Initial psychological responses to Influenza A, H1N1 ("Swine flu")

Abstract

BackgroundThe outbreak of the pandemic flu, Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) in early 2009, provided a major challenge to health services around the world. Previous pandemics have led to stockpiling of goods, the victimisation of particular population groups, and the cancellation of travel and the boycotting of particular foods (e.g. pork). We examined initial behavioural and attitudinal responses towards Influenza A, H1N1 ("Swine flu") in the six days following the WHO pandemic alert level 5, and regional differences in these responses.Methods328 respondents completed a cross-sectional Internet or paper-based questionnaire study in Malaysia (N = 180) or Europe (N = 148). Measures assessed changes in transport usage, purchase of preparatory goods for a pandemic, perceived risk groups, indicators of anxiety, assessed estimated mortality rates for seasonal flu, effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccination, and changes in pork consumptionResults26% of the respondents were 'very concerned' about being a flu victim (42% Malaysians, 5% Europeans, p < .001). 36% reported reduced public transport use (48% Malaysia, 22% Europe, p < .001), 39% flight cancellations (56% Malaysia, 17% Europe, p < .001). 8% had purchased preparatory materials (e.g. face masks: 8% Malaysia, 7% Europe), 41% Malaysia (15% Europe) intended to do so (p < .001). 63% of Europeans, 19% of Malaysians had discussed the pandemic with friends (p < .001). Groups seen as at 'high risk' of infection included the immune compromised (mentioned by 87% respondents), pig farmers (70%), elderly (57%), prostitutes/highly sexually active (53%), and the homeless (53%). In data collected only in Europe, 64% greatly underestimated the mortality rates of seasonal flu, 26% believed seasonal flu vaccination gave protection against swine flu. 7% had reduced/stopped eating pork. 3% had purchased anti-viral drugs for use at home, while 32% intended to do so if the pandemic worsened.ConclusionInitial responses to Influenza A show large regional differences in anxiety, with Malaysians more anxious and more likely to reduce travel and to buy masks and food. Discussions with family and friends may reinforce existing anxiety levels. Particular groups (homosexuals, prostitutes, the homeless) are perceived as at greater risk, potentially leading to increased prejudice during a pandemic. Europeans underestimated mortality of seasonal flu, and require more information about the protection given by seasonal flu inoculation.

Pig producers’ perceptions of the Influenza Pandemic H1N1/09 outbreak and its effect on their biosecurity practices in Australia

“…Several studies have investigated public perceptions about the Influenza Pandemic H1N1/09 (Goodwin et al, 2009;Lau et al, 2009;Dhand et al, 2011;Lau et al, 2011); however, limited information is available on pig producers' perceptions and experiences (Goodwin et al, 2011). This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the height of the outbreak in the human population in Australia and before the virus was reported for the first time in an Australian piggery in July 2009 (OIE, 2009b;Holyoake et al, 2011).…”

“…In agreement with these elevated risk perceptions of the general public, a study on public perceptions of H1N1/09 in Hong Kong, reported 7% of respondents believed that eating well-cooked pork posed a risk of transmission of the virus. These public misperceptions had a negative impact on pork consumption, with a reduced consumption reported by 6% to 11% of different survey respondents (APL, 2009;Goodwin et al, 2009;Dhand et al, 2011). Despite this, a very low proportion of pig producers stated a decreased number of pigs sold during the H1N1/09 outbreak in humans.…”

“…This, together with the lack of available information on the epidemiology of the disease and the excessive and sometimes ill-informed media coverage, caused public misconceptions about the transmission of H1N1 to humans (Lau et al, 2009(Lau et al, , 2011Dhand et al, 2011). Public perceptions on the H1N1/09 outbreak and the transmission of the virus have been previously investigated (Goodwin et al, 2009;Lau et al, 2009;Dhand et al, 2011;Lau et al, 2011). The most common misconceptions on the transmission of the virus were: airborne spread across long-distances and transmission via eating cooked pork and handling uncooked pork.…”

“…This happened despite a joint statement on the safety of pork and pork products released by the WHO, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (Vallat, 2009). Goodwin et al (2009) reported that 7% of respondents of a survey in Europe had either reduced or stopped eating pork. Similarly, 11.1% of the people surveyed in the Greater Sydney area reported changing their pork eating habits due to the outbreak, including 5.2% who stopped eating all pig meat products (Dhand et al, 2011).…”

Attitudes of influenza-vaccinated health care workers toward masks to prevent nosocomial transmission of influenza

“…The outbreak of the Influenza A/H1N1 (“swine flu”) in April 2009 provided a major challenge to health services around the world 16 . On account of this, the health care system needs to be aware of the safety of their HCWs because they are at significant risk of getting infected and also of transmitting the disease to patients 15 .…”