Assessing the awareness and acceptance of recent guidelines for swine flu before and after education programme

Abstract

H1N1 influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. The aim of this study is to 
evaluate awareness and attitude towards swine flu amongst the people. Data were collected in form of 
structured closed and open questionnaires in face to face interview in a pre-coated and easy to analyze 
format with or without probing elicit specific response. The persons of either sex, attended programme at 
K.I.M.S. Karad for swine flu examination were enrolled. Among participants 60% were male and 40% were 
females with more than 90% having education above primary schooling level. To all 250 persons about 75 
questionnaires were distributed before awareness programme. After one week of programme the same 
questionnaires were collected from them, those who attended the programme. The comparative status 
showed after the educational programme, acquired more information about the prevention and treatment of swine flu. The knowledge of swine flu is very poor among the public. The fear of pandemic was not able to crush peoples’ spirit for leading a good life and most of patients were ready to help prevent its spread.