised conditions are at a higher risk for hospitalization associated with infection of the flu (WHO, 2011). Influenza A is a known subtype of influenza and has been reported to be responsible for causing several respiratory epidemics including the recent H1N1 flu outbreak in 2009, which was highly contagious in nature (WHO, 2011). According to the WHO (2011), these recent increases in rates of influenza infection have resulted in rises in respiratory infirmity, physician appointments, hospitalizations and even deaths leading to escalating estimates in the virus’s overall health burden. The influenza vaccine is associated with a decrease in respiratory symptoms, physician appointments across all age groups, hospitalizations and deaths among people at high risk, and missed work days in adults (WHO, 2011). Influenza vaccination is currently considered the most effective preventive measure available against influenza infection (Daly & Gustafson, 2011; Valenciano, Kissling & Cohen, 2011). Flourishing Creativity & Literacy