A Study to assess the knowledge of youths regarding Swine Flu and it’s prevention in selected urban area of Bengaluru south with a view to develop an information booklet

Abstract

Swine flu one of the communicable diseases which affected large portion of the general public, it can be treated and it is a vaccine preventable disease. WHO says that youths are at risk of swine and it is an urban youth syndrome. As studies shown that swine flu cases are found more in urban youths. Education plays a vital role in development of the human potential, through which we can achieve control and prevention of swine flu. Methods: Descriptive approach which is an non-experimental design was adopted. The target population for the study were selected from Kenchanahally area, Bangarappa Nagar PHC, Bengaluru South. This population was selected by non probability purposive sampling technique. The total samples under the study were 100 youths (male and female). The data was collected by structured questionnaire schedule which was designed to assess the knowledge of youths regarding swine flu and it’s prevention. The results were described by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The respondent’s mean knowledge score was 55.2 % in the aspect of mode of transmission of swine flu, 52 % in treatment and prevention aspect, 51% in meaning and causes, and 48.8 % in signs and symptoms. Overall mean knowledge score was 51.9%. Among the demographic variables analyzed in the study, age, gender, education, marital status, per capita income, were found to have significant association with knowledge scores. And there was no significant association found between occupational status, type of family, source of information with knowledge scores. Conclusion: The study concluded that, if the youths are provided with some sort of educational interventions such as information booklets, modules on swine flu and it’s prevention will definitely beef up their knowledge, which in turn contributes to improve the total quality of one’s health.