ABSTRACT
Abstracts: Background: Medical and paramedical health workers are especially vulnerable to swine flu infection as they come in regular contact with patients. They can also serve as important channels for communication of swine flu awareness to the general population. This study was carried out to find out the knowledge, attitude and practices amongst the nursing students of a tertiary care centre. Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study carried out in February 2015 amongst the students of nursing college affiliated to a tertiary care centre in Ahmedabad. A pretested questionnaire was given to the students with multiple choice questions regarding swine flu virus, its symptoms, prevention etc. Results: A total of 108 students responded to the questionnaire. Of these maximum 76% respondents had received information from hospital. Majority of respondents knew about causative organism. Cough(81%), cold(93%) and fever(77%) were believed to be the commonest symptoms of swine flu. Handwashing as a preventive measure was known to only 45% while use of mask was known to 90%. 43% knew about vaccine availability and 83% were scared of swine flu commonest reasons being fear of death and fast spread. Conclusion : In the present study hospital, TV and newspapers were the major sources of information. It is therefore essential that these media spread correct information amongst the general population as well as the paramedical workers who are at risk for swine flu. The paramedical staff’s confidence and active participation thus remains critical in enforcing any prevention and control strategy against the disease. Paramedical workers had good knowledge, attitude and practice regarding swine flu in the current study. This should be utilized to spread knowledge and awareness amongst the general population.12 Focus on key areas like hand washing with soap and water and availability of vaccine, knowledge regarding which was lacking in the present study, should be immediately addressed. This represents the mass hysteria and panic amongst the general population regarding the disease and its prevention. It needs to be explained that swine flu, with proper precautions can be prevented and epidemic can be controlled through awareness and correct practices.