PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES DURING H1N1 OUTBREAK AMONG URBAN AND RURAL POPULATION

Ms. Juliet Jhonson; Ms. Preeti Menezes

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES DURING H1N1 OUTBREAK AMONG URBAN AND RURAL POPULATION

Ms. Juliet Jhonson, Ms. Preeti Menezes

Abstract :

Background: Swine flu: another pandemic knocking at the door? Swine flu is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. India had 8,648 cases and 345 swine flu deaths till May 7 this year, compared to 1,786 cases and 265 deaths in 2016, reveals data from the ministry of health and family welfare. Maharashtra has the highest death toll, with 181 people succumbing to H1N1 complications till May 7,2016. Objectives: To assess & compare the knowledge, attitude and behavioral changes of H1N1 among urban and rural population. Methods: Investigator adopted non experimental survey for respective study. Sample size comprised 200 adults, 100 from urban and remaining 100 from rural community. Random sampling method was used. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire and attitude scale. Result: The computed t value (knowledge=3.8, attitude=3.35) was more than the table value at 0.05 level of significance. Hence H1 hypothesis is accepted. This proves that there is significant difference in level of knowledge and positive attitude about H1N1 in rural and urban population. Conclusion: Findings suggest that provision of education and clear information are essential to correct the misconceptions.