Influenza pandemic: perception of risk and individual precautions in a general population. Cross sectional study

• Main Authors: Halvorsen Peder A, Kristiansen Ivar S, Gyrd-Hansen Dorte
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2007-04-01
• Series: BMC Public Health
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/7/48

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>An influenza pandemic may have considerable impact on health and societal functioning. The aim of this study was to explore people's reflections on the consequences of a pandemic.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cross-sectional web-based survey of 1,168 Norwegians aged 16–82 years. The main outcome measures were answers to questions about a potential pandemic ("serious influenza epidemic"): statements about personal precautions including stockpiling Tamiflu^®, the perceived number of fatalities, the perceived effects of Tamiflu^®, the sources of information about influenza and trust in public information.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>While 80% of the respondents stated that they would be "careful about personal hygiene", only a few would stay away from work (2%), or move to an isolated place (4%). While 27% of respondents were uncertain about the number of fatalities during an influenza pandemic, 48% thought it would be lower than the estimate of Norwegian health authorities (0.05%–1%) and only 3% higher. At least half of the respondents thought that Tamiflu^®might reduce the mortality risk, but less than 1% had personally purchased the drug. The great majority had received their information from the mass media, and only 9% directly from health authorities. Still the majority (65%) trusted information from the authorities, and only 9% reported overt distrust.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In Norway, considerable proportions of people seem to consider the mortality risk during a pandemic less than health authorities do. Most people seem to be prepared to take some, but not especially disruptive, precautions.</p>