Widespread public misconception in the early phase of the H1N1 influenza epidemic
Widespread public misconception in the early phase of the H1N1 influenza epidemic
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DOI：
10.1016/j.jinf.2009.06.004
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发表时间：
2009-08-01
影响因子：
28.2
通讯作者：
Tsui, Hi Yi
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Lau, Joseph T. F.;Griffiths, Sian;Tsui, Hi Yi
目的：为了解香港社区在确诊输入性H1N1流感病例后的反应和准备情况，于2009年5月7日至9日随机抽取香港普通人群中的550名中国成年人进行访谈。公众并不认为本地爆发H1N1疫情的可能性很高，也不认为H1N1是一种威胁性疾病。经常洗手（73.6%）和在出现流感症状时使用口罩（47.9%）是普遍现象。公众对政府的政策表示认可，包括对酒店客人的警告，没有恐慌，并认为自我保护的自我效能很高。然而，误解是普遍存在的，公众避免访问拥挤的地方（9.3%），这是许多人错误地认为是政府recommendation.Conclusion：虽然公众的反应表现出警惕和准备有自满的迹象。明确的沟通、最新的科学信息和政府决策的透明度是必要的。该研究的数据为正在进行的监测计划提供了基线，以帮助制定政策并向国际社会提供信息。(C)2009年，英国传染病协会。由爱思唯尔有限公司出版。保留所有权利。
Objectives: To investigate the community responses and preparedness for a possible epidemic of H1N1 influenza in Hong Kong shortly after an imported case was confirmed.Methods: A random sample of 550 Chinese adults in the Hong Kong general population was interviewed during May 7-9, 2009.Results: The public did not perceive a high likelihood of having a local H1N1 outbreak, nor did they regard H1N1 as a threatening disease. Frequent hand-washing (73.6%) and use of face-masks in case of flu symptoms (47.9%) were prevalent. The public approved of governmental policies including the quarantining of hotel guests, was not panicking and perceived a high setf-efficacy of self-protection. However, misconceptions were prevalent and the public avoided visiting crowded places (9.3%), which many people wrongly believed was a government recommendation.Conclusion: Although the public response demonstrated vigilance and preparedness there were signs of complacency. Clear communication, updated scientific information and transparency on government decision making are warranted. Data of the study provide a baseline for an ongoing surveillance program to help shape policy and provide information to the international community. (C) 2009 The British Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.