title: Health information during the H1N1 influenza pandemic: did the amount received influence infection prevention behaviors?
abstract: In the wake of uncertainty due to the H1N1 influenza pandemic, amount and sources of H1N1-related information were examined in a cohort at high-risk for respiratory complications. Factors associated with adequate amount of information were identified. A cross-sectional mailed survey was conducted in 2010 with veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Bivariate comparisons assessed adequate H1N1-realted information versus not enough and too much. Multivariate regression identified variables associated with receipt of adequate information. A greater proportion who received adequate versus not enough information received H1N1 vaccination (61.87 vs. 48.49 %, p < 0.0001). A greater proportion who received adequate versus too much information received seasonal vaccination (84.90 vs. 71.02 %, p < 0.0001) and H1N1 vaccination (61.87 vs. 42.45 %, p < 0.0001). Variables associated with greater odds of receiving adequate information included being white, a college graduate, and having VA health professionals as their primary information source. Receiving adequate information was associated with lower odds of staying home with flu/flu-like symptoms, and higher odds of H1N1 vaccine receipt and wearing a facemask. Receiving appropriate amounts of information from valid sources may impact adherence to infection control recommendations during pandemics. Findings can be used to facilitate efforts ensuring information is received by high-risk populations.
authors.affiliation: Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, 5000 S. 5th Avenue (151H), Hines, IL 60141, USA. Bella.Etingen@va.gov
authors.forename: Bella
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Etingen
authors.forename: Sherri L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: LaVela
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miskevics
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Goldstein
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058873:Pandemics / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines