A study on swine flu (H1N1) awareness among college students of Valsad city

Abstract

Background: The aims were to study knowledge, perceptions and beliefs regarding swine flu among college students and to study any difference in knowledge between science and commerce students. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in Science and Commerce College of Valsad city from June-July 2015. Simple random sampling technique used. Total 400 students were randomly selected from both the colleges. The study was started after obtaining the verbal and informed consent from both the college authorities whereas verbal and informed consent was taken from each student. Data collection done by using predesigned, pretested, bilingual language (English and Gujarati) semi structured questionnaire. Students who were present and had given consent to participate in the study been included and those who are absent and not willing to participate are excluded from study. Data were presented in percentages and p value was calculated by Chi-square test. Results: 63.18% and 53.73% commerce, 86% and 84.5% science knows causative agent and other name of swine flu respectively and difference is statistically highly significant. More than 60% of science and commerce students reported cough/sneezing as modes of transmission. 57% science and 40% commerce correctly answer symptoms of swine flu. Television (>35%) was major source of information in both groups. Conclusions: Although students are aware of swine flu but correct knowledge about swine flu is lacking in both the groups. Knowledge regarding key points such as frequent hand washing, avoiding crowding places, vaccine and treatment availability, which is much important during epidemics and pandemics as precautionary measures, was lacking in both the groups.

Swine flu awareness in general population

“…10.6% and 11% (science) and 14% and 5.2% (commerce) students had the misconception that it is transmitted by food and water and by eating pigs meat respectively. 12 Similar to our study, Shilpa et al found that fever as symptom was known to 82.6% while cough and cold was known to 72.3% and 55.4% of the respondents as a symptom respectively 2.7% of them had myth regarding spread of swine flu by eating pork, while 56.0% of the respondents said it was by inhalation and close contact with the infected. 50.5% of the participants knew there was treatment available for swine flu, while only 10.3% of them had heard about the drug Tamiflu.…”

“…57% (science) and 40.30% (commerce) knew about availability of free treatment of swine flu at government hospitals. 12 In our study, 192 (96%) of respondents knew fever as symptom of Swine flu, 166 (83%) of respondents knew cough and cold as symptoms while 128 (64%) of respondents knew headache and body ache as symptoms (Table 4).…”

Swine flu awareness in pregnancy

“…57% (science) and 40.30% (commerce) knew about availability of free treatment of swine flu at government hospitals. 12 In this study, 95 (96%) of pregnant women knew fever as symptom of swine flu, 83 (83%) of pregnant women knew cough and cold as symptoms while 64 (64%) of pregnant women knew headache and body ache as symptoms (Table 4).…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Swine Flu among School Students of Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu

“…Availability of treatment against swine flu were known by 79% of students which is remarkably high as in few studies; however the percentage of students who knew about availability of vaccine against swine flu were 35% which is less than other studies. 9,10 As prevention is the most appropriate measure to control H1N1 flu pandemic and awareness of H1N1 flu is cardinal to preventive measures, the dissemination of proper information to the public on the status of the H1N1 virus pandemic is deemed important to achieve awareness of the potential risks and the optimum code of behaviour required during the pandemic. 10…”