College student adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic: A study of two Texas universities in Fall 2009

Abstract

ObjectiveCollege students were at high risk for contracting the 2009 H1N1 virus. Many universities implemented campaigns to encourage use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce the spread of the virus. The purpose of this study was to determine factors related to student adoption of NPIs. MethodsOnline surveys were conducted at two universities prior to the availability of the H1N1 vaccine. In total, 909 students participated. ResultsMore than 80% of students adopted at least one action to reduce the likelihood of contracting the flu. Perception of the public health threat was associated with use of each of the NPIs. Perceived susceptibility, previous seasonal flu vaccination, and symptom knowledge were associated with four of the five NPIs. ConclusionIncreasing college student understanding of the threat posed by a pandemic, as well as their susceptibility to that threat, could encourage the use of NPIs prior to availability of a vaccine.