Sleep quality among Italian university students: the UnSleep multicenter study.

Background: Scientific evidence demonstrates that poor sleep quality can lead to various health problems. This study aimed to investigate sleep patterns among Italian university students and identify several factors that may contribute to its quality. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: An electronic questionnaire regarding sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and sleep-related habits, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, was distributed between January 2022 and July 2023 among students belonging to 12 universities located in Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. Results: On a total of 1,674 questionnaires collected, the participants (mean age 24.06±4.56 years, 71.3% F) reported an average number of hours of nocturnal sleep equal to 6.89±1.28 hours. A total of 927 (54.6%) of respondents showed a poor sleep quality (PSQI >5). Regression analysis showed that better sleep quality is associated with lower age, attending universities in Northern Italy, less time spent on electronic devices during the day, not being used to study at night and not playing videogames before sleep. Conclusion: From a public health perspective, our findings suggest that public health operators should raise the awareness of young adults about the importance of sleep quality for maintaining good health, as well as the impact that certain behaviors can have on sleep.

Consumption of Energy Drinks among Italian University students: a cross-sectional multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the caffeinated Energy Drinks (EDs) consumption among a large sample of Italian undergraduates and its association with some of the major lifestyle risk factors. METHODS: Students attending twelve public Italian universities were involved between October 2021 and May 2022. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, ED consumption, and on health-related behaviors of participants was collected by the use of a web-based questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 2165 students participated in the study and 15.2% of them reported having used caffeinated EDs in the last six months, mainly once a month (41.5%). In comparison with non-users, ED users showed a higher proportion of males (p < 0.001) and a higher father's educational level (p = 0.003), came mainly from Northern universities (p = 0.004) and life sciences degree courses (p < 0.001). Besides, ED users reported higher BMI values (p = 0.003), more particular dietary regimens (p < 0.001), higher levels of weekly moderate-vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001) and participation in sports (p < 0.001) and in team sports (p = 0.003), and higher proportion of smokers (p < 0.001) and alcohol drinkers (p = 0.005). ED use was negatively related with female gender (OR 0.546; 95% CI 0.374-0.798), the Mediterranean diet (OR 0.587; 95% CI 0.362-0.951) and coming from the center of Italy (OR 0.500; 95% CI 0.275-0.909) and positively associated with tobacco smoke (OR 1.712; 95% CI 1.176-2.492) and participation in a team sport (OR 1.686; 95% CI 1.051-2.707). CONCLUSION: These findings could encourage figures engaged in education to increase the students' awareness on this issue in order to prevent the excessive use of EDs and associated unhealthy behaviors, especially in the most interested subgroups.

Do Pediatricians and Nurses Recommend Vaccines for Preterm Infants? A Survey in Italy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding vaccination in preterm infants among primary care pediatricians (PCPs) and health care workers (HCWs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected from PCPs through a confidential questionnaire distributed by email, whereas the research team distributed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire to all HCWs working in the selected NICUs. RESULTS: Overall, 64.1% of HCWs consider vaccines in preterm infants to be very safe. The majority of HCWs (69.8%) stated that they always recommend that preterm infants' parents vaccinate their children following the same schedule as for term infants. This behavior was significantly more likely among those who know that the vaccination schedule for preterm infants is the same as for term infants, who consider vaccines in preterm infants very effective, and who strongly agree that preterm infants should be vaccinated on the same schedule as term infants. Moreover, PCPs were more likely than NICU pediatricians to always recommend that preterm infants' parents vaccinate their children following the immunization schedule of term infants, whereas this behavior was significantly less frequent among NICU nurses. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for physicians and nurses in the NICU and in the community to counteract missed or delayed immunizations. Engagement of HCWs in healthcare quality improvement initiatives focused on the promotion of timely vaccinations in preterm infants should be encouraged.

Evaluation of hospital readmissions for surgical site infections in Italy.

