Did H1N1 Influenza Prevention Messages Reach the Vulnerable Population Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

Abstract

To identify the primary sources of information utilized by a vulnerable population during the 2009 influenza pandemic and examine disease prevention behaviors related to reports of local H1N1 influenza transmission. Cross-sectional study. Between May 2009 and December 2009, face-to-face interviews were conducted in towns located in 3 Mississippi counties along the Gulf Coast. Two hundred sixteen residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast were interviewed. Analysis of the interview results described awareness of the influenza outbreak/pandemic and sources of information about the situation. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences in reported disease-preventive behaviors taken by Mississippi Gulf Coast residents before and after H1N1 influenza transmission was confirmed locally. Most subjects were aware of H1N1 influenza at the time of interview (n = 212; 98%). Television (n = 145; 69%), newspaper (n = 40; 19%), and the Internet (n = 19; 9%) were the most common sources of information regarding H1N1 influenza. Hand hygiene (n = 85; 41%) was the most reported preventive measure adopted by study subjects and increased following the confirmation of the first H1N1 influenza cases in Harrison County (χ= 4.46, p= 0.04). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's emphasis on providing health information about H1N1 primarily through the Internet may not have been effective in reaching the public. Provision of health messages through various mediums, especially television, may better inform the public of disease-related prevention messages during a developing influenza pandemic.