Perception, attitudes and knowledge regarding the 2009 swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus pandemic among health-care workers in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of Australian health-care workers (HCWs) regarding the novel, swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) outbreak that reached the country in early May 2009.


METHODS
Self-administered, anonymous Web-based survey conducted during the early stages of the S-OIV pandemic. Participants comprised hospital- and community-based medical and nursing staff, medical students, allied health professionals, laboratory staff and administrative personnel.


RESULTS
Of the 947 participants surveyed, 59.4% were not convinced that Australia was sufficiently prepared for an influenza pandemic. Only 17.6% of the participants stated they were prepared to work unconditionally during a pandemic; 36.5% stated they would work if they had access to antiviral treatment; 27.9% would if provided with antiviral prophylaxis; and 7.5% would refuse to work. In addition, 37.5% of the participants responded they would refuse or avoid being involved in screening suspected cases. A total of 47.7% admitted to possessing a personal supply of antivirals or having considered this option. Only 48.0% provided a realistic estimate of the mortality associated with an influenza pandemic at a population level. HCWs overestimating the mortality risk and HCWs believing the efficacy of antiviral prophylaxis to be low were significantly less likely to be prepared to work (P= 0.04 and P= 0.0004, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
To ensure adequate staffing during an influenza pandemic, preparedness plans should anticipate significant levels of absenteeism by choice. Interventions aimed at increasing staff retention during a pandemic require further evaluation.
Tebruegge
Marc
M
Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. marc.tebruegge@rch.org.au
Pantazidou
Anastasia
A
Ritz
Nicole
N
Connell
Tom
T
Bryant
Penelope
P
Donath
Susan
S
Curtis
Nigel
N
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000600:supply & distribution* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020407:Internet; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007252:Influenza Vaccines