Background: The objectives of this investigation are to assess the prevalence of hospital readmissions for surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients aged ≥18 in Italy and to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients and evaluate the possible association with readmission for SSIs. Methods: A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted between January and May 2015 considering a sample of patients aged ≥18 years admitted to the surgical wards of two hospitals in Naples and undergoing surgery in the year 2014. Results: 3.8% of patients had been readmitted and 28.8% of them were readmitted to hospital due to SSIs. The multiple logistic regression model showed that readmissions for SSIs were significantly more common in smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 3.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13-8.69), in patients with immunosuppression status (OR = 8.28; 95% CI = 1.76-38.87), in patients with low serum albumin (OR = 3.07; 95% CI = 1.05-9.01) and in patients who had undergone a surgical procedure classified as contaminated (OR = 10:44; 95% CI = 3.11-35.01) compared with those that had undergone a surgical procedure classified as clean. Conclusions: The results point to the need that hospital infection prevention strategies are implemented in order to reduce morbidity and mortality for patients. Moreover, the measures taken to prevent infections would lead to a reduction in health spending since almost one third of readmissions to the hospital in our study were due to SSIs.

Evaluation of the use of health care services for non-communicable disease and prevention by children and adolescents in south Italy.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this investigation are to evaluate the use of health care services for non-communicable disease and prevention by children and adolescents and to identify the factors linked to the use of health care services. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2014 and January 2015 among 1198 parents of students aged between 5 and 18 years attending 12 selected schools in the geographic area of Salerno and Naples, Italy, using a self-administered questionnarie. RESULTS: 68.2% of parents stated that had visited their general practitioner (GP) or family pediatrician (FP) with their child in the last year. 66.2% of children had had at least one visit to a specialist and more than half (54.8%) had had preventive care visits in the last year. The use of preventive care visits within last year was significantly higher amongst female, among those who had visited their GP or FP and among those who had a parent with a college degree or higher. The proportion of emergency department visits and hospital admissions reported were 12.8% and 4.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: This results highlights the need of educational interventions for parents and adolescents in order to increase the utilization of preventive health services.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of hospital health-care workers regarding influenza A/H1N1: a cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: To assess the knowledge, the attitudes, and the behaviour towards influenza A/H1N1 and the vaccination among health-care workers (HCWs). METHODS: A sample of HCWs was selected from a random sample of non-teaching public hospitals, located in the cities of Naples and Avellino (Italy), received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire including questions about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on modes of transmission and preventative measures, attitudes and behaviour relating to influenza A/H1N1. RESULTS: Only 36.1% correctly knew the main modes of transmission, and that HCWs are a risk category and this level of knowledge was significantly higher in HCWs having received information through scientific journals. A higher perceived risk of contracting influenza A/H1N1 has been observed in the HCWs more knowledgeable, in those considering influenza A/H1N1 a serious disease, and in those working in surgical wards. Only 16.7% have received the influenza A/H1N1 vaccination and HCWs with more fear of contracting influenza A/H1N1, those considering vaccine more useful and less dangerous were more likely to receive vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Education and communication strategies for improving the level of knowledge and for the immunization uptake regarding influenza A/H1N1 HCWs are strongly needed.

Seroprevalence for Measles, Varicella, Mumps and Rubella in the Trainee Obstetric Population: A Survey in Southern Italy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the efforts of the World Health Organization, some childhood viral diseases, for which there is already an effective vaccine, have not yet been eradicated. Among these, we find varicella, mumps, measles, and rubella, which although in most cases have a benign course, can in some cases be responsible for infectious outbreaks, especially in nosocomial settings. The aim of this study was to verify the immunological situation of a cohort of trainee obstetricians in Campania regarding varicella, mumps, measles, and rubella to be used as an example for the evaluation of possible preventive strategies to avoid infectious outbreaks. METHODS: All the samples collected and sent to the laboratory were eligible for analysis and have been included in the study. Specific IgG for varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella were assayed on serum samples taken from 517 trainee obstetricians using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The seropositivity results were statistically analyzed by correlating them to age group and gender. RESULTS: The results obtained show that a percentage of trainee obstetricians tested do not have an effective immunological coverage against at least one of the vaccine-preventable diseases considered, especially for mumps. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is proposed to extend surveillance to other professionals in contact with frail patients and increase awareness of vaccination campaigns.

Respiratory Syncytial Vaccination: Parents' Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess parents' willingness to vaccinate their children with the RSV vaccine and the key predictors of this intention among parents in Italy. METHODS: Data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire from April to November 2023, targeting parents in public kindergartens and nursery schools in southern Italy. The survey assessed parents' socio-demographic characteristics, health-related details, their child's health status, attitudes toward RSV infection and its vaccine, and their source(s) of information. RESULTS: A total of 404 parents agreed to participate in the study. Only 18.2% of participants were very concerned that their children could get infected by RSV, and this concern was more likely among parents whose child had been diagnosed with bronchiolitis, those who received information from HCWs, those who had heard of RSV, and those who needed additional information. Almost half (51.3%) were willing to vaccinate their child, and this inclination was more likely among fathers, employed parents, those with daughters, those who had heard of RSV, those who received information from HCWs, and those who needed additional information. CONCLUSIONS: An educational campaign regarding a future RSV vaccine, especially about its safety and efficacy, is needed in order to improve parents' willingness.

Quality of sleep after COVID-19 infection: a cross-sectional study in the Southern Italy.

Introduction: This study investigated the quality of sleep in a sample of individuals from Southern Italy after the major waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of evaluating how sleep patterns changed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2022 and January 2023 and involved adults who had a COVID-19 infection, who were invited to complete a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: A total of 408 individuals participated in the survey. Overall, 66.4% had a reduction in social relations; 72.1% had an increase in the use of social media; and 86%, 77.2%, and 71.1% reported an extremely severe level of anxiety, stress, and depression, respectively. Almost all of the respondents had a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (PSQI) ≥5, indicating poor sleep quality. Subjects with a severe or extremely severe depression score, a severe or extremely severe stress score, who had a job, and who had someone close who died because of a COVID-19 infection were more likely to have a high PSQI global score. The use of sleep medication in the past months was significantly higher in those who were older, who had a job, who had a COVID-19 infection in the first and second waves, who had someone close who died from COVID-19, and who did not have changes in social relationships during the pandemic. Moreover, participants with severe or extremely severe depression scores, with severe or extremely severe stress scores, who were women, and who were older had troubles staying awake while engaging in social activities during the past month. Conclusion: The results bring to light the high prevalence of poor sleep quality among individuals who were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Future research is needed to understand whether these disturbances are still present in the endemic period and whether it is necessary to investigate further determinants that have affected and/or are affecting sleep quality.

Prevention of Meningococcal Disease: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of General Practitioners and Primary Care Pediatricians in South Italy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and current practices about prevention of meningococcal disease among general practitioners (GPs) and primary care pediatricians (PCPs) in Italy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out between February 2022 and July 2023 among a random sample of GPs and PCPs in Southern Italy. The data were collected using a questionnaire accessible via an internet link with the free software Google Forms®. RESULTS: Regarding the participants' knowledge toward meningococcal vaccinations, 84.2% of the PCPs and more than half of the GPs (55.2%) knew that the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination is recommended for infants from the second month of life and 84.2% and 82.7% of the PCPs were aware that quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is recommended for children in the second year of life and adolescents, respectively. The GPs and PCPs considered vaccination against meningococcal disease to be very effective and safe with average values of 8.8 and 8.7, respectively, on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. Those with an older age, those who knew the medical conditions that expose patients to a higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease, and those who self-rated their knowledge on meningococcal disease as excellent/very good were more likely to consider the vaccination to be very effective and safe. Only 15.5% of the GPs and more than half of the PCPs (54.3%) administered anti-meningococcal vaccines to their patients. GPs and females were less likely to administer anti-meningococcal vaccines to their patients, whereas those who acquired information on meningococcal vaccinations by scientific journals were more likely to administer meningococcal vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the survey highlighted the need of a greater engagement of GPs and PCPs in the immunization campaigns in order to increase meningococcal vaccination coverage.

Sedentary Behaviors and Eating Habits in Active and Inactive Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Population from Southern Italy.

The aim of this study was to analyze sedentary behaviors and dietary habits assumed by individuals regularly practicing exercise in a gym, sports athletes and inactive individuals. The Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire and the Healthy Dietary Habits Index were administered online to evaluate the time spent in sedentary activities during the week and the habits of food consumption among adult individuals from the Campania region, in the south of Italy. Of the 411 participants, 25% were inactive, 34% were gym practitioners and 41% practiced different sport disciplines. Significant differences were found for sedentary habits adopted during the week and diets between athletes and inactive participants. However, no significant differences were observed for sedentary activities on the weekend and some sedentary behaviors such as video gaming or working/studying during the week. With regard to diet, athletes showed healthier food choices, such as fruit and vegetable consumption. The findings of this study underline the need for enhancing the awareness of the local population regarding the detrimental effects of unhealthy dietary behaviors and sedentary time, especially but not exclusively among inactive individuals.

Genital and Oral HPV Geno-Prevalence Measured through Urine and Saliva Samples in Young Adults in Italy.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to determine, in the urine and oral samples of young adults, the genotype-specific prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, the HPV DNA type-specific prevalence in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals, and the determinants of HPV infection. METHODS: Selected participants were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire and to self-collect urine and saliva samples. RESULTS: Among the 1002 participants, 81 (8.1%) resulted positive for HPV DNA. The most common low-risk genotype was HPV 42 (2.2%), followed by HPV 43 (0.8%), and 40 (0.5%). The HPV 51 was the most common high-risk genotype (1.5%) followed by HPV 66 (1%) and HPV 68 (1%), and no participants were infected with HPV genotypes 18, 33, 45. Females, those who have had one or more occasional sexual partner, those who never/rarely/sometimes used condoms during their sexual activity, those with a previous diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection, and those who were not vaccinated were more likely to be tested positive for HPV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The low prevalence of genital HPV infections has provided evidence of the effectiveness of HPV vaccination both in vaccinated and not yet vaccinated subjects through herd immunity and indicated its decisive role in the changing epidemiology of circulating HPV genotypes in the population.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding HIV among first time attenders of voluntary counseling and testing services in Italy.

BACKGROUND: This study assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing and counseling services and the predictor characteristics of these outcomes among individuals who presented for the first time to Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) public services. METHODS: A sample of 244 subjects in the geographic area of Naples (Italy) received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes relating to HIV infection, and practices relating to access to VCT service. RESULTS: Only 25% correctly identified the main modes of transmission and the main preventative measures of HIV and this knowledge was significantly higher in who had had more than one sexual partner and have not always used a condom during the intercourse in the last year, in those who have received information about HIV/AIDS through physician, and in those who have received middle school or lower educational level. The perceived risk of contracting HIV/AIDS was significantly higher in respondents of lower age, in those who perceived a better personal health status, and in those unmarried. Only 20.9% reported that they had received the HIV test and males and those who visited a physician or participated in preventive activities about HIV/AIDS were significantly more likely to have had an HIV test. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the need to disseminate information and interventions to this population.

Antimicrobial Prescribing Practices in Hospital Settings in Italy: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial prescribing practices in hospital settings in Italy, focusing on the appropriateness of antibiotic use. METHODS: This study was carried out through a retrospective review of medical records of patients admitted in three public hospitals located in Campania Region (Italy) between 1 January and 31 December 2018. RESULTS: More than one third (34.2%) of patients received at least one inappropriate antibiotic prescription (antibiotic administered and not indicated). Being female, having a >1 Charlson comorbidity index score, and having a longer hospital stay were significant determinants of an inappropriate antibiotic prescription. Instead, patients who had had a non-urgent hospital admission, an infection on hospital admission, and a microbiological culture test during hospital stay were significantly less likely to have an inappropriate prescription. When the antibiotic prescriptions were analyzed, in 26.6% of cases they were not indicated, while among the 687 antibiotic prescriptions with indication, incorrect choice of antibiotics (36.8%) was the most common reason of the inappropriateness. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study indicate that the inappropriate use of antibiotics continues to be a relevant issue in the hospital setting and specific interventions are needed to encourage a wider utilization of diagnostic tools to practice targeted therapies and to counter the antimicrobial resistance.

Investigating women's awareness and perceptions on human papillomavirus infection and oropharyngeal cancer in Italy.

Introduction: This study explored knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) among women attending primary care services. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2022 in adult women attending three primary care services in Italy, who were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Overall, 34.7% of participants know that OPC is HPV-associated; knowledge was higher among women who had personal, familiar or friends' experience of cancer, and who reported to often seek dental care, whereas it was lower in older women. The perception of risk of developing OPC was high for 26.4% of women and was higher in those who had experienced STD, who knew that early sexual debut is a risk factor for OPC, and who considered useful the role of dentists on the provision of information about OPC. Only 22.5% had received HPV vaccination, but 62% intended to receive it in the future. Moreover, 63.2% believe that HPV vaccination is very useful to prevent OPC and only 27% are concerned about health consequences of HPV vaccination. Conclusion: These findings indicate that women's awareness of the role of HPV infection in the development of OPC is not satisfactory and underline the role that dentists might have in improving their patients' awareness on HPV related OPC.

Willingness to receive Herpes Zoster vaccination among adults and older people: A cross sectional study in Italy.

The objective of this study was to explore the Herpes Zoster (HZ) knowledge and the willingness to receive the HZ vaccination in adults and older people in Italy. The study was conducted on a sample of patients aged ≥65 years and over 50 years with chronic conditions who went to the clinics of general practitioners (GPs) in Campania region, Italy. Data was collected with a questionnaire administered through an interview. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. 427 participants (83.2 %) had heard about HZ infection and correctly knew the main symptoms of the HZ disease, and 196 of them (45.9 %) were aware of the main complications of the infection, such as post-Herpetic Neuralgia (NPE) and Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). Only 61 participants (11.8 %) had heard of the availability of a vaccination against HZ in Italy and 39 of them (63.9 %) knew that the vaccination is recommended in at-risk patients aged at least 50 years and for adults aged ≥65 years. 137 participants (26.6 %) had a positive attitude toward the willingness to receive the HZ vaccination. Participants aged 50-64 years, those who have more than one chronic disease, those who have received at least one recommended vaccination, those who had a positive attitude on the usefulness of HZ vaccination, and those who feel the need to receive additional information about HZ vaccination were more likely to have a positive attitude toward the willingness to receive the HZ vaccination. It is needed to implement effective strategies to improve HZ vaccination coverage in order to protect especially frail patients from the most serious complications of the disease.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Willingness towards a Future Vaccine among Pregnant Women in Italy.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate pregnant women's awareness regarding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection and willingness to receive the vaccine during pregnancy and to vaccinate their newborn against RSV. METHODS: An anonymous survey was administered from 20 April to 30 June 2023, to pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years attending gynecology wards of randomly selected public hospitals in southern Italy. A minimum sample size of 427 participants was calculated. The survey assessed women's socio-demographic characteristics, health-related information, their source(s) of information, and attitudes regarding RSV. RESULTS: A total of 490 women participated. Those who were married/cohabiting, with a high-school degree compared to those who had a university degree, and those who needed additional information were more concerned that the newborn could acquire the RSV infection. The perceived utility of a future RSV vaccine administered during pregnancy was higher among those who were married/cohabiting, with a university degree, those with very good perceived health status, those who received information from healthcare workers, and those who needed additional information. Only 45.9% were willing to be vaccinated during pregnancy, and this was more likely among those with a university degree, with a very good perceived health status, who had received information from healthcare workers, and who needed more information. Finally, almost two-thirds (61.1%) were willing to vaccinate their newborn, and this was more likely among women with a university degree, with a very good perceived health status, and who needed additional information. CONCLUSIONS: An education campaign regarding RSV infection and its vaccine is needed in order to improve women's perception and to support healthcare workers in promoting it when it will be available.

