An analysis of influenza prevention measures from air travellers' perspective

The influenza A virus is easily transmitted through airborne saliva droplets disseminated by unprotected coughing or sneezing, particularly in a crowded, enclosed space.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the knowledge, attitudes and practices of air travellers regarding influenza A preventive measures and to examine any significant differences in perceptions among different types of traveller groups.

This study used a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire and surveyed 1684 passengers at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan. The frequencies, mean score and ranking of descriptive analyses were used to evaluate respondents' demographic profiles. t-Test, one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe post hoc analyses were used to evaluate the relationship among knowledge, attitudes and practices, and respondents' characteristics.

There were significant differences in the knowledge, attitudes and practices measures among groups with different types of trip purposes and among occupation groups. Most passengers expressed common knowledge regarding influenza A; however, their attitudes and their degree of perception were not consistent with their prevention practices.

This research is limited because it only examined surveyed air travellers in Taiwan.

Air travellers could benefit greatly if the government and airlines were to implement a health policy that includes education on the importance of influenza prevention measures, such as frequent hand washing, to citizens. Nurses could be involved in this important health promotion activity.

Schools should implement a health education policy to communicate the importance of prevention measures. Nurses can consider how they can be involved in emphasizing the importance of prevention and health promotion regarding this. Airlines should also include basic preventive measures as a component of flight attendant training.