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05:59
Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
Published on: December 4, 2015
Initial psychological responses to swine flu.
Robin Goodwin1, Stanley O Gaines, Lynn Myers
1School of Social Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK. robin.goodwin@brunel.ac.uk
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|March 3, 2010
Summary
Early swine flu (influenza A) concerns were driven by emotional factors, not just risk judgments. Worry about infection influenced behaviors like purchasing masks and avoiding public transport.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The 2009 influenza A (swine flu) pandemic caused significant public concern.
- Limited research explored the drivers of initial worry and subsequent behaviors during pandemics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model key predictors of worry and behavioral responses during the early swine flu pandemic (WHO stage 5).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional internet questionnaire study was conducted with 186 participants.
Main Results:
- 25% worried about personal infection, 40% about family members.
- 20% purchased/intended to purchase protective materials; 20% delayed/canceled air travel.
- Conservation values and social risk perception predicted worry, which correlated with preparatory purchases and reduced public transport use.
Conclusions:
- Initial emotional concerns, not just cognitive risk assessments, significantly predict pandemic behavioral responses.
- Individual factors (values) and social norms influence pandemic worry.
- Models of pandemic response can be enhanced by considering emotional factors for health campaigns.
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