Dataset Information

The dynamics of risk perceptions and precautionary behavior in response to 2009 (H1N1) pandemic influenza.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The trajectory of an infectious disease outbreak is affected by the behavior of individuals, and the behavior is often related to individuals' risk perception. We assessed temporal changes and geographical differences in risk perceptions and precautionary behaviors in response to H1N1 influenza.

Methods

1,290 US adults completed an online survey on risk perceptions, interests in pharmaceutical interventions (preventive intervention and curative intervention), and engagement in precautionary activities (information seeking activities and taking quarantine measures) in response to H1N1 influenza between April 28 and May 27 2009. Associations of risk perceptions and precautionary behaviors with respondents' sex, age, and household size were analyzed. Linear and quadratic time trends were assessed by regression analyses. Geographic differences in risk perception and precautionary behaviors were evaluated. Predictors of willingness to take pharmaceutical intervention were analyzed.

Results

Respondents from larger households reported stronger interest in taking medications and engaged in more precautionary activities, as would be normatively predicted. Perceived risk increased over time, whereas interest in pharmaceutical preventive interventions and the engagement in some precautionary activities decreased over time. Respondents who live in states with higher H1N1 incidence per population perceived a higher likelihood of influenza infection, but did not express greater interests in pharmaceutical interventions, nor did they engage in a higher degree of precautionary activities. Perceived likelihood of influenza infection, willingness to take medications and engagement in information seeking activities were higher for women than men.

Conclusions

Perceived risk of infection and precautionary behavior can be dynamic in time, and differ by demographic characteristics and geographical locations. These patterns will likely influence the effectiveness of disease control measures.

SUBMITTER: Ibuka Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2964717 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The dynamics of risk perceptions and precautionary behavior in response to 2009 (H1N1) pandemic influenza.

Ibuka Yoko Y Chapman Gretchen B GB Meyers Lauren A LA Li Meng M Galvani Alison P AP

BMC infectious diseases 20101014

<h4>Background</h4>The trajectory of an infectious disease outbreak is affected by the behavior of individuals, and the behavior is often related to individuals' risk perception. We assessed temporal changes and geographical differences in risk perceptions and precautionary behaviors in response to H1N1 influenza.<h4>Methods</h4>1,290 US adults completed an online survey on risk perceptions, interests in pharmaceutical interventions (preventive intervention and curative intervention), and engage ...[more]

PMID: 20946662

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Project description:In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century, due to the emergence and rapid spread of new swine origin H1N1 influenza A virus. In contrast to seasonal influenza infections, which typically cause morbidity and mortality in the elderly, this virus caused severe infection in young adults and not the elderly. This phenomenon was attributed to the presence of cross-neutralizing antibodies acquired by older individuals from previous exposure to swine origin influenza. However, this hypothesis could not be empirically tested using clinical data. To address this question, we investigated viral replication and the development of the immune response in naï12 years old) and aged (20 to 24 years old) female rhesus macaques infected with A/California/04/2009 (H1N1), one of the circulating pandemic strains in 2009. We compared viral loads as well as the kinetics and magnitude of the adaptive immune response in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples (BAL) collected longitudinally for 99 days post-infection. Although, adult animals exhibited earlier T cell responses in peripheral blood, aged animals generated a robust T cell response with comparable kinetics and magnitude as those observed in young animals in BAL. Moreover, aged animals generated a higher hemagglutination inhibition titer compared to young animals. We also measured the concentration of several cytokines in BAL supernatant. With the exception of IL-8, which was higher in aged animals, we found no differences in IFNa, IFNb, TNFa, IL-1r, IL-6, IL-15, IL-17, or MCP1 levels. Finally, we compared gene expression infection using microarray analysis of BAL samples taken on days 0, 4, 7, 10, and 14 pi. Our analyses revealed that the largest difference in host response between aged and young animals was detected day 4 post-infection, with significant enrichment for genes associated with inflammation, the innate immune response, and T cell activation in aged animals. The ability of aged animals to generate a robust immune response, especially antibody response, following infection with 2009 H1N1 virus could explain the lack of morbidity normally observed with seasonal influenza viruses in this vulnerable population.

Dataset Information

The dynamics of risk perceptions and precautionary behavior in response to 2009 (H1N1) pandemic influenza.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

The dynamics of risk perceptions and precautionary behavior in response to 2009 (H1N1) pandemic influenza.

Similar Datasets

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