Knowledge, behaviour change, and anticipated compliance regarding non-pharmaceutical interventions during pandemic of influenza A H1N1 in Delhi

• Main Authors: Rinku Sharma, Suminder Kaur, Alka Sodhi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
• Series: Lung India
• Subjects: Compliance; influenza A H1N1; non-pharmaceutical intervention; risk communication
• Online Access: http://www.lungindia.com/article.asp?issn=0970-2113;year=2012;volume=29;issue=4;spage=341;epage=346;aulast=Sharma

Context : Compliance for non-pharmaceutical interventions for containment of Influenza A H1N1 is determined by community understanding and accurate information by appropriate risk commu-nication strategy. Aims: To assess the baseline awareness of public regarding Influenza A H1N1 and its existing risk communication strategy; and to assess public expressed willingness to comply with containment measures. Materials and Methods: Sample of 300 subjects (>18 years) coming to primary health centre (PHC) in Delhi was interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data was collected from 1 st July to 1 st Sept 2009 by systematic random sampling. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results: Only 66 (22%) individuals had complete knowledge about the spread, symptoms, risk groups, and method of prevention for Influenza A H1N1 infection. Knowledge was significantly higher among males and literates. Only 45 (15%) individuals thought that information given by government on H1N1 is complete and understandable. Conclusions: Majority of the respondents were willing to comply with containment measures, if implied by government. It was significantly high among literates.