Avian influenza and south Jakarta primary healthcare workers: A controlled mixed-method study

Abstract

SummaryObjective To study the attitudes, concerns, perceived impact, coping strategies, knowledge on avian influenza (AI) and personal protection measures, and institutional and personal preparedness for AI among all Indonesian primary healthcare workers (PHW). Methods Questionnaire survey of PHW from four public primary healthcare clinics in South Jakarta (n = 333), with Singaporean PHW from 18 such clinics as controls (n = 1321). Twelve focus group discussions with 51 South Jakarta PHW were also conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately with statistical and thematic analysis, respectively, then combined. Results South Jakarta PHW had positive attitudes but major concerns about contracting AI, difficulties in diagnosing human AI and inadequacy of personal protection provided. South Jakarta PHW are less knowledgeable about AI and use of personal protection equipment, and reported poorer awareness, availability and participation in AI preparation activities. Only 3% of South Jakarta PHW received influenza vaccination in the preceding 6 months and few felt prepared for AI. Conclusions South Jakarta primary healthcare workers are not well prepared for avian influenza. There is an urgent need to build their primary healthcare capacity to protect them and contain this global health threat. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.