College Students' Perceptions and Awareness of H1N1: Views from the United States, Egypt and India

There has been an alarming increase of H1N1 cases globally. Public awareness about H1N1 worldwide can help to contain its outbreak. This study assessed students' perceptions and awareness about H1N1 after its outbreak in May 2009. This cross sectional study surveyed college students in the United States, Egypt and India (N= 1500) before the administration of H1N1 vaccine on campus. Questions appraised students' knowledge of preventive methods for H1N1, influences to get immunized, about barriers that might prevent them from being vaccinated and sources of information about H1N1. Results from the American sample indicated that 37% believed they were at risk for H1N1, 25% intended to get vaccinated and 49% were aware of preventive methods. Few saw parents or friends (18%) as influences to get vaccinated and only 6% identified barriers that might prevent them from getting vaccinated. Students reported learning about H1N1 from a variety of sources; most often these included television (90%), friends and family (92%), the internet (81%) and teachers (78%). Data from the international samples are being entered. This presentation will compare results from all three countries. Results will help program planners identify communication channels and strategies to use when developing education and awareness programs to promote H1N1 vaccination among college students in different parts of the world.