Knowledge of Urban Family Physicians in Mazandaran Province, Iran about H1N1 Influenza

Background and purpose: H1N1 influenza circulate worldwide and affects the world population in case of pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of urban family physicians in Mazandaran province, Iran about H1N1 influenza. Materials and methods: In a descriptive study, 373 urban family physicians were questioned. A standard questionnaire including different items were completed by participants. The items included epidemiology (7 questions), treatment (5 questions), virology and diagnosis (5 questions), clinical manifestations (6 questions), and prevention (4 questions) of H1N1 influenza. Data was then coded and analyzed in SPSS V18 applying Chi-square, t-test, and Fisher's exact test. Results: The participants were 47.5% females and 52.5% males. The levels of knowledge about H1N1 influenza were poor in 0.8%, fair in 11.3% and good in 60.3%. Also, 27.6% of the participants had excellent levels of knowledge on this type of influenza. The average scores of participants for epidemiology, virology and diagnostics, clinical manifestations, prevention, and treatment were 4.30, 3.38, 4.59, 2.79, and 3.67, respectively. The mean scores for knowledge in epidemiology and treatment were found to be higher in female physicians compared to those of their male counterparts. Our results indicated a direct correlation between experience and knowledge on virology, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, and prevention and treatment, while it was inversely related with knowledge on epidemiology of H1N1 influenza. Conclusion: This study showed a relatively high level of knowledge among urban family physicians in Mazandaran province about H1N1 influenza. But they are strongly recommended to participate in continues education programs that increase their awareness and enhance their knowledge.