Journal of
Infectious Diseases and Immunity

  • Abbreviation: J. Infect. Dis. Immun.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2375
  • DOI: 10.5897/JIDI
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 94

Full Length Research Paper

Influenza A H1NI (Pandemic 2009): How prepared are healthcare providers in Calabar, Nigeria?

Etokidem AJ
  • Etokidem AJ
  • Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
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Ogaji DST
  • Ogaji DST
  • Department of Community Health, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
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Nsan E
  • Nsan E
  • Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
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Ikpeme BM
  • Ikpeme BM
  • Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
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Oyo-Ita AE
  • Oyo-Ita AE
  • Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
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Ndifon WO
  • Ndifon WO
  • Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
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Okokon IB
  • Okokon IB
  • Department of Family Medicine, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
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Ebenso BE
  • Ebenso BE
  • School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
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  •  Accepted: 20 January 2012
  •  Published: 31 March 2012

Abstract

In April 2009, an outbreak of influenza was reported in Mexico and California and within months, it spread to all continents of the world. An influenza pandemic has always posed a threat to global public health. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, reported practice and preparedness of health care providers in Calabar, Nigeria, regarding the H1N1 pandemic. This was a prospective study. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered on health care providers in Calabar, Nigeria. One hundred and forty-five (41.6%) respondents reported that the infection was transmitted from pigs to humans whereas 53 (15.1%) reported that it was transmitted from humans to humans. Two hundred and thirty-one (66.0%) respondents were not willing to work in a hospital unit where patients with Influenza A H1N1 are treated.  One hundred and thirty-eight (39.4%) respondents were willing to receive vaccination against Influenza A H1N1 while majority, 212 (60.6%) were not willing. There are gaps in knowledge of respondents regarding H1N1 infection and their level of preparedness is low. Capacity building in emergency preparedness for infectious disease epidemic is recommended.

 

Key words: Influenza, H1N1, pandemic, infections, Calabar, Nigeria.

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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