Behaviors of „open” population during influenza epidemic

Dorota Gutkowska
Monika Binkowska-Bury
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Barbara Różak
Paweł Januszewicz
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Nursing and Health Science Institute, Medical Department, University od Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
Katedra Pielęgniarstwa, Wydział Medyczny, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Rzeszów, Polska
Katedra Pielęgniarstwa, Wydział Medyczny, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Rzeszów, Polska

Abstract

Introduction: Influenza is an acute viral respiratory disease caused by viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae. High genetic variability of the flu virus affects the occurrence of periodic epidemics and pandemics of the disease leading to death of many thousands of people worldwide. From the standpoint of public health flu has serious economic consequences due to high treatment costs and sick absence at work.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the behavior of adult patients of NZOZ “MED-JAR” in Jarosław during a flu epidemic from February to March 2010.

Material and method: Studies were carried out among 370 patients who represented an open population differentiated by gender, age, place of residence and education. The questionnaire designed by oneself was fundamental to realize the research objective. The results were analyzed using statistical methods.

Results: It was proved that 100% of the respondents with higher education have a basic understanding of influenza, and 74,2% of those with primary education have no such knowledge. Nearly one third of respondents (31,4%) believe that vaccinations are one of the most important ways to combat the epidemic of influenza, but only 11,4% had a vaccination. The most common cause of absence to undergo vaccination was the fear of side effects of the vaccine (36,2%) and the lack of funds to cover the cost of vaccination (22,2%). According to 49,5% of respondents, to the most important actions preventing illness from influenza belong: avoiding crowded places, proper hygiene and a healthy lifestyle (21,9%).

Conclusions: The education level of respondents has a directly proportional effect on the extent of knowledge on influenza. A majority of respondents believe that vaccination is not an effective method of prevention of influenza. Fear before the occurrence of post-vaccination complications and lack of funds to cover the costs of vaccination are the main reasons not to undergo vaccinations. Respondents level of knowledge on methods of preventing influenza is disappointing, therefore broader education activities on prevention of this disease are necessary.

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