ABSTRACT
To study and compare the attitudes, concerns, perceived impact and coping strategies for avian influenza [AI] among the first year medical students [FYMS] and interns in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. This was a cross sectional study carried out on FYMS [n=158] and interns [n=158] in 2008. The data collection tool was a questionnaire containing 37 questions in five parts. The three choices including "agree, disagree and unsure" were considered for all questions. We used Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for analysis. Most of FYMS and interns [78.2%] believed their health would be depended on the care of their selves. Most of them [95.3%] believed that if they knew avian flu better, they could be more prepared for it. The majority were concerned about risk to their health from their work [62.7%]. Most [67.7%] accepted the risk and only 5 [1.6%] would consider stopping work. For non-work concerns, 70.9% were concerned about their spouses/sexual partners and 65.8% about their children. For perceived impact, most [66.5%] believed that they would feel stressed at work and the majority [74.4%] expected an increased workload. FYMS and interns have positive attitudes but major concerns about contracting AI and its relation to medical practice.