Pandemic influenza A H1N1 awareness in a rural community of North Karnataka, India

Background: Globally, India was one of the most affected countries for cases and deaths of swine flu (influenza A H1N1) during the 2009 influenza pandemic with a lot of public hype and panic. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude, and hygienic practices during the swine flu pandemic (influenza A H1N1) in a rural community of Belgaum district, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Vantmuri, Belgaum district, Karnataka, India between November 2009 and December 2009. There were 250 households that were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire by systematic random sampling. One person from each household, preferably the head of the family, had been questioned to know their knowledge, attitude, and practices during the swine flu pandemic. Results: Among the 250 study participants, 79.6% had previously heard of swine flu. Around one third of them cited mass media communication as a major source of information. Around 80.9% of the participants reported fever as the most common symptom, and facemask usage was accepted as an important mode of prevention by 45.7% participants. Only 5.0% were willing to leave their locality temporarily if any cases were reported. Majority of the participants preferred government hospitals for treatment facilities. Around 57.3% of the respondents were aware of hand washing as a mode of prevention. If educated regarding swine flu, around 60.8% of the population was willing to share their knowledge with others. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding the swine flu pandemic was low among study participants. Although many of the participants had health seeking behavior, only half the participants practiced hand washing. Creating awareness about the pandemic through effective mass media communication is vital for containing the pandemic.