An evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of employees of a university hospital in an H1N1 influenza pandemic

J Infect Dev Ctries. 2014 May 14;8(5):561-9. doi: 10.3855/jidc.3400.

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the transmission routes of an H1N1 pandemic and the protective measures of health professionals at a university hospital in Turkey.

Methodology: A stratified systematic sampling method was used to select the sample size of the study group. A total of 22 professors, 29 researchers, and 26 nurses were included in the study.

Results: The mean scores of the individuals were 8.4±2.5 (over 20) for knowledge about H1N1 transmission, 27.6±4.0 (over 60) for knowledge about protection against H1N1, 25.8±4.2 (over 45) for correct or appropriate attitudes, and 33.6±8.9 (over 60) for correct behaviors. A negative correlation between total knowledge and behavior was found (p < 0.001, r = -0.543).

Conclusions: In epidemics, standard protection measures should be known and applied. Regarding this topic, the web page of the Ministry of Health comes to the forefront as a reliable source of information in addition to scientific explanations.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Personnel*
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Influenza, Human / transmission*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics*
  • Professional Competence*
  • Turkey
  • Young Adult