(P2-21) Differences in Self-Protective Behavior between Hospital Workers and Community Care Workers in Israel during the Peak of A/H1N1 Pandemic

Abstract

BackgroundEffective function of the community care system is important during a pandemic. Self-protective behavior might help stop the spread of the disease during a pandemic and prevent system dysfunction because of personnel morbidity.ObjectiveTo compare the immunization rate and reported self-protective behavior of healthcare workers between hospitals and community care clinics during the peak of the winter A/H1N1 pandemic in Israel.MethodsA questionnaire was completed by 1,147 healthcare workers in 21 hospitals and 40 primary care clinics in Israel between 26 November 2009 and 10 December 2009 (the peak of the winter A/H1N1 flu outbreak).ResultsThe rate of vaccination against A/H1N1 among hospital workers (27.9%) was significantly higher compared with primary care clinics workers (19.3%) (OR = 0.691 (0.821–0.582)).