Knowledge and practices related to swine flu in school students of Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Context: Swine Flu caused by Influenza virus of H1N1 strain is a highly infectious respiratory disease. Knowledge and awareness among the community regarding the containment of spread of Swine Flu is the most important weapon available to halt the epidemics of swine flu. Aims: The aim was to assess the knowledge and practices related to swine flu prevention and management in school students of Bhavnagar. Settings and Design: This was a cross sectional descriptive studycarried out at 2 schools of Bhavnagar during February-March 2015. Methods and Material: Selection of schools was done by convenience sampling. The selected schools were visited and classes were randomly selected from available classes using a currency note. Pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire was applied to total 119students of selected class rooms. Statistical analysis: Analysis was done in Epi Info 7 and Simple proportions and percentages were calculated. Results: Almost all school students had heard about swine flu disease and 66% knew about the causative agent. Television, friends and relatives were the most common source of information. Around 84% school students mentioned fever while 76% mentioned running nose as a symptom of Swine Flu. Eighty two percent school students knew coughing-sneezing as a mode of transmission. Only eleven percent school students knew that swine flu can also spread by hand shaking. Eighty four percent of the school students were aware that a medical test & treatment is available for diagnosis & management of Swine Flu. Half of the school students knew that a vaccine is available for Swine Flu. Eighty three percent school students mentioned use of face mask; while 68% mentioned avoiding crowded placesas a preventive measure followed by them. Seventy percent school students told that they would avoid goingto school if they have symptoms of swine flu. More than half of the school students would prefer to visit government hospital while 44% school students would consult a General Practitioner in case they develop symptoms of Swine Flu. Most of them were ready to get vaccinated against Swine Flu if offered a vaccine. Conclusions: The school students are having good knowledge regarding the disease and the causative agent of swine flu. Television, friends and relatives was the commonest source of information listed by school students. Fever, running nose and cough are the commonest symptoms known to school students. The school students are having good knowledge about mode of transmission, preventive measures, testing and treatment available for swine flu. They should be identified as messengers for spreading awareness messages regarding swine flu in the community. They are good sources of communication with adequate knowledge and should be used for this purpose.