1Ministry of Health, Community Health Center, 26480 Yenikent-Eskisehir/Turkey
2Eskisehir Health Services Vocational College, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir/Turkey
3Osmangazi University, Medico-Social Center 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir/Turkey
4Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Public Health Department 26480 Meselik-Eskisehir/Turkey
Online published on 1 June, 2012.
The aim was to determine the level of knowledge about swine flu among a group of Turkish university students.
This cross sectional study was conducted on 1146 students studying at some departments of Eskisehir Osmangazi University, western Turkey. The questionnaire prepared with reference to previous studies consisted of 15 questions and it was evaluated over a total of 19 points.
The average score of knowledge level about swine flu obtained from the students was slightly above the middle level (11.75±2.19). Most respondents reported television/radio was the major sources of their information about swine flu (82.8%). The proportion of those who had knowledge about the fact that the most important and effective means for the prevention of swine flu is vaccination was only 32.0%.
This study concludes that accurate and complete information about the swine flu should be provided for students through the media and education when considered that the level of knowledge about the flu was not enough.
Swine flu, students, information source, level of knowledge, vaccination
