Comparison between Covid-19 and influenza A(H1N1) pandemic experiences and risk perception in a Mexican university / Experiencias y percepción de riesgo ante la influenza A(H1N1) y Covid-19 en universitarios mexicanos

ABSTRACT

Abstract Objective: To compare the perceptions and experiences between the A(H1N1) and Covid-19 pandemics in a university population. Materials and methods: Online surveys were administered during the influenza A(H1N1) -originated in Mexico in 2009- and Covid-19 epidemics. Measures: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, information and communication, perception of risk, physical and mental health, effects on daily life, and preventive behaviors. Results: This study included 24 998 respondents, 51.36% from the A(H1N1) group and 48.63% from the Covid-19 group. Differences were observed in the perception of severity. During the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic worry was the feeling reported most frequently, while for Covid-19 it was anxiety. Covid-19 had greater impact on students' family economy and caused a higher uncertainty. Conclusions: The perceptions and experiences of the two pandemics were similar but the impact has been much greater for Covid-19, especially in terms of the severity, family economy, preventive behaviors, and uncertainty.

RESUMEN

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar las experiencias y percepciones de riesgo entre las pandemias de A(H1N1) y Covid-19 en universitarios. Material y métodos: Encuestas en línea comparables de las epidemias de influenza A(H1N1) -originada en México en 2009- y Covid-19. Evaluaciones características sociodemográficas, conocimientos, información y comunicación, percepción de riesgo, salud física y mental, efectos en la vida cotidiana, conductas preventivas. Resultados: Participaron 24 998 sujetos; 51.36% de grupo de A(H1N1) y 48.63% del grupo de Covid-19. Se observaron diferencias en la percepción de las epidemias. En influenza A(H1N1) la preocupación fue el sentimiento más frecuente y para Covid-19, la ansiedad. En Covid-19 hubo mayor impacto en la economía familiar y mayor incertidumbre para el regreso a clases. Conclusión: Las percepciones y experiencias de las dos pandemias fueron similares, pero el impacto ha sido mucho mayor para Covid-19 especialmente en la gravedad, economía familiar, conductas preventivas y en la incertidumbre.