Exploring the needs, concerns and behaviours of people with existing respiratory conditions in relation to the H1N1 'swine influenza' pandemic: a multicentre survey and qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
People with respiratory conditions are a 'high-risk' group for H1N1 pandemic swine influenza ('swine flu'), hence they and their families may have information needs, worries and concerns regarding the condition. Health-related behaviours, including vaccination, are recommended during the pandemic; understanding uptake of these is important.


OBJECTIVE
To explore and compare information needs, worries and concerns, and health-related behaviours regarding swine flu in people with respiratory conditions and their family members.


METHODS
Mixed-methods study - cross-sectional survey (253 patients, 101 family members); one-to-one interviews (13 patients, seven family members) and focus groups (n = three groups, 30 participants). Data collected October 2009-January 2010 from hospital chest clinics (n = 7) and patient support groups (n = 10) in North West England.


RESULTS
Most patients (P) and family members (FM) wanted more information (n = 158, 62.5% P; n = 55, 54.4% FM), but few felt completely uninformed (n = 15, 5.9% P; n = 3, 3.0% FM). Most had already received information about swine flu (n = 187, 73.9% P; n = 78, 77.2% FM), mainly via a leaflet delivered to their home (n = 125, 49.4% P; n = 55, 54.5% FM). Information received was considered helpful (n = 154, 60.9% P; n = 77, 72.6% FM), but many wanted more condition-specific information (n = 141, 55.7% P; n = 60, 59.4% FM). More patients were worried (n = 147, 58.3%) than not worried (n = 99, 39.3%) about swine flu. FM were less often concerned about personal risk (n = 47, 46.6% worried) than about risk to patients (n = 76, 77.6%). Two-thirds (n = 161, 63.6% P; 65, 65.6% FM) incorrectly believed patients had increased risk of developing swine flu, but most (n = 204, 81.0% P; 89, 89.9% FM) correctly identified patients' greater risk of developing complications. Commonly adopted preventative measures were more frequent hand-washing (107, 42.8% P; 38, 37.6% FM) and greater use of sanitising hand gel (n = 100, 40.5% P; 37, 36.6% FM). In total, 212 patients (83.8%) and 69 family members (68.3%) were very/fairly likely to take up swine flu vaccination. Qualitative data mirrored survey findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants were generally well-informed about swine flu, but more targeted information would have been welcomed. Participants were not highly anxious about swine flu, but did recognise risks for patients. Behaviour change was modest, but in line with recommendations. Vaccination intent was high.


BACKGROUND
The study has been registered as REC/IRAS (Ref 09/H1015/76) and NIHR CSP (Ref 32483).
Caress
A-L
AL
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK.
Duxbury
P
P
Woodcock
A
A
Luker
K A
KA
Ward
D
D
Campbell
M
M
Austin
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000821:virology; D055815:Young Adult
D007252:Influenza Vaccines