Background: In April 2009, there were reports of sustained human-to-human infections with a new influenza A (H1N1) virus in Mexico and the United States. In less than nine weeks, the virus had spread to all six WHO regions¹ and India was no exception to it.

Methodology: A Cross-sectional study was conducted to know awareness and practices regarding swine flu in an urban area of Medchal- Malkajgiri District, among the urban population visiting the Urban Health Centre for OPD services in December 2016. A pre designed pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection among 200 patients. Data was entered into MS excel sheet & analyzed by using Epi Info.7.1.3. Version

Results: Among the study population, 88% had previously heard of swine flu. More than half of the participants said mass media communication was found to be the major source of information. Around 76.2% of the participants said fever was the most common symptom and avoiding contact with the sick was the important mode of prevention by 72.7% participants. Hand washing, as a mode of prevention was known to 24.4% of the respondents.

Conclusions: Knowledge regarding swine flu was low among study participants. Most of the participants had low health seeking behavior. Majority of the respondents were not practicing hand washing. Strategies to create more awareness about pandemic through effective mass media are vital for arresting the transmission of the disease.

Keywords: Influenza A, H1N1, Swine Flu, KAP study.

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Dr M. Anusha

Department of Community Medicine, MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences, Share India,

Medchal, Telangana, India

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