Swine flu in college: early campus response to outbreak control measures

To describe student and faculty attitudes towards and adherence to nonpharmaceutical control measures during the first-known university outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1).

Preferred information sources, control measure adherence and likelihood of adherence during future out-breaks, and perceived illness risk, were explored through focus groups and patient interviews.

We conducted 7 focus groups (N=48) and 9 patient inter- views. Measures (eg, hand hygiene, self-isolation while ill) were initially heeded. Limited information regarding A(H1N1) pdm09, insufficient understanding of university decisions, and perceived university alert overuse led to reports that future outbreaks would be regarded less seriously.

Reported concern and commitment to recommendations decreased rapidly. Initial university messaging and response was critical in shaping participants' later perceptions.