KNOWLEDGE OF RESIDENTS OF LAHORE REGARDING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA: AFTERMATH OF HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

Abstract

Introduction: Pandemic H1N1 is respiratory disease that spreads through droplets and can be prevented by vaccination of high risk groups, hand hygiene and through targeted precautionary lifestyle measures. It is pertinent to gauge knowledge about various aspects of the disease amongst residents of Lahore so as to devise and improve health education strategy.

Methodology: Cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted and 134 residents of Lahore were selected through convenient sampling and interviewed.

Results: Study showed mean age of the respondents were 35 +/_ `9.7years, out of which 55(41.7%) were males and 79(58.3%) were females with education level at more than intermediate in 117(87.3%) respondents while rest were below it.128 (95.5%) has heard of swine flu, while 67(50%) heard about it from TV, 44(32.8%) from social media. 114(85.1%) identified that it can spread through sneezing and coughing , touching contaminated objects 64.6(47.8%), by inhaling contaminated air 95(70.9%), .57(42.5%) correctly identified cough as symptom of pandemic influenza, sneeze 20(14.9%), fever 43(32.1%), 91(67.9%) told that influenza is treatable while only 59(44%) knew that vaccine is available to prevent it. 101(75.4%) respondents said that it can be prevented using masks, 91(67.9%) said by maintaining hand hygiene and 85(63.4%) by isolating the patient. 97(72.4%) respondents said that they would see the doctor if they have symptoms of influenza.

Conclusion: Consistency in health education strategies is required and its recommended that disease chapter may be included in curriculum