 |
|
Few people changed their behaviour in the early stages of the swine flu outbreak
July 06, 2009Public perceptions, anxiety, and behaviour change in relation to the swine flu outbreak: cross sectional telephone survey, BMJ online
Few people changed their behaviour in the early stages of the swine flu outbreak, finds a study published on bmj.com today. But the results do support efforts to inform the public about specific actions that can reduce the risks from swine flu and to communicate about the government's plans and resources.
Encouraging the public to undertake specific behaviours related to hygiene has proved useful in containing previous outbreaks of infectious disease, but motivating the public to adopt such behaviours can be difficult.
So researchers at Institute of Psychiatry King's College London and the Health Protection Agency set out to assess whether perceptions of the swine flu outbreak predicted changes in behaviour among members of the public England Scotland and Wales.
They conducted a telephone survey of 997 adults between 8 and 12 May 2009. Participants were asked nine questions about recent behaviours.
Six related to avoidance of places or activities, behaviours that had not been recommended by the government. Three related to activities that had been recommended - namely, increased cleaning or disinfecting of surfaces, washing hands with soap and water more often than usual, and discussing with a friend or family member what to do if either person caught swine flu.
The results suggest that, in the face of intense media coverage and a major government advertising campaign, public responses to swine flu were muted.
Anxiety about the outbreak was low, with only 24% of participants reporting any anxiety and only 2% reporting high anxiety. Behaviour changes were also limited.
Most people reported that they had not changed the frequency of their hand washing (72%), increased the amount that they cleaned or disinfected things (83%), or discussed plans with a "flu friend" (85%). In fact most people (62%) had done none of these things.
And fewer than 5% of people reported that they had avoided people or places as a result of the outbreak.
Factors associated with an increased likelihood of making these changes included perceptions that swine flu is severe, the risk of catching it is high, the outbreak will continue for a long time, the authorities can be trusted, and people can control their risk. In contrast, being uncertain about the outbreak and believing that it had been exaggerated were associated with a lower likelihood of change, say the authors.
Our results largely endorse the current policy of providing the public with clear, consistent information, which focuses on the practical things that people can do to reduce their risk and which maintains trust by explicitly discussing the current level of knowledge, preparation, and resources available to tackle the outbreak, conclude the authors. Tackling the perception that the outbreak has been "over-hyped" may be difficult but also worthwhile, they add.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
So researchers at Institute of Psychiatry King's College London and the Health Protection Agency set out to assess whether perceptions of the swine flu outbreak predicted changes in behaviour among members of the public England Scotland and Wales.
They conducted a telephone survey of 997 adults between 8 and 12 May 2009. Participants were asked nine questions about recent behaviours.
Six related to avoidance of places or activities, behaviours that had not been recommended by the government. Three related to activities that had been recommended - namely, increased cleaning or disinfecting of surfaces, washing hands with soap and water more often than usual, and discussing with a friend or family member what to do if either person caught swine flu.
The results suggest that, in the face of intense media coverage and a major government advertising campaign, public responses to swine flu were muted.
Anxiety about the outbreak was low, with only 24% of participants reporting any anxiety and only 2% reporting high anxiety. Behaviour changes were also limited.
Most people reported that they had not changed the frequency of their hand washing (72%), increased the amount that they cleaned or disinfected things (83%), or discussed plans with a "flu friend" (85%). In fact most people (62%) had done none of these things.
And fewer than 5% of people reported that they had avoided people or places as a result of the outbreak.
Factors associated with an increased likelihood of making these changes included perceptions that swine flu is severe, the risk of catching it is high, the outbreak will continue for a long time, the authorities can be trusted, and people can control their risk. In contrast, being uncertain about the outbreak and believing that it had been exaggerated were associated with a lower likelihood of change, say the authors.
Our results largely endorse the current policy of providing the public with clear, consistent information, which focuses on the practical things that people can do to reduce their risk and which maintains trust by explicitly discussing the current level of knowledge, preparation, and resources available to tackle the outbreak, conclude the authors. Tackling the perception that the outbreak has been "over-hyped" may be difficult but also worthwhile, they add.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Swine Flu Current Events and Swine Flu News RSSPoll: Many parents, high-priority adults who tried to get H1N1 vaccine unable to get it
A new national poll from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that a majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so.
Sneezing in times of a flu pandemic
The swine flu (H1N1) pandemic has received extensive media coverage this year. The World Health Organization, in addition to providing frequent updates about cases of infection and death tolls, recommends hyper vigilance in daily hygiene such as frequent hand washing or sneezing into the crook of our arms.
Pandemic flu vaccine campaigns may be undermined by coincidental medical events
The effectiveness of pandemic flu vaccination campaigns - like that now underway for H1N1 - could be undermined by the public incorrectly associating coincidental and unrelated health events with the vaccines.
TGen seeks emergency FDA approval of new swine flu test
The Phoenix-based non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) announced today that, along with a business collaborator, it will submit a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use of a new test to diagnose the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus.
Swine flu vaccine must be free and safe for high uptake
Almost half of adults surveyed in Summer 2009 in Hong Kong (45%) say they would take up free swine flu vaccination.
Triple-Combo Drug Shows Promise Against Antiviral-Resistant Swine Flu, UAB Researcher Says
An experimental drug cocktail that includes three prescriptions now widely available offers the best hope in developing a single agent to treat drug-resistant H1N1 swine flu, says a virology researcher in the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
Will genomics help prevent the next pandemic?
This week, the Public Library of Science, an open-access publisher, presents the "Genomics of Emerging Infectious Disease," a collection of essays, perspectives, and reviews that explores how genomics-with all its associated tools and techniques-can provide insights into our understanding of emerging infectious disease.
Important new novel 2009 H1N1 flu advisory for cardiopulmonary transplantation
Each year 3-5 million people have severe cases and 250-500,000 die from complications of seasonal influenza world-wide. This year, the novel 2009 H1N1 (nH1N1) influenza, previously called swine flu, has reached pandemic status.
Major swine flu outbreak at US Air Force Academy, unique opportunity to study virus behavior
With the 2009 influenza season upon us, characterization of the epidemiology and duration of shedding for the nH1N1 virus is critical. Investigators from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Consult Service capitalized on a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights about the natural behavior of the nH1N1 virus, including shedding patterns, during a recent large-scale swine flu outbreak at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA).
Earlier flu viruses provided some immunity to current H1N1 influenza, study shows
University of California, Davis, researchers studying the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, formerly referred to as "swine flu," have identified a group of immunologically important sites on the virus that are also present in seasonal flu viruses that have been circulating for years.
More Swine Flu Current Events and Swine Flu News Articles
 |
H1N1 and Swine Influenza (Flu) Protection Kit w/ N95 Masks - Meets CDC Guidelines for H1N1 and Swine Flu by JIB EDP Protect against all Influenza's (Flu) Help protect yourself and your family with this Flu Defense Kit. The masks contained in the kit are N95 rated and meet guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services for influenza (flu) protection. In addition to this kit, you MUST: Stay informed. - Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. - Take everyday actions to stay healthy. -Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. - Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. - Stay home... |
 |
Global Time Bomb: Surviving the H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic and Other Global Health Threats by John M. Dorrance (Editor) How might a global flu pandemic affect you and your family? How can you avoid it, and what will you do if someone in your household contracts it? Here you will learn how to identify, prevent, and treat H1N1 swine flu. Information for individuals, caregivers, as well as medical professionals is provided in this complete guide. In addition to swine flu facts, information on other potential global health threats is included. |
 |
N95 Health Mask Gerson 20 Masks by Gerson The Gerson® 1730 N95 Particulate Respirator is a unique product. First developed for use in industrial settings with its special filtering material proven to protect in non-oil areas. Along with its smooth inner lining ensures worker comfort in high heat and humidity. But the Gerson 1730 also meets CDC Guidelines for fluid resistance and TB exposure control. This is one unique product that serves two purposes. Respiratory protection for your doctors, nurses, healthcare providers and for your maintenance personnel. |
 |
Swine Flu: What You Need to Know (2009) by A. M. Dumar (Author) The Swine Flu: What You Need to Know is the first book covering the 2009 outbreak of the Swine Flu. It contains an easy-to-understand history and pandemics in general and the Swine Flu in particular, as well as information on signs, symptions, diagnosis, and treatment. Special sections cover how to protect children and what supplies should be kept in your house, in case the pandemic shuts down work and shopping. |
 |
GIANT Microbes Plush Doll Swine Flu (Influenza A virus H1N1) by Giant Microbes This little piggy had swine flu, this little piggy had none. Giant Microbes are stuffed 'animals' that look like tiny microbesonly a million times actual size! Each 5-to-7 inch doll is accompanied by an image of the real microbe it represents, as well as information about the microbe. They make great learning tools for parents and educators, as well as amusing gifts for anyone with a sense of humor! |
 |
Surgical Molded Face Duramask 1890 - 50ct Box (White Mask) by DuraMask INDICATIONS:Molded Face Masks:Molded face masks are manufactured of soft, cool, comfortable materials.Fiberglass free .Fluid resistant.Flared soft edges to fit all facial contours .Adjustable aluminum nose piece .Dual head straps for tight facial seal .La |
 |
The Swine Flu Affair: Decision-making on a Slippery Disease by Richard E. Neustadt (Author), Harvey V. Fineberg (Author) The Swine Flu Affair contains a reconstruction of the events leading up to and surrounding the swine flu immunization program, which has been gathered by combining press accounts, hearings, official files, and interviews with participants. This study will be of value to all who are interested in the process by which large decisions are made. |
|
Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt (Mens Large, White) by Bewild Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt. This is the shirt that is GUARANTEED to keep people away from you! With all the media hype over Swine Flu millions of people are running scared in fear of an epidemic. Now you too can be a "carrier" with this awesome Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt. It has a mad little piggy on it and it assures you will be left alone in public, and if people have a sense of humor they are sure to crack a smile. This shirt is perfect to wear to school and work. You are sure to be as happy as a pig in shit in this awesome graphic tee! | |
 |
Kimberly-Clark- N95 Surgical Partical Filter Mask, 50ct (Swine Flu Prevention) by Kimberly Clark |
 |
Surviving The Swine Flu: Revised Second Edition by Dr. Gary L. Vincent Ph.D. (Author) The H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic is upon us! "Surviving The Swine Flu" takes a thorough and comprehensive look at the Swine Flu Pandemic of 2009, its origins, and the history of influenza. This REVISED SECOND EDITION contains over 30% newer content to keep up with the breaking news! Written by Dr. Gary L. Vincent, this book examines over a hundred reports to help you decide truth from fiction, and what you can do about it. You will learn: - what a pandemic is - what similar events have occurred in the past - several treatment methods that exist today - maintenance steps to keep you healthy - nutraceuticals and their role to combat this problem Complete with illustrations, "Surviving The Swine Flu" is a handy and convenient reference guide to assist you in preventing and... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |