H1N1 pandemic influenza: habits and behaviour of the nurses. A public health issue.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: One of the main concerns related to pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009 is the overwhelming burden on medical structures. The aim of this work is to study the behaviour and attitudes of Nurses in relation to the spreading pandemic in order to develop public health strategies. METHODS: During the spread of Pandemic, in winter 2009, an anonymous questionnaire online of thirty-four questions was available for participants. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive, univariate and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: A total of 2313 nurses were interviewed. In univariate analysis 72.6% of 573 males (versus 63.9% of 1740 females) have been talk to a doctor (p<0.001). The female group appear less likely to get vaccinated (60.3% vs 51.1%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that to be worried (OR=2.82 95% CI 2.31-3.46), female (OR=0.62 95% CI 0.51-0.77), age group 30-49 (OR=0.72 95% CI 0.58-0.90) were associated with the willingness of Get vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention, as washing hands and vaccination, are crucial in pandemics events. Given the low rates of acceptance of pandemic vaccination among nurses, public health bodies should consider campaign education, in order to prevent nosocomial transmission, to protect patients and the continuity of the essential health-care infrastructure.