ABSTRACT
Contingency plans to face infectious disease epidemics should consider the nurses preparedness to face such epidemics. The aim of this study was to 1] assess the effect of 2009 IIIN I pandemic on nurses' working behavior, 2] identify the nurses' willingness to work. concerns and persuading factors towards working during infectious disease epidemics. A cross-sectional study was conducted with nurses [professional nurses and nursing students]. During the 2009 H1N1 epidemic, marked increase in the rate of hand washing and utilization of hand disinfectants was reported by 70% and 60% of the studied nurses respectively. None of the studied nurses provided nursing care to H1N1 patients, but if' forced to do so, 41.5% would not be willing to report to duty. Fear about their families' health and increased workload were the main concerns of professional and student nurses [p>0.05]. Increased rates of infection [OR = 3.33] and deaths [OR = 2.75] among colleagues, and school closure [OR = 7.08] were significant concerns for the student compared to professional nurses [p<0.05]. Receiving treatment for one self and for family came on top of the persuading factors for all nurses. While vaccination for oneself [OR = 2.3] and family [OR = 2.0] came on top of the persuading factors for the nursing students [p<0.05]. The study concluded that providing nurses with appropriate education, training. supply of adequate protection and psycho-social support should be considered on preparing contingency plans for infectious disease disasters