A cross-sectional study of primary-care physicians in Singapore on their concerns and preparedness for an avian influenza outbreak.
BACKGROUND
During an avian influenza (AI) pandemic, primary-care physicians (PCPs) are expected to play key roles in the prevention and control of the disease. Different groups of PCPs could have different concerns and preparedness level. We assessed the concerns, perceived impact and preparedness for an outbreak among PCPs in Singapore.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of PCPs working in private practice (n=200) and public clinics (n=205) from March to June 2006 with an anonymous self-administered questionnaire on concerns (12- items), perceived impact (10 items) and preparedness (10 items) for an outbreak.


RESULTS
Two hundred and eighty-five PCPs responded - 149 (response rate: 72.7%) public and 136 (response rate: 67.3%) private. The majority were concerned about risk to their health from their occupation (95.0%) and falling ill with AI (89.7%). Most (82.5%) accepted the risk and only 33 (11.8%) would consider stopping work. For perceived impact, most felt that people would avoid them (69.6%) and their families (54.1%). The majority (81.3%) expected an increased workload and feeling more stressed at work (86.9%). For preparedness, 78.7% felt personally prepared for an outbreak. Public PCPs were more likely to be involved in infection-control activities and felt that their workplaces were prepared.


CONCLUSIONS
Most PCPs felt personally prepared for an outbreak but were concerned about their exposure to AI and falling ill. Other concerns included social ostracism for themselves and their families. Public PCPs appeared to have a higher level of preparation. Addressing concerns and improving level of preparedness are crucial to strengthen the primary-care response for any AI outbreak.
Wong
Teck Yee
TY
Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. cofwty@nus.edu.sg
Koh
Gerald C H
GC
Cheong
Seng Kwing
SK
Sundram
Meena
M
Koh
Kelvin
K
Chia
Sin Eng
SE
Koh
David
D
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires