[Level of knowledge regarding influenza A (H1N1) 2009]

Descriptive research was conducted for determining the level of knowledge (LK) held by people from Iribarren in the state of Lara, Venezuela, regarding influenza A (H1N1) 2009.

The population consisted of 1,800 people. The sample of 665 people was divided into groups: group 1 consisted of 300 high-school students, group 2 of 141 elementary school teachers, administrative personnel and white-collar workers and group 3 consisted of 224 people from the local community. A questionnaire containing questions about influenza A (H1N1)-2009, its mode of transmission prevention and control was applied.

The results showed that participants' mean age was 25.19±13.88; 54.4 % were male. 73.3 % reported "fair" LK. When analyzing LK mode of transmission, 66.8 % reported "deficient" LK. A statistically significant difference was observed between LK and the groups being studied. The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups being studied and average LK value.

The study's findings confirmed that influenza A (H1N1)-2009 diffusion strategies should be reinforced. Health authorities' prevention and control measures should also be continued to reduce disease transmission risk.