Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

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Knowledge of Swine Flu among Students in a University of Western Turkey: a Cross-sectional Study


Affiliations
1 Public Health Specialist, Ministry of Health, Community Health Center, 26480 Yenikent-Eskisehir, Turkey
2 Eskisehir Health Services Vocational College, Eskisehir Osmangazi University 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir, Turkey
3 Osmangazi University, Medico-Social Center 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir, Turkey
4 Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Public Health Department 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir, Turkey
     

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Objectives

The aim was to determine the level of knowledge about swine flu among a group of Turkish university students.

Methodology

This cross sectional study was conducted on 1146 students studying at some departments of Eskisehir Osmangazi University, western Turkey. The questionnaire prepared with reference to previous studies consisted of 15 questions and it was evaluated over a total of 19 points.

Results

The average score of knowledge level about swine flu obtained from the students was slightly above the middle level (11.75±2.19). Most respondents reported television/ radio was the major sources of their information about swine flu (82.8%). The proportion of those who had knowledge about the fact that the most important and effective means for the prevention of swine flu is vaccination was only 32.0%.

Conclusion

This study concludes that accurate and complete information about the swine flu should be provided for students through the media and education when considered that the level of knowledge about the flu was not enough.


Keywords

Swine Flu, Students, Information Source, Level of Knowledge, Vaccination
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  • Knowledge of Swine Flu among Students in a University of Western Turkey: a Cross-sectional Study

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Authors

Mustafa Tozun
Public Health Specialist, Ministry of Health, Community Health Center, 26480 Yenikent-Eskisehir, Turkey
Gul Arslan
Eskisehir Health Services Vocational College, Eskisehir Osmangazi University 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir, Turkey
Unal Ayranci
Osmangazi University, Medico-Social Center 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir, Turkey
Alaettin Unsal
Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Public Health Department 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir, Turkey

Abstract


Objectives

The aim was to determine the level of knowledge about swine flu among a group of Turkish university students.

Methodology

This cross sectional study was conducted on 1146 students studying at some departments of Eskisehir Osmangazi University, western Turkey. The questionnaire prepared with reference to previous studies consisted of 15 questions and it was evaluated over a total of 19 points.

Results

The average score of knowledge level about swine flu obtained from the students was slightly above the middle level (11.75±2.19). Most respondents reported television/ radio was the major sources of their information about swine flu (82.8%). The proportion of those who had knowledge about the fact that the most important and effective means for the prevention of swine flu is vaccination was only 32.0%.

Conclusion

This study concludes that accurate and complete information about the swine flu should be provided for students through the media and education when considered that the level of knowledge about the flu was not enough.


Keywords


Swine Flu, Students, Information Source, Level of Knowledge, Vaccination

References