Prevalence of preventive behaviors and associated factors during early phase of the H1N1 influenza epidemic.
BACKGROUND
The community plays an important role in controlling influenza A/H1N1. There is a dearth of data investigating adoption of preventive behaviors in the initial phase of the A/H1N1 pandemic.


METHODS
Three round of random, population-based, anonymous telephone survey were conducted in Hong Kong during the pre-community outbreak phase (May 7 to June 6, 2009) of the influenza A/H1N1 pandemic in Hong Kong (n = 999).


RESULTS
Respectively, 46.65%, 88.75%, and 21.5% washed hands more than 10 times/day, wore face masks when having influenza-like illness (ILI), and wore face masks regularly in public areas. Perceptions related to bodily damages, efficacy of frequent handwashing, nonavailability of effective vaccines, high chance of having a large scale local outbreak, and mental distress because of influenza A/H1N1 were associated with frequent handwashing (odds ratio [OR], 1.46 to 2.15). Perceived vaccine availability was associated with face mask use when having ILI (OR, 1.60). Perceived fatality, efficacy of wearing face masks, and mental distress because of influenza A/H1N1 were associated with face mask use in public areas (OR, 1.53 to 2.52).


CONCLUSIONS
Preventive behaviors were prevalently adopted by the public and were associated with cognitive and affective factors. Prevention efforts should take public perceptions into account, and emerging infectious diseases provide good chances for promoting hygiene.
Lau
Joseph T F
JT
Centre for Health Behaviours Research, School of Public Health and Primary Care Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. jlau@cuhk.edu.hk
Griffiths
Sian
S
Choi
Kai-Chow
KC
Lin
Chunqing
C
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011639:Public Opinion; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires