Knowledge about pandemic influenza in healthcare and non-healthcare students in London

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the knowledge of university students regarding pandemic and seasonal influenza. Design: Online questionnaire-based survey of undergraduate and postgraduate students, including those on nursing, medical, other health and non-health related courses. Method: The sample was recruited using the university email system, and the survey was administered using SurveyMonkey. The questionnaire sought the following data: demographics; general knowledge; intentions with regards to vaccines, pharmacological and behavioural interventions; personal susceptibility and the symptoms of influenza; and the provision of information. Results: Approximately half (56 per cent) of respondents were on health-related courses. There was a good level of knowledge about influenza and its severity, and the importance of vaccination, although few intended actually receiving the seasonal or pandemic vaccines (23 per cent and 21 per cent respectively). However, in the event of a pandemic most students would still attend college (60 per cent) and almost half would still attend social events (47 per cent). Many thought that there had been hype by the government (44 per cent) and the media (89 per cent). Conclusions: There was a good level of knowledge about influenza, although this was not always reflected in intended behaviours with regards to vaccination and isolation.