Awareness of novel h1n1 pandemic influenza among non-medical personnel, medical students and medical professionals

ABSTRACT

To study the awareness of swine flu among general population, medical students and medical professionals Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study Study was carried out in the department of Pathology [Microbiology], Army Medical College, the Military Hospital [MH] and Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from 17th January 2010 to 24th January 2010. Materials and A total of 519 people were included in this study, 228 were medical students, 181 were doctors and 110 were non health care professionals. A questionnaire with closed questions regarding the awareness of the basics of swine flu was required to be filled by all participants. It was found that the general population was totally unaware to the extent that 1/3rd had never heard of this disease. The survey of medical students showed reasonable knowledge in the senior classes [80-85%] knew the main features of the disease], whereas the 2nd year students had the awareness around 40-45%. Among the medical professionals the knowledge was excellent in the seniors, whereas the trainees and house officers had suboptimal knowledge of swine flu. The result of this study show a significant gap between the seniors specialists and the juniors and this gap warrants immediate bridging. The general public also need to be informed by various means more comprehensively