New data from National University of Singapore illuminate research in bird flu
2009 AUG 4 - (NewsRx.com) -- Researchers detail in 'Avian influenza and South Jakarta primary healthcare workers: a controlled mixed-method study,' new data in bird flu. "To study the attitudes, concerns, perceived impact, coping strategies, knowledge on avian influenza (AI) and personal protection measures, and institutional and personal preparedness for AI among all Indonesian primary healthcare workers (PHW). Questionnaire survey of PHW from four public primary healthcare clinics in South Jakarta (n=333), with Singaporean PHW from 18 such clinics as controls (n=1321)," scientists writing in the journal Tropical Medicine & International Health report. "Twelve focus group discussions with 51 South Jakarta PHW were also conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately with statistical and thematic analysis, respectively, then combined. South Jakarta PHW had positive attitudes but major concerns about contracting AI, difficulties in diagnosing human AI and inadequacy of personal protection provided. South Jakarta PHW are less knowledgeable about AI and use of personal protection equipment, and reported poorer awareness, availability and participation in AI preparation activities. Only 3% of South Jakarta PHW received influenza vaccination in the preceding 6 months and few felt prepared for AI. South Jakarta primary healthcare workers are not well prepared for avian influenza," wrote G.C. Koh and colleagues, National University of Singapore. The researchers concluded: "There is an urgent need to build their primary healthcare capacity to protect them and contain this global health threat." Koh and colleagues published their study in Tropical Medicine & International Health (Avian influenza and South Jakarta primary healthcare workers: a controlled mixed-method study. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 2009;14(7):817-29). Additional information can be obtained by contacting G.C. Koh, National University of Singapore, Dept. of Epidemiology and Public Health, Singapore. The publisher of the journal Tropical Medicine & International Health can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing Inc., 350 Main St., Malden, MA 02148, USA. Keywords: Singapore, Singapore, Avian Flu, Avian Influenza, Bird Flu. This article was prepared by World Disease Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, World Disease Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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