H1N1 influenza – Awareness among newly employed healthcare workers in Lagos State, Nigeria
K. O. Wright A B , C. E. Enabulele A and M. Akinyinka AA Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, 1-5, Oba Akinjobi Street, GRA Lagos, Nigeria.
B Corresponding author. Email: loladewright@yahoo.com
Healthcare Infection 16(1) 30-32 https://doi.org/10.1071/HI10033
Submitted: 24 November 2010 Accepted: 17 February 2011 Published: 28 March 2011
Abstract
Background: The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic accounted for numerous hospitalisations and deaths in various parts of the world with lingering effects. An assessment of awareness about H1N1 influenza was conducted among newly employed healthcare workers undertaking pre-placement medical examinations in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between June and August 2010 at the Staff Welfare Clinic of a tertiary health institution using a self-administered questionnaire. Consenting participants were recruited consecutively within the study period and ethical clearance was obtained from the ethics committee of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Results: The majority (81.7%) of all respondents had heard about H1N1 influenza. The most commonly known symptoms included cough, catarrh and breathing difficulty; the main source of information was the mass media. About three-quarters (75.9%) of the respondents expressed willingness to be vaccinated if vaccines were readily available.
Conclusion: Further research could provide insights to the benefits of utilising educational strategies for preventing influenza in developing countries.
Additional keywords: H1N1 influenza, vaccine, prevention.
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