%0 Journal Article
%T Study to Assess the Awareness, Perception and Myths regarding Swine Flu among Educated Common Public in Patiala Distric
%A Sumeet Singh
%A Paramjeet Kaur
%A Gurmeet Singh
%J International Journal of Research and Development of Health
%D 2013
%I International Journal of Research and Development of Health
%X Background: Swine flu is causing a massive havoc and fear across the various strata among the common people of India since its emergence in April 2009 when it was declared a Phase 6 pandemic and was the 3rd most affected country in the world. Media and Government agencies have a vital role in creating awareness. Objectives: 1) To assess the awareness, perception and myths regarding Swine flu among educated common public in Patiala district. 2) To assess the response generated by the media coverage and Govt. responses. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study done in first half of April, 2013 immediately after an epidemic situation among 400 educated common pubic selected from different places and strata with a pre defined questionnaire. Data was analysed with Ms Excel and SPSS. Results: 88% (352) of the study population had previously heard of Swine flu. Hand washing as a mode of prevention was known only to 36.5% of the respondents. Around 40 % of the population have myths regarding mode of spread. Television news channels and newspaper were found to be the major source of information. Discussion:Comparatively lower levels of awareness as compared to other studies in India regarding some key elements such as route of spread and methods of prevention is a key problem area showing lack of clear message and response generation in IEC activities. Conclusion & Suggestions: Government should focus on providing scientific and effective information through the prime medias. Communication messages should be made closely related to the pandemic situation to target the information needs of the public by involving Public Health Personnel.
%K Awareness
%K Communicable diseases
%K Epidemic
%K Public health
%K Swine flu
%U http://www.ijrdh.com/files/6.%20swine%20flu.pdf