Knowledge of pandemic influenza among high-risk individuals- a questionnaire study

Background: Information on perceptions of people about pandemic influenza guides public health agencies to design their health education strategies This study was initiated to observe the knowledge of high-risk individuals about pandemic influenza
Methods: Non-consecutive patients aged > 18 years who were having at least one risk factor for severe illness due to pandemic influenza attending the study clinics formed the cohort. A questionnaire incorporating baseline characteristics and 6 questions on pandemic influenza was used. The total score for correct answers was 12. Knowledge of pandemic influenza among study participants were categorized as poor (score ≤ 4), average (score 5 – 8) and good (score ≥ 9). Factors associated with a knowledge score more than 4 were studied using chi-square test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables
Results: 1250 patients were interviewed during the study period of October 2017 to December 2017 which 926 (74%) were aware of the pandemic. The level of knowledge on pandemic influenza among 926 participants who were aware of the pandemic were poor (score ≤ 4) in 832(90%), average (score 5-8) in 85(9%) and good (score ≥ 9) in 9(1%). Being a graduate (p<0.001) was associated with a score more than 4 (average to good knowledge) in the questionnaire
Conclusions: In conclusion, knowledge about important health care aspects of pandemic influenza among individuals at high-risk of severe influenza infection is grossly sub-optimal. Strategies on health education needs a relook to prevent unfavorable consequences among at risk individuals.