The quality of sleep: evaluation among university students.

Introduction: This study explored the quality of sleep among university students in the South of Italy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2022 and January 2023 and involved students over the age of 18, who were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire using an online application. Results: Overall, 88% of men and 94.5% of women had Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores of ≥5 and a mean PSQI score of 9.2 ± 3. Students with severe or extremely depression score, with sever or extremely stress score, male and who did not had Covid-19 infection were more likely to have a PSQI global score. Moreover, 62.6% of the students declared a reduction in social relations and 72.3% an increase in the use of social media during the pandemic period. The majority of respondents reported an extremely severe level of depression (68.1%), anxiety (84.4%) and stress (71.9%). Conclusion: This finding indicate that a relevant percentage of students are poor sleepers with a higher overall PSQI score with depression and stress and underline the role the implementation of public health interventions to promote healthy life styles and in particular focus on the duration of long night sleep.

Evaluating Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors toward HPV Infection and Vaccination among University Students in Italy.

BACKGROUND: This survey investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards HPV preventive measures among university students in Italy and their associated factors. METHODS: The cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2022 and April 2023. RESULTS: Only 41.7% knew about HPV infection and the main preventive measures. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis showed that females, those aged 25-30 years, those who have had oral sex, those who had received information about HPV infection and preventive measures from physicians, and those who needed additional information about HPV infection and preventive measures were more knowledgeable. Only 39.1% have received at least one HPV vaccination dose, whereas 29.2% and 31.7% had not been vaccinated or did not remember. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis identified that female students enrolled in the field of health sciences, those who did not report a prior history of a sexually transmitted infection, and those with a higher knowledge about HPV infection and preventive measures were more willing to receive the HPV vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some limitations, this was the first detailed survey on this topic conducted in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 among university students in Italy. The survey underlined the need to develop and to implement comprehensive educational programs and health interventions among students, to enhance their knowledge and modify their attitudes and improve the HPV vaccine uptake.

Parental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards influenza A/H1N1 in Italy.

BACKGROUND: This study assesses the level of knowledge, the attitudes and the behaviours relating to influenza A/H1N1 among parents in Italy. METHODS: A random sample of 1299 parents aged 26-65 years received a self-reported questionnaire including questions about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on modes of transmission and preventative measures, attitudes and behaviours relating to influenza A/H1N1. RESULTS: A total of 781 subjects participated with a response rate of 60.1%. Only 32.3% of the respondents correctly identified the main modes of transmission and the main preventative measures, and the results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that this knowledge was significantly higher in those with a higher level of education and working as health-care personnel. The average level of perceived risk of contracting influenza A/H1N1 was 4.6 and the multivariate linear regression model showed that a greater perceived risk was significantly associated with being unmarried, having more than one son, not working in the health-care setting and needing additional information about influenza A/H1N1. Less than one-third (28.8%) of the respondents had visited a physician at least once in 2 months preceding the survey for any reason related to the influenza A/H1N1 and the multivariate logistic regression model indicated that females and those with more than one son were more likely to have a visit. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about influenza A/H1N1 is poor and the results could have significant implications for information provision and the targeting of future education programmes to this population.