Needs on information related to influenza pandemic by the Public / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the information needs on human infection with avian influenza (H5N1), A (H1N1) and influenza pandemic in different time periods and create welltargeted messages by the public, so as to develop communication with the public effectively when human infection with avian influenza (H5N1), A (H1N1) and influenza pandemic occur. Methods Data were collected through questionnaire over telephone calls. The questionnaire was self-designed, revised after pilot testing. Results The effective response rate in this telephone survey was 54.33%, higher than those in Beijing and Shanghai. The respondents felt that government' s propaganda during the influenza virus-active period was more helpful and instructive than those in the period when influenza was relatively inactive (χ2= 17.41, P = 0.000). Trust to the government by the public was higher in the influenza virus-active than in the relatively inactive period (χ2=8.15, P=0.004). As to the information needs, the respondents reflected that during the time period of relative influenza inactivity, they viewed the basic knowledge of human infection with avian influenza (H5N1) as their top priority, while in the influenza virus-active period, the feasible preventive measures was their top priority. The pandemic-related information needs in the influenza virus-active period and in the time period of relative influenza inactivity were similar, demonstrating that the respondents had no perceptual knowledge of influenza pandemic and had poor awareness on the pandemic. The respondents were not used to wear a mask to cover their mouths and noses when sneezing, but were quite knowledgeable about the following preventive measures as: avoid going out and at the crowded areas, wash hands frequently etc. Around 2% to 6% of the respondents did not have any information needs. Conclusion The response rate in this telephone survey was fairly high, indicating that telephone survey was well accepted by Guangzhou residents. The public was satisfied with the government' s propaganda activities and trusting the government. Public health professionals should develop communication messages closely related to the epidemic situation to target the information needs from the public.

Risk assessment of H5N1 human infection after an outbreak of avian influenza in water fowl / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the risk of human infection after the outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 in animals, and probe the possibility for virus transmission.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By means of field epidemiological study, molecular epidemiology, serology and emergency surveillance, persons who had ever closely contacted with sick or dead poultry were observed. While, the RT-PCR and gene sequencing method were used to detect H5 nucleic acid from environmental swabs from 4 epidemic spots, and hemagglutination inhibition assay was also used to detect H5 antibody.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 22 environmental swabs detected from 4 epidemic spots, one was positive for H5 nucleic acid, and the homogeneity was 95.9% as compared with H5N1 virus A/China/GD01/2006 (H5N1) found in Guangzhou in 2006 by gene sequence analysis. 62 environmental swabs from live poultry stalls of food markets near epidemic spot were detected negative. Six of 68 blood samples of contacts were positive for H9 antibody, and all were negative for H5 antibody. 68 throat swabs of contacts were detected negative for H5 nucleic acid. No close contact was found abnormal after 7 days medical observation. 337 influenza-like cases were reported in emergency surveillance, and no suspicious case was found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The current outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in water fowls has not yet caused further transmission, and human avian influenza case has not been observed. It indicates that the ability of H5N1 virus to transmit to human is not strong yet, and the risk of human infection for H5N1 is still low.</p>

Epidemiological study on injuries among children in Beijing / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the morbidity, burdens caused and risk factors of injuries among children and to provide information for policy making on prevention.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By PPS sampling method, we selected 28 000 households in Beijing and using a questionnaire developed by UNICEF, TASC and China CDC.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The morbidity of child injury in Beijing was 2.25%, higher than that of adults (1.56%) with 6-9 year group the highest (2.83% ). The morbidity of boys was 3.04% higher than that of girls (1.37%). Among the 7 death cases, 3 were caused by injury(2 RTA, 1 drowning). The three leading causes of injuries were fall, animal bite and road traffic accident in children. Among children aged 0-5 years, fall, animal and burn/machine injuries were the leading causes. Among children aged 0-5 years, the leading causes were hurt by animals, fall and RTA with the leading causes as fall, sprain and RTA. The average medical cost of injury cases was 1617.57 Yuan. There were 3500 children (injured orphan) whose parents were injured leading to death or disability in Beijing in 2003.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Injury was the leading cause of child deaths in Beijing with children of 6-9 years old having the highest morbidity with RTA the most severe type of injuries in Beijing which affects both children and their parents.</